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  • What kind of tapes should I use for the Canon XH-A1?

    Posted by Sally Obrien on August 5, 2010 at 3:30 am

    I’m thinking of getting the Canon XH-A1. But what kind of tapes do I use? Initially I thought I could just use regular mini-dv tapes. But am I actually supposed to use these HD DV tapes? Are they generally about $9 each?

    Sal

    Bob Dix replied 15 years, 10 months ago 4 Members · 8 Replies
  • 8 Replies
  • Norman Willis

    August 6, 2010 at 7:05 pm

    You can use DV tapes, but they are not as reliable. If you lose data in an HDV machine you will have a full 1/2 second cutout. This is why people pay a premium for HDV tapes.

    But have you looked at tapeless formats? I used to have an HDR-FX1, and I am much happier now that I went to tapeless.

    Norman Willis
    http://www.nazareneisrael.org

  • Joel Servetz

    August 6, 2010 at 10:12 pm

    Like you, I’m considering my next camcorder move, and the tape/tapeless decision is one issue. I’m holding off until I see some reviews on the new Canon XF300/305.

    Joel Servetz
    RGB Media Services, LLC
    Sarasota, Fl
    videobyjoel@aol.com

  • Norman Willis

    August 6, 2010 at 11:36 pm
  • Bob Dix

    August 9, 2010 at 11:45 pm

    Have been using JVC PRO HD MiniDV ME for three years and no issues as well as Sony DVM 63MiniDV/HDV in the Canon HV 20 upgraded , according to Canon Technical it plays the output of the Canon XH-A1 as professional quality, cannot fault reproduction on a Sony Bravia 46″

    Freelance Imaging & Video
    AUSTRALIA

  • Bob Dix

    August 10, 2010 at 10:38 pm

    Norman,

    I agree but, how do edit out-put to pro tape? Except Blu-ray ?

    Freelance Imaging & Video
    AUSTRALIA

  • Norman Willis

    August 10, 2010 at 10:44 pm

    >>I agree but, how do edit out-put to pro tape? Except Blu-ray ?

    It depends on what you are after. Sometimes people record in HD because it yields a much nicer looking DVD (and they don’t want to pay $6.00 per disk for BluRay).

    Norman Willis
    http://www.nazareneisrael.org

  • Bob Dix

    August 10, 2010 at 10:49 pm

    More like $30 in Australia, we mainly go to tape then run from videocamera to HDMI terminal on a Sony HD Bravia 46″ for viewing.

    I agree a SD DVD of the Premiere Pro timeline direct to DVD can still look impressive

    Freelance Imaging & Video
    AUSTRALIA

  • Bob Dix

    September 5, 2010 at 10:51 pm

    Sally,

    Have been having the odd drop out using a new batch of Sony DVM63HD Mini Tapes, will now try PHDVM “Digital Master” Tape @ $31.00 In Australia.. I believe the newer Canon Camcorders will be tapeless and match tapes speed of 25Mbs or better, but, there may be a problem editing to a hard drive and then showing the edited project on a TV.You may consider a Canon HV40 as the out put is the same as the Canon XH-A1, we often use it as a VTR for high end cameras such as the Canon 5D Mark II H264 Mov clips after editing in Premiere Pro. The result is broadcast quality 1920 x 1080i and saved as 1440 x 1080i before the anamorphic change to 16 :9.

    Regards

    Freelance Imaging & Video
    AUSTRALIA

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