Current models of HDV cameras accept only the small size Mini-DV or DVCAM tapes. In theory, any Mini-DV tape will record HDV, but in practice tapes should be selected with care, as youll see. Your choice of media for HDV recording should involve much more than seeing who has the cheapest Mini-DV tapes.

One of the downsides to HDV recording is that the MPEG-2 compression increases the negative effects of tape dropout and errors. If a tape dropout occurs while shooting DV, only a single frame is usually affected whereas with HDV, the dropout lasts for an entire group of 15 frames (GOP), which is about half a second. So a dropout on an HDV recording is serious, it will be clearly seen.

To counteract this and to try and prevent dropouts occurring in the first place, key tape manufacturers have worked hard to develop new formulations that are manufactured to far more stringent standards.

Sony has developed a new tape formula for their Mini-DV and DVCAM tapes. Known as the Digital Master series, these tapes use two layers of active magnetic material and other enhancements to dramatically reduce the likelihood of dropouts occurring. According to Sony statistics, these tapes result in 95% fewer errors and 60% less dropouts compared to standard Mini-DV tapes.

Note that in the new range, Sony produce two Mini-DV tapes for HDV usage. One is the DVM63HD (in the consumer range), the other is DVM63DM (in the professional range). The only difference between these two tapes is that the DM version has a larger, more sturdy plastic case, similar to those that house DVCAM tapes. The physical tapes inside are identical. However, since the DVM63HD tapes are usually cheaper, you can save yourself some money by buying those (unless the larger plastic hard case is essential to you).

Sony are not the only ones to have produced higher quality tapes designed for HDV. Panasonic have devised a new range referred to as AMQ. As with the Sony Digital Master tapes, AMQ tapes have vastly improved magnetic density to reduce errors and dropouts.

Likewise, TDK recently entered the HDV media realm, with their HD DVC Media. The formulation features a dual-layer metal evaporation and diamond-like carbon technology. TDK claim that this helps to ensure lower error rates and fewer dropouts than their standard Mini-DV tapes. The tapes appear to be available in two formats-the HDV ProGrade Master which comes in a standard plastic case, and the HDV ProMaster which is packaged in a larger, more durable case.

Many people ask whether its worth spending the extra $812 on these specialist tapes. The answer to that is simpleit depends on how important your footage is. If you can live with the possibility of a half second dropout here and there then there is no reason why you should not use standard Mini-DV tapes. On the other hand, if you only have one chance at capturing your footage in any given situation, then the extra amount is a small price to play for peace of mind and less hassle in the edit.

Surely if youve paid around $4,000 upwards for an HDV camera, you want to get the best out of it?

To be fair, tape dropouts are not something that can be predicted. Its possible to shoot with standard Mini-DV tapes for many months without experiencing a single dropout. On the other hand, its also quite possible that you could be plagued with numerous dropouts on your first recording. Again, it all depends on the importance of what you are shooting, so make your judgement on choice of tape stock accordingly.

One thing you should definitely avoid is re-using tapes that you have already recorded onto. With HDV that is asking for trouble. These days tape stock is so cheap in the grand scheme of things that its false economy to reuse tapes, and that applies to any camcorder.