Program Dropping frames when capturing
 

Sometimes when I am capturing video the program drops frames. This causes the video to appear jumpy and looks BAD. Is this a software issue, a camera issue, or a tape issue?

Before you ask, I am using a Canon GL-2 with Panasonic tapes and Pinnacle Studio 12.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

I'm guessing you're capturing via firewire? If so, it's the software dropping the frames.

Generic advice is to make sure any unneccessary programs aren't running to give the capture application maximum CPU availability.

I second that. Restart the computer, make sure nothing is running except Pinnacle, and don't use the computer until the importing is finished. Also try turning off the import preview. That helps sometimes.

Greg

Thanks, will try that.

Should I use soomething other than firewire?

No, you need to use firewire.

Greg

While certain programs like antivirus can cause this, sometimes it is the Firewire cable. I bought a cheap one in the beginning and had these dropouts. Unfortunately, not all Firewire cables are equal and getting a good one can help avoid this.

Can I use a Portable Hard drive?
 

I am shooting with 2 GL-2's, one on a tripod and one on a glidecam 2000, and was wondering if I could use a portable harddrive while taping? Would this help with the frame dropping issue?

WinDV (freeware) is one of the few DV capture apps that uses a memory buffer, which can help prevent dropped frames:

WinDV

If your editing software can import the file then do it - save time (don't need to capture) and no more drop frame.

Follow-up to prev post
 

Will the camera also record to tape as well?

Getting something like a FireStore is a fairly expensive way to deal with the issue of your computer dropping frames while capturing, and really doesn't resolve whatever the issue is with your computer in the first place (a bit like buying bottled water because your faucet doesn't work). Likely causes include a badly fragmented hard drive and excessive bloatware running in the background. Whatever is causing the dropped frames, the issue(s) should be put to rest, regardless of doing anything else.