Is the concensus to clean the heads after around 50 hours of use? Or will the camera indicate from the get go that it needs cleaning at that moment? I understand that one should use the head cleaning tape sparingly, which I intend to do. So far so good, I've not used it more than once since I've gotten the camera a year ago. (Keep in mind, I don't use the camera everyday, so there are not a lot of hours on the heads.) Someone recommended to me to use the head cleaner each time b4 starting a new project. But I refrain from taking that advice. Any clear suggestions? I've been using Panasonic (dry) tapes, and have a Panasonic head cleanning tape as well. I have no plans of ever switching brands.

I would say it depends on how long that project is. Im about to begin a 6 month project, and I will most likely be prepping by making sure my equipment is in the best condition and best prepared for the project. But, if its just a weekly project, I would definitely refrain.

I've had mine for nearly three years. Only used the cleaning tape once when noticing drop-outs on capture after two years of use. I also capture to a labtop, keeping the tape as backup as I'm always fearful of tapes failing.

Ditto on keeping the same brand of tape. I switched brands in a rush job (the shop was out of my brand -fuji), and the unit jammed within the first minute, and I had to send it back for a warranty repair!

thanks guys for your imput. much appreciated :) and Peter, I'm sorry to hear about the problem you had with switching tape brands. Sorry you had to find out the hard way.. I feel lucky that I was given info about that kind of thing b4 I bought thge XL2. And i plan on abidding by that rule of thumb of sticking with the one brand...and the Panasonic tapes are what do it for me. Have had nothing but excellent reults with them both in performance and quality.