Hello! I am going to be shooting a two-hour event and need to shoot continuously (without changing tapes). As MiniDV tapes are still just an hour in SP mode, I need other options. Can I shoot directly to a deck (Sony DSR-50?) through FireWire onto a longer tape (PDV-124n?)?

Also, can anyone recommend a nice lauve mic to use with the XL-1. I do have the XLR shoulder adaptor.

Thanks for the help!

David

You could try shooting LP mode onto a 80-minute mini-DV tape, but things can go horribly wrong if you get dropouts. You will likely need to use your camera as a deck since LP mode tapes don't interchange very well.

A better idea would be to record onto a deck that accepts full-sized DV tapes. A computer could also serve as a deck (test this out beforehand though). Make sure there is no tape inside your camera or it will automatically turn off.

Do not use LP for this situation. I did it once and got fried. I had to shoot a three hour show that was in two 85min acts with a 10 min intermission. I used LP and two 60min tapes, this was a few years back before longer tapes were available. Towards the end of both tapes things went wrong with dropouts and noise that made the last few minutes unusable.

You should use your deck or consider renting a firestore for the event.

How about renting a second XL1, start it 5 mins after the first one. That'll cover any time you lose while changing tapes, plus give you a second camera angle to liven stuff up.

I have had this situation several times. Luckily I have a DSR-40 which
can take 3 hour DVCAM tapes. Just run a firewire cable into the deck set up underneath the tripod. If you have to be mobile, you'll need to rent
another camera like the DSR-250 or JVC DV500 that take large
cassettes and offer longer record times. I would avoid LP mode
if this shoot is a paying job.

You didn't mention whether you needed wireless or wired.
There are many good lav systems out there and dozens of thread on
dvinfo.net about all the options.

*NOTE* If you hook up a wireless system
that only outputs +4dBu to the MA100, you will not have enough gain
control to keep it from distorting when the signal gets hot.

The MA100 does okay for dynamic microphones and -10dBu line level signal,
but I am not a big fan of them (I own one).

hey im in san diego and use a gl2..
what are you filming? if you need help....just ask me

I use a FireStore recorder with my XL1S. I can record up to 6 hours non-stop w/ a Maxtor 80gig HD. Great for lock down events problem if you want to use on the move.
Check it out, great device.
Leo