The Canon GL2 Problem

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The Canon GL2 Problem

Hi - I have searched forums for hours and hours about the "unable to initiate video deck" message that pops up when trying to capture with Canon cameras. Not being able to capture from Canon cameras is a huge problem for me, and it hasn't occurred before. I have a Canon GL2, and I have tried everything. Yes, I've refreshed preferences. I don't have any other firewire devices plugged in. I am using an internal firewire port. I have tried all sorts of Easy Setup configurations (even though I've heard conflicting information on this). I have done things in all different orders. I have tried different cables. My camera is in VTR mode. Obviously, I have a huge headache right now.

I don't think it's a problem with my firewire cable (4-pin to 6-pin), as it didn't work with another one of the same type. I also don't think it's a problem with my firewire port, b/c I imported something else successfully just a few months ago on the same computer. Now, I even have the problem on a different computer.

Unfortunately, I don't have another non-Canon video deck to connect to Final Cut. I have a Macbook Pro (not the latest version), Mac OS X 10.4.11, and FCE 4.0.1

Is it a problem w/ my Final Cut Easy Setup (firewire basic isn't working for me, as people have suggested)? Is it a problem w/ my camera (is AV/DV OUT supposed to be off or on)?

Macbook Pro, Mac OS X (10.4.11), Not the latest Macbook pro

Posted on Feb 23, 2009 9:47 PM

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Answer 1

Feb 24, 2009 12:55 AM in response to david0622

At the risk of repetition :-

1. Shut down FCE and trash the preferences properly exactly like this

http://www.fcpbook.com/Misc1.html

2. Open FCE and set the Easy Setup to "DV-NTSC" (assuming you are using DV and have an NTSC camera).

3. Switch on your camera and select File>Capture. With luck the capture window should open and display the "VTR OK" message below the monitor.

If it doesn't you can try View>Video Out>Refresh Video Devices.

If it still doesn't work you can try the "DV-NTSC FireWire Basic" setup but make sure you delete the existing sequence icon and create a new sequence.

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Answer 2

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Feb 24, 2009 4:14 AM in response to david0622

Does system profiler see the camera when it's connected?

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Answer 3

Alchroma

Level 7

23,918 points

Feb 24, 2009 4:14 AM in response to david0622

Is it a problem w/ my camera (is AV/DV OUT supposed to be off or on)?

AV/DV out would have to be switched ON.

Consult the camera manual to confirm.

Al

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Answer 4

david0622 Author

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Feb 24, 2009 7:23 AM in response to Alchroma

OK, 2 things:

1. I have tried putting av/dv out both on and off, to no avail.

2. I've looked in System Profiler, but I can't seem to find where it would be listed.

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Answer 5

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Feb 24, 2009 7:29 AM in response to david0622

FireWire.

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Answer 6

bach01

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Feb 24, 2009 9:18 AM in response to david0622

David,

I don't know if this might help. My Sony DCR-VX2100 connects fine. My Canon XR-60, fails with FCE.

I then tried New Movie Recording with QT Pro. Sony, no problems, Canon, failed again. So, it seems more than just FCE. Same cable etc.

Sonny

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Answer 7

Mitch26

Level 1

25 points

Feb 24, 2009 3:52 PM in response to david0622

I have similar issues using a Canon GL1 and my iMac. No issues at all using my Powermac G4. So glad I upgraded 🙂

The work around I am using is to connect my camera directly to an external firewire hard drive (LaCie FW400). Then connect my through the hard drive, when I do this the camera is immediately recognized in the system profiler, iMovie, or FCE.

I have tried connecting directly to the iMac, tried connecting through a powered FW hub, trashing preferences, etc. Everything failed except the method above.

Hope this helps.

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Answer 8

david0622 Author

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Feb 24, 2009 4:23 PM in response to Mitch26

So, I've found a temporary solution by borrowing another camcorder to use as a video deck.

It's not a problem with the firewire - I've now tried it with a borrowed one, and it still doesn't work. However, when I use mine on the new video deck, it works.

I still need to find a permanent solution - I'll see if I can try connecting to an external firewire.

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Answer 9

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Feb 24, 2009 5:06 PM in response to david0622

Could you answer my question please: was the device recognized in System Profiler? If it is not the issue is in the FireWire bus of the computer or in the ports, either in the computer or on the camera.

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Answer 10

Mitch26

Level 1

25 points

Feb 25, 2009 5:12 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

If I connect the camera directly to the FW port, it is not recognized in the System Profiler, in fact, the iMac hangs for a few minutes followed by an error message about unsupported device.

All other of my firewire devices (external drives) are recognized immediately. In fact, when I connect the GL1,daisy chained to the external drive the System Profiler recognizes both devices.

Again, I have no issues when connecting the GL1 directly to my Powermac G4.

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Answer 11

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Feb 25, 2009 10:02 AM in response to Mitch26

You probably want to take your computer and camera to an Apple store or service technician.

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Answer 12

Apr 20, 2009 2:19 PM in response to david0622

anyone come up with a solution to this? (other than a dif deck or 2 drive) I have a Canon GL2 and have the same problem. camera shows up in my macbook but not on my IMAC.

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