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1. gluefactorybjj
   Member

   

   Hello,

   I did a search and the last time this topic came up was three years ago, so I thought it might be time to revisit it... :)

   Anyway, I am waiting for a GL2 to arrive and while doing some further research on it, I have found that there seems to be tape transport issues with this model.  Some think it is due to just a poor component choice by Canon (which they, of course, deny), while others seem to think it might be due to bad tapes or mixing multiple brands of (bad?/good?) tapes.

   Because of this, I plan on using only one brand/type of tape with a regular cleaning regimen (recommendations on tape cleaners would be good... Sony and Canon have come up as being good).

   I have seen that MiniDV tapes have run from 60 to 83 minutes in SP mode.  Has anyone tried any of these longer play tapes and how have they worked?

   What brands is recommended here for the GL2?  Of course, I would prefer a tape that doesn't cost $10 each like some of the Sony's on Amazon.com.  I do a lot of shopping at Sam's and Costco, so if what they carry are good, then that would be ideal.   At least from the standpoint of readily available and relatively inexpensive.

   Anyway, any suggestions would be appreciated.

   Best regards,

   Scott

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2. ralck
   Member

   

   I use Sony Premium tapes (the cheapest Sony tapes) myself because that's what the guy who owned my vx2000 before me used and I've never had a problem with them.  I can get them on Amazon.com for 11.70 a 5 pack and if I buy 3 packs at a time I get free shipping.  I haven't been able to beat that price with any other brand of tape or other website.

   If your GL2 is used, you might want to ask the original owner what kind of tape they used and stick with at least the same brand.

   I also have been told that tape issues from a while back don't happen so much any more because tape manufacturer's have done a better job making their tapes and cameras are built more robustly now.  I was told this by a professional videographer when I was working with him on a gig and asked if I could use my Sony tapes instead of his Panasonic tapes... so he might have just made it up to get me to use his tapes. :-P

   In any case, Panasonic, Sony, and Canon have pretty good tapes.  I hear that some brands like TDK have a lot of drop-outs, but I've never used them so I can't say for certain.

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3. robgrauert
   Member

   

    I have a GL2 and tried to find the answer in the manual and on canon sites; couldn't find an answer. So i just decided to go with Panasonic tapes. I've never had a problem. I think the thing to do is always use the same tapes, whether you go with Panasonic, Sony, ect. 

    

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4. gluefactorybjj
   Member

   

   Thanks for the responses.  I guess I'll try the Sony or Panasonic tapes then.  Guess they must be pretty good if they will put them through their own  equipment.  Thanks for your help!

   Best regards,

   Scott

   Posted 4 months ago # Login to Send PM

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