MiniDV tapes - standard vs premium?

[Johnmcl7]

Hey folks, thanks for the help with the camcorder choice - I'm currently trying to get a hold of an HV10.

Unfortunately I think I've made a mistake with the miniDV tapes as I've ordered these which arrived today:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-MiniDV-...3479422&sr=8-8

Now I saw the premium in the image and in the comments, so assumed I was getting premium tapes but they're not, they look the same as the picture but without the premium part.

To make matters worse, Amazon have these Premium tapes in for a bargan 11 pounds ( I paid 20):

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-Pack-mi...3479422&sr=8-1

I can return the tapes to Purely Gadgets (sold through Amazon) and get a refund minus the original postage (£4.50) plus the cost of sending it back then buy the Amazon tapes. All out it's probably going to cost me the same plus a bit of hassle - is it worth it?

Thanks for any thoughts,
John

[redsox_mark]

I've never seen anything less than the "Premium" tapes in the Sony range. There is Premium, then Excellence... then master and HDV tapes. I'd guess they are the same but an import with different packaging.

[Johnmcl7]

That's reassuring to know - although I guessed Premium wasn't actually the top of the range, I was concerned that the tapes I had received were below that grade. This is what they look like:

http://johnmcl7.smugmug.com/photos/169169301-M.jpg

The code is DVM60 which is far as I can tell is a Sony Premium tape, seems I should be fine.

John

[redsox_mark]

Yea, they look the same except for missing the word "Premium". I'm sure they are fine.

[Deanali]

Is the difference in the longevity of the tapes given that it is a digital format? Or are there other differences?

[redsox_mark]

Higher quality tapes are:

- cut only from the centre of the reel
- have additional/more protective coatings

The main reason for them is to be more reliable - to reduce the chance of a dropout. But even with a basic tape these are rare.

The higher standard of tape/coating could help with longevity, but I don't think there is any evidence one way or the other.