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Problems with my Canon XL1

M

MykelT

Hey folks...I have been having a problem with my camera lately, and I was hoping I could get some thoughts from you on it.

It's a Canon XL1 and let me see if I can accurately describe what's going on:

First, the audio cuts out here and there. It's almost like bits of audio are just being dropped or something while recording. Sometimes I'll here a quick bit of static in one channel when I am playing it back.

The other issue is video distortion (if you want to call it that) it's like a digital "smear" or glitch that keeps popping up. It mainly happens while I'm shooting subjects against a green screen and if there's a lot of movement by the subject(s) the video glitching pops up and the audio will do the same thing.

I have used a tape cleaner and compressed air to blow out anything that might be "lingering" in there, but it will still do it ... some times are worse than others. It is really causing me headaches as I keep having to reshoot things and hope it doesn't happen again. I have no idea what's going on and why it keeps happening.

I have tried different digital tapes, cleaning, packing the tapes, etc., and it gets better after all that, but I still have the issues.

If anyone has any thoughts on what may be causing this, I'd really appreciate it...I'm having a hard time and it's causing big delays with my projects.

Thanks!

Mike
 
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Okay...

The audio implementation is CRAP!!!! Get a separate audio recorder.

the audio cuts out here and there. It's almost like bits of audio are just being dropped or something while recording. Sometimes I'll here a quick bit of static in one channel when I am playing it back.
Click to expand...

It mostly sounds like a bad cable or incorrect audio settings on the camera or both. However, you left out a lot of detail, such as:

Are you using the internal mic or a separate mic? If you are using a separate mic:

- what mic are you using?

- are you using any adapters?

- what type of adapter is it?

- have you tried a different adapter?

- have you tried using a different cable?

Are you using a mixer of any sort?

Have you tried a different cable between the mixer and the camera?

Have you or someone else been monitoring the audio while you are shooting? This should have been caught on-set and not in post.

What audio settings you are using on the camera?

How are you playing it back?

Have you checked the integrity of your playback system?



I'm a talented jack-of-all-trades sound guy; I'm not a mind reader nor am I clairvoyant - we need details, please!
 
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Ok, let me try to answer all your questions:

- This happens when using the onboard microphone
- It is not noticeable when monitoring during filming, only after the fact..."sometimes" I've picked it up when playing back on the set, but not usually till I'm dumping the video into my computer

- I am not using a mixer
- No extra cabling

This is strictly when using the camera with it's own microphone, no adapters or extra equipment. The current audio settings are:

Rec level - Manual
Input select - Att
Level at about 70% of full
Gain - A

This still doesn't explain the video problems but I hope it helps with any further thoughts on the matter.

Thanks very much for any help.

Mike
 
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hi myke

sounds to me like the heads are worn out and need to be replaced.

my faithful old xl1 had to have its heads replaced every two years when i was shooting.

take it to a service centre and get it checked out.


cheers
 
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