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File is a .DAT file and can’t open it
Hello There
please can anyone help me recover or open a movie file that has come up as a .DAT file from a wedding I filmed. It’s approx 8 mins long and over 2GB. The rest of the files work perfectly. Typically this file shows the vows and kiss. I have a back up shot but this one is a close up so really need it. I’ve upload the .dat file onto a recovery site and it looks savable but they charge $89 which seems steep, and I’m a little wary. Is there a free way to recover this file? Thanks in advance. W -
6 Replies
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What camera did you shot on?
DAT files are not typically used for video storage (though there are exceptions). Most cameras shoot MOV, MTS, etc. But a quick Google search will net you several DAT to AVI converters to try out.
Ryan Holmes
http://www.ryanholmes.me
@CutColorPost -
Hello There
I shot on Canon 70D. All the other recorded files were fine but for this one which shows up as a .DAT file when I export it.Canon 70D, Canon XA10
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WIll – what do you mean by: “when you export it?” Since Canon shoots in a Quicktime format (.mov files) all you have to do is drag and drop that to your computer (Mac or PC) for playback. If you’re truly “exporting” something then we need to look at what you’re doing in that process since you’re converting the file to another format….
Or you have a corrupted .mov file on your hands. Did you happen to turn off the camera before pressing stop on your video recording? If so, you can use something like VLC player to open it and convert. See also this thread from a few years ago for other options:
https://forums.creativecow.net/thread/280/4337Ryan Holmes
http://www.ryanholmes.me
@CutColorPost -
Yes possibly I changed battery without stopping record. All the other files are .mov files but this one file that is a .DAT file.I’ve tried opening it in VLC player but nothing happens. I’ll look at other threads. Thanks
Canon 70D, Canon XA10
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[Will Aldersley] “Yes possibly I changed battery without stopping record.”
This is the likely culprit. Try to never, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever do this again! 🙂
Reason being is that when you hit “stop” the camera is actually closing out the file and saving the last bit of code needed to make it a readable Quicktime .mov format. When you interrupt this process you sabotage the file. It’d be like pulling your pizza out of the oven before letting it cook entirely. So, in the future, do yourself a favor and let your pizza cook fully….always press “stop” and then power down the camera using the on/off switch.
Ryan Holmes
http://www.ryanholmes.me
@CutColorPost -
Dear Will, have you find a solution to your problem?!
I have exactly the same problem! But it is the shoot of the rings! O_Oplease help me
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