Well, after shooting nearly 100 tapes, I've had my first dropout.. Luckily it didn't happen in a particularly critical scene. The problem is that, even though it theoretically only affects 15 frames, because there is a timecode break it makes it difficult to capture (on FCP), even when capturing manually... It eats up about the first 3-4 seconds of the scene.

Since in this case it is the audio that I'm most concerned with, I made a dub out from the Sony MU10, via S-Video and RCA, to a DSR-40, letting the 40 generate it's own TC. Then I was able to capture the audio without losing the first few seconds..

It sure is a good thing these don't happen very often, because they are a PITA...

I've never shot with a Canon camcorder (though I am a Canon still photographer and do shoot video with a DVX 100) but do they have any kind of head cleaning recommendation to help minimize drop outs? Also, what tapes are you using?

Hi there

Never used a Canon... but do use various Sony's...

If I get a drop out, which everyone gets occasionally... I just try and import that sequence again.... Often second or third time round it goes...

Don't know why.. dirt on heads during reading... but is worth a try...

cheers

Gareth

We get drop outs that are the fault of the player. If the same tape is played in the camera, that it was recorded in, there is no drop out. That has been our experience so far.

Think it's the tape, because it happens in all decks.. One bad place in one tape out of a hundred isn't bad though... (by the way, I use Sony Digital Master tapes)