HV30 recommended minidv tape (Moved)

I have an canon HV30 ordered. What is a good quality tape that someone could recommend for me? Thank you.

Tape rules:

Don't waste your money on HDV tapes. There is no difference in picture quality between these and regular MiniDV tapes -- it's all digital. Sony Premiums are fine and can be had from the sponsor at the top of this page for a little over $2 each.

Tape manufacturers often say that HDV tapes are built to higher standards than regular MiniDV tapes. That's frequently claimed but so far no one has ever presented any statistical evidence, anywhere, that this is so.

Even if it is true you need to do a cost-benefit analysis to decide if overpaying for all your tapes is worth the reduced chance of a dropout, especially if such dropouts are easily cut around (as they are in all the shooting I do). If it's a once in a lifetime event and you want to maximize your chances of having every frame be perfect, then the more expensive tapes may be worth it for you.

When I first started shooting DV I used the TDKs available at Costco for about $2.50 each. I used a couple of hundred without a dropout or any other problem. Later I switched to the Sony Premiums because even with shipping they were cheaper. I’m on my fourth case of 100 and have had maybe three dropouts total in two years. Costco now sells the Sony Premiums instead of the TDKs.

Don't mix tape brands. Sony uses a different lubricant than others and switching could gum up your heads. Run a cleaning tape for 10 seconds and then pick one brand and stick to it.

Never re-use your tapes. They should go through your camera exactly twice: once when you shoot and once when you capture.

Try this:

http://www.tapeonline.com/MiniDV/Sony_DVM60PRL.aspx

Some other Canon HV20/HV30 tape related threads:
Tapes - HD or regular mini dv tapes?
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t139965.html

Best Tape
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t138488.html

MiniDV tapes
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t137591.html

What MiniDV tape for the Canon HV20?
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/bbs/t136555.html



Rich