I have 3 and all 3 successfully use minidv tapes. They can also use the tapes geared towards HDV as well. I do not suffer from dropped frames and I use the Panasonic PQ 63 & 83 minute tapes (Mini dv).
I have an A1J - Japanese version of same camera although I'm unable to discern any difference. Great little camera for the money (US$1600 gray market.) Records HDV and DVCAM. Plays those plus standard DV (SP). I always record HDV, often down-convert on the ingest to Vegas. Decent looking HDV, great looking DV.