How often can you use minidv tapes?

Bob Z

If its something important should you use a new one each time?

keefg

For test footage, camera set up and general messing around - reusing a tape is fine.

For the finished project though it is advisable to use a fresh tape. This will also be your back up remember so you don't really want to risk recording over something you want to keep.

Bob Z

i always use fresh tapes for short films


But for other stuff christenings, weddings, basiacally paid work should i always use a fresh tape?

okee

It would seem to make sense to use new tapes for paid work
as you'll be including the cost of the tapes in the job price so why
skimp, especially as mini dv tapes are not that expensive and if anything
went wrong with a used tape while doing paid work it would cost you
in every sense

artvandulet

I have had frames from a previous record appear in a new record before using miniDV more than once. Literally 1 or 2 frames would appear. Hard to notice if you are just playing through, but once you digitise it in and editing its easier to spot.
Since then I'd advise if its billable, always use new tapes!

Bob Z

Thanks for the replies. I sort of thought that myself but just wanted to be sure.

What do you all do with used tapes? Just throw them away?

decob

hold onto them for backup storage.