Mini-DV tape question

[TinkOhio]

We just bought a Panasonic camcorder that uses mini-DVs. The store sells Panasonic brand mini-dv tapes for about $6 a tape, but it is easy to find other brand tapes for MUCH less. Do we really need to buy Panasonic tapes for our Panasonic camcorder?

TIA for any help!

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

No, it is not necessary to use the manufacturer's Mini-DV tapes. I found that the FujiFilm Mini-DV tapes have a purest color followed by the Sony brand.

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks so much! That will save us some $.

 

[gcoxua]

I love my panasonic mini-dv camcorder. I have the 3ccd great video. I usually use sony tapes. My advice is look at the major big box retailers Best Buy circuit city etc. They always have sales. When you find one by some extras. I work at Best Buy and I see them all the time. Even with my discount I still go where the sales are.

P.S. if you want to see some video of a panasonic in action just follow the link in my signature.

for some reason my link is not showing in my sig. this is it http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=gcoxua

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Each maker has several quality grades. Better grades should result in fewer dropouts.

I've been told that the important thing is to stick with one type of tape. There are different lubricants (some wet, some dry) used by different tape makers. It is possible for these lubricants to have negative interactions. For that reason, you should stick with the same brand. It needn't be the brand endorsed by your camera maker. I'm not sure if any of that is true, but it is repeated as common wisdom on the video forums I read.

 

[TinkOhio]

Thanks for the advice.

Mark-

I'm a complete newbie. What does dropout mean?

 

[MarkBarbieri]

A dropout is a spot on a tape where the recording didn't work. It is usually seen as a brief white flash, some sparkles in the picture, or other distortion.

 

[TinkOhio]

Oh. Thanks again.

 

[MOmousefan]

I am still using the Sony Premium tapes I purchased with my camcorder in 2005. I have used several tapes 6 or more times with no apparent problems. However, my tapes of our WDW vacations, weddings, and important events are still on the original tapes.

 

[starrock77]

Mark is correct when he says that you should always stick with the same brand. The different lubricants can gum up the recording head if you switch brand. So if you started using Sony tapes stay with sony tapes, regardless of price. If you use Panasonic, stay with panasonic. Simple as that.