Re: Sony HDV camera record time limits. Can I use Panasonic 83 min. Tapes? by zrb123 on Jun 7, 2007 at 6:53:27 am
I don't know about length limits, but one of the most important things about in regards to tape stock is that different ones use different lubricants in them. Because of this it is BAD to mix tape stock in your camera, you should choose one type and stick to that type always. The mixing of different types of tape lubricant can actually dirty up and gum up the heads in your camera, causing it to drop frames and have other problems during recording. So pick one type of tape and stick to that one type.
Re: Sony HDV camera record time limits. Can I use Panasonic 83 min. Tapes? by epontius on Jun 7, 2007 at 1:28:30 pm
probably another couple things to keep in mind. There is no LP mode in HDV. Good quality tape stock is very important when dealing with HDV. HDV is long GOP MPEG2 compression, so any problems in the make up of the tape that can cause drops out can be fairly catastrophic with HDV. Sony's HDV tape stock has twin layers of magnetic material to further reduce the probability of drop outs. Tape stock is one of those areas where spending money on top quality is well worth it in time and money saved in not re-shooting or pulling your hair out trying to get something captured.
As far as time limits...HDV runs at the same rate as DV. So I don't think there is any magic number limit to the time you can record...
Re: Sony HDV camera record time limits. Can I use Panasonic 83 min. Tapes? by Blast1 on Jun 7, 2007 at 8:20:33 pm
There are no time limits that I've run across with Sony HDV, one venue I shoot in is a 2hr program with a mid program break, I use Panasonic 80MQ tapes on a remote cam in case of overruns so there is overlap with tape changes on maned cams, I haven't had any problems with dropouts, only problem is I don't see them on the market anymore, I currently have a stock of them but when they run out???? only other 80 min tapes I see are PQs or elcheapos
Re: Sony HDV camera record time limits. Can I use Panasonic 83 min. Tapes? by Superfly on Jun 8, 2007 at 1:35:14 am
Hey Blast1,
I have had much better experience with the Panasonic dry formula than with Sony's wet. I'm sure they are fine, but I see a lot more issues with the Sony cams that I use and I'm not sure if it's the tape or the cameras. I do not mix tape except on old cameras.
For event videographers that extra 25 minutes can be a life saver. I also do something similar to you in that I always have a manned or stationary wide shot to cut to in case anything happens with A or B roll and I use the overlap.
I have considered dropping $1000 on these tapes, but by then I may be recording to hard drives?
I'll probably drop $500 for now.
Thanks for the info on time limits.
S.
Todd Roush
Dreamscape Digital Media
Panny DVX-100's
