Mini DV tapes -- HD?

[iSwitcher]

Hello all, I've had my Canon HV20 since late April and have a question regarding MiniDV tapes. I was told I needed to buy the MiniDV-HD tapes, which are about $12 apiece for the Panasonics...but I've read elsewhere that it's not really necessary? Will standard Mini DV tapes actually record the same quality on the HV20? It would sure be a lot cheaper if so; I've plunked down alot of cash in the past months on these tapes alone.

Anyone know?

Thanks!

[Mal]

no special tape needed.
Pana pq or amq is fine, even the lower grade

[M700P]

+1 to Mal's post... use AMQ's or other high quality miniDV tapes.
The AMQ's have been working great for me.

[visually]

I have bought mine late June. Im glad this forum is around.
So whats the deal with the HD tapes?

Is there a comparable difference?

I read in the manual that HD tapes
Page 20 in the manual:
"Use only videocassettes marked with the miniDV logo. To record in HDV standard we recommend using tapes specifically designed for high definition"

I can only guess when they "recommend" they mean better picture quality.

any thoughts?

[SenorKaffee]

There is nothing like better picture quality with certain tapes, it´s digital video. ;)

[veg]

When they "recommend", they mean "Give us money for nothing"

[visually]

Nahh Canon wanting more money...
I expect it from Sony but not canon

[Thimble_Guy]

Yeah, normal mini dv tapes are fine. As long as you get good quality brand and stick with them, there fine. I was going to buy the HD tapes, but i don't think there worth that much extra. I've been using sony mini dv tapes are they have been great.

[David Susilo]

I strongly recommend Panasonic AMQ on the account that I've never had a single dropout (touch wood). As far as picture quality goes... there is no difference whatsoever.

[visually]

I think I may had experienced some dropouts already with my JVC ME mini DV.

5 for $AUS19.

I'll look for the AMQ ones tomorrow.
I'm going off to Singapore and Thailand then Philippines for vacation and would like to keep with a reliable DV tape while shooting... who wouldn't???

I can't wait to post the footages here.

[mik]

it is digital, but tapes with hdv logo have a better density, lower error count or dropouts.

[white_2kgt]

I've run about 6hrs worth of video through 3 MAXELL DV tapes I got at sams club in a 6 pack (~10 maybe?). One tape I've run through 3 times. Not sure how you guys are counting dropouts but Vegas has always finished the capture and reported 0 drop outs.

[David Susilo]

I find tape dropouts happen more often after the tape have been stored for a while (although it's not common that tape dropout happens after several playbacks too).

PS: based on my personal experience with mostly digital reel-to-reel multitrack audio tapes, DAT and a couple of miniDV tapes.

[pixelvoodoo]

Depending on the clients budget and how much footage I am shooting I go back and forth between mini-DV and HDV. Either way, best prices I have found online: http://www.tapestockonline.com They are always running sales on tape as well.

[tvnewsbadge]

Any quality tape should be fine, but you really need to pack them before you shoot though... and also ever so often when in storage if you want to avoid problems, or before you play a tape that's been in storage.
Also, excessive use of cleaning tapes can cause a world of hurt.

[Jon03021]

Should you fast forward the tapes fully and then of course rewind? I heard this was was recommended