I see Sony has two different mini DV tapes without the memory chip. There's the DVM-60EX, which is more expensive, and the DVM-60PR. Does anyone know the difference. I've tried to find info at Sony without luck. Thanks.

-- Amy Lake (abl@hotmail.com), January 18, 1999

Answers

The chips are only useful for some Sony in-camera and deck-to-deck editing. If you're going to be reading the tapes into a non-linear editing system or just transfer them over to a different format for editing then there is absolutely no reason to spend the extra $ on the tapes with chips.

-- John Windmueller (jwind@cais.com), January 18, 1999.

I've found that the "PR" tapes are more durable vs the "EX" tapes. I've had the "EX" tapes "crinkle" when I load them in my XL1. The cost is still cheaper than Beta - so I'd recommend spending the bucks on getting the PR's vs the EX's. Good luck!

-- Jeremy Taylor (jeremytaylor@thisplaceinc.com), April 11, 1999.

If you're unwilling to pay the higher price for any kind of Sony tape then try Panasonic tape. I've used it for over 2 years with no problems and I can buy it from Tape Resource for around $7.97 apiece. DV is DV but many worry about the dry lubricant mixing with Sony's alleged "wet" lubricant and gunking up the heads of the camera. I've had no problems mixing tape brands but I've primarily stuck with Panasonic because it's ALWAYS available and it's ALWAYS less expensive!

Check out my Steadicam JR Workshop on the Web at http://www.geocities.com/~steadicamjr

John Brune

-- John Brune (jbfine@fortwayne.infi.net), October 27, 1999.

There are three different grades of Sony tape including DVCAM (the best). Not everyone knows that it is compatible with mini DV but it is. As of March 2001, Panasonic has introduced a brand new series of Professional DV and Master DV. New full size lenghts too...

We answer questions about the differences in DV tape almost daily, so feel free to give us a call or drop me an e-mail. You can also find all the products at http://www.pro-tape.com

-- Craig Berlin (mrtapeguyNOSPAM@aol.com), April 02, 2001.

Sony is difficult to search for information on. Please drop me an email if you have any questions if I don't know it I will call our Reps with Sony, Maxell, JVC and/or Panasonic and find it out for you! You can visit our web site for pricing www.americanmediasolutions.net we offer some of the lowest pricing on A/V equipment and supplies. It is all new not grade equipment!

-- Carly Thomas (carly@americanmediasolutionsinc.net), March 14, 2003.