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Do you need to use the High definition MiniDV tapes with a HD camcorder?

From what I've read online, you can use regular MiniDV tapes to record HD video, but the salesman in Circuit City said that you need to use the more expensive High Definition tapes. To me it doesn't make sense, because it's all just digital storage, and the HD compresses to the same data rate as the DV anyway.

Public Comments

1. to get HD out of the cam you will need to record on HD tapes but if you dont need the HD output quality then you can use normal mini DV tapes.
2. sure why not
3. Hi, you definitely do not need to use the higher price HD tapes. I use a JVC HD camcorder and make extensive use of the very low price Maxell DVM60SE, and suffer no unusual amount of signal loss or dropouts. That said, all video tapes have dropouts. I have shot about 40 Maxell tapes so far with no problems. Hope this is helpful.