Mini DV tape question?

Question

I just got my hv30 and ordered the Panasonic amq tapes. But I want to start shooting right away. I have a Fuji film tape but I'm scared to use it, and then switch over to Panasonic tapes. I've heard that switching brands is generally a bad thing when it comes to mini dv. Are fuji film tapes "dry" lubricant tapes or wet.

Answer 1

While it is true that you shouldn't switch brands as they all use a slightly different lubricant and can cause problems with your video recording heads, if you do it once its really not a big deal. This is more of a general rule of something that you should want to try to avoid but not a huge issue. As far as fuji being dry or wet, I'm not sure. I do know that Panasonic's are dry and Sony's are wet. If you use a different manufacture of tape once, it wont hurt. Its changing it constantly that gets you into trouble.

Answer 2

purchase a mini dv tape cleaner. play the cleaner in between tapes if you switch brands. generally fuji tapes are good to go..., but if your still not sure, get a tape cleaner. stay with panny pro tapes and you won't have any problems. I only use panasonic pq tapes and have never had a problem..., I've used near a thousand with great success.

Answer 3

If it is a mini-dv tape it should work in a mini-dv camera. I never heard such nonsense saying that you shouldn't switch brands.



I think they are all lubricated because if they weren't, you would hear squeaking while the tape is playing. Every time you play a tape, some of the oxide and lube wares off, which is why old tapes squeak and are low quality.