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XDCAM EX files unusual behavior
I’m 2 days into a 3 day 3 camera shoot using and EX-1, EX-3 and Varicam H model. Running tome of day time code with the EX-3 generating tc to the varicam. We’re shooting long takes with at the end of the day ending up with 4 hours or so material from each camera.
As I transfer my files in the evening I’m seeing incomplete clip files (.SMI) like you would if the file spanned 2 cards. This is happening on the EX-3 and EX-1. In most cases the file is broken into 2 clips, but once in awhile there is a third clip in the file. This generally happens with the last 2 or 3 clips on the card. Using two 32gig cards and 4, 16 gig cards with some 8 gig cards if needed.
I put the clips on the timeline and they’re seamless in the way the match up.
I’m also seeing some breakup in the EX-3 in the monitor, but not in the files. I have it going into a Panasonic 17″ HD monitor via component with the EX-1 and Varicam going in HDSDI.
Anyone have a clue what’s happening here. Everything looks great and it’s working, but not the way I’d like nor the way it has in the past.
thx…jw
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2 Replies
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[Jim Watt] “In most cases the file is broken into 2 clips, but once in awhile there is a third clip in the file.”
Keep in mind that solid state media is formatted in FAT32 binary which has a file size limit of 4 Gbytes. This may be why you’re seeing single clips split into pieces to conform to the card formatting. One of the reasons why programs like Sony’s Clip Browser and Transfer Tool exist is to consolidate clips so you can view and edit them just the way they were recorded. If you haven’t noticed these split clips in the past the reason might be that your previous clips never reached the 4 Gbyte size limit.
[Jim Watt] “I’m also seeing some breakup in the EX-3 in the monitor, but not in the files.”
At least you know that the clips are being recorded properly even though you’re seeing problems with the monitoring. I haven’t worked with the Panny 17″ so I can’t offer any suggestions. Is the picture breakup occurring with both the EX1 and the Varicam?
– Don
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Hi Don,
Thanks a million for your quick reply. I never guessed the old 4 GB files size limit was still hanging around to bite me. It does however make sense.
Thanks again…jw
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