Hi8 Tapes

joejon wrote on 9/26/2006, 5:27 PM
I've used Sony HME (metal evaporated) tapes for year. They are 120 minute Hi8, so I get 60 min. with my Digital8 camera. Anyway, Sony discontinued them and B&H Photo was of no help when I asked what they would recommend in place of them. Here are some I'm thinking of getting.
Fugifilm M221 E6-120 Metal Evaporated (most expensive)
Fugifilm M221 MP-120 Metal Particle
Maxell P6-120HMBQ Broadcast Quality
Sony P6-120HMPX Hi8 (I don't know what the HMPX stands for)
Sony N8-60P2 Digital8 (least expensive)
Has anyone tried any of these? I want to get great quality picture, color and sound. Also something that is stable/durable.
Thanks

Comments

RalphM wrote on 9/26/2006, 6:16 PM
Since you are recording in a digital format, issues of great color, sound, etc. are irrelevant. Either you have the bits that are recorded or you don't.

Use a tape from a reputable manufacturer - all that you have listed are good - store them in an environment that is human friendly and you should get at least 20 years of usable life.

RalphM

farss wrote on 9/26/2006, 6:16 PM
Sony N8-90P, shot many hours in foreign lands on it, never a single dropout. 90min per tape is very handy.

Bob.
RalphM wrote on 9/26/2006, 6:17 PM
Bob, is that 90 minutes in "SP"?

joejon wrote on 9/26/2006, 7:35 PM
Since the N8 family of tapes is for Digital8, I'm assuming that if it states for 60 min. (N8-60P2), that it is 60 min. with a Digital8 camera and not like when you use Hi8 tapes (120 min. tape holds 60 min Digital8). Is that correct?
They certainly are cheap compared to the other tapes I listed. I guess it doesn't make sense paying more if you've had good luck with the Sony Digital8 tapes.
farss wrote on 9/26/2006, 8:33 PM
Sure is.