Hiyah Michael . . good set of questions . . . I'm listenning too!

Yup forum was terrific . . . suppose I'll have to wait till next year? ANy others you know about going on between?

Grazie

No idea about the Sony data tapes Michael.

Probably is the same "data", am out today shooting so will try the [data code permanently recorded on the tape by turning "CHAR. REC" on under "SYSTEM" menu] as suggested by Colin Sze earlier.

OT - would have loved to spend all 3 days at Wembley Forum but work got in the way. Lucky Grazie lives there!

Don't get the sony data/chipped tapes. They are of no use in
a Canon camera and almost have no use anyway. Almost no
camera takes full use of the chip on in the tape. It can store
things like timecode (so in theory it should continue with the
latest sample even if you start on a blank spot).

All information like timecode, date, time and camera settings
are always recorded on tape in a special data sections in the
data stream. It is in the DV standard. No need for special tapes!

Rob - Nice! Read my signature . . .ah HAH!

Grazie

Exactly grazie!

cheers 4 this. Is good to know the cheapest r the best here! Nope not aware of any other forums. CKE distribution had a few mini forums of their own, but there are no more advertised on their sight. Heres to next year coz that was amazing!

Tape Code
 

Colin Sze,

Finally checked out the Char Code and yes it works as long as you remember the following:

1. Read the manual ;) (me that is)
2. When in VCR playback press display/data code button in the LCD cubby hole.

That was the bit I forgot (see XM2 manual P88)

Very interesting as I reviewed my 1st tape with the XM2 and what a revelation, I am definitely getting better. I had 18dB set on & off a lot whereas the F stop & Shutter could have helped, leeway available.


I am now sane again.

As long as I can review on Cam I am not too bothered, will try and capture "live" onto the PC. That should work OK, will let you know.

Alan, if what you want is to view the data on built-in LCD (or VF), or TV thru S-video, then you do not need to turn on "CHAR REC". Because when it is turned on when shooting, the data are merged onto your footage, and there is no way to turn it off. I guess you are aware of it.
It is always nice to know someone really makes progress. I am kind of lazy and still stumbling at the low learning curve.

I actually wanted both (LCD & on tape).

Well impressed with the LCD monitoring just with the little button.
This is something I will use as I learn and get more confident, only checking the dodgy bits.

Thanx for your help.