Like Doug, I find 95% of all tethering issues user error.
Not so much lack of knowing the basics of the software, but lack of preparation, testing and equipment/software selection.
We always take every camera and lens and polish the contacts. Not clean, not a quick brush over put really polish them like a jewel.
Then we check all firewire cables, and have a new backup that is identical ready to go.
Everything gets charged and reliable batteries, either new or tested.
Like T-Mark We tape all cords into the computers and drives. FW 400 could be tight or loose depending on the cord and device, fw 800 (the ones that are pure plastic) are a nightmare.
The most important thing we do is we test, test and test.
With a newer software or system or any changes, when time permits we will connect a camera to a computer, then to a tripod and during the day do the worst case scenario test.
Shoot and unplug the cord, let the batteries run down, do background tasks like processing while we shoot, you know, things that happen on a busy set.
Our DIT station is very large and holds two powerbooks, backup batteries and drives, one computer setup for the stills, one for the REDS, though we keep an older tripod based system setup on standby.
We also have one camera charged, lens on and formatted card, ready to shoot untethered if anything goes down or gets slow.
For our Phase backs we use C-1, though not the latest 6.4.4 version. I find this version buggy and slow even in processing and adjustments, though we never, ever run the latest software in any version, at least on set.
We also don't use the latest cameras and backs. MFD is a p30+ and P21+ on contax bodies, 35mm is the 1ds3's because I like the look of skin tones, love the tether lock system on the 3's.
Best is we know our equipment inside and out. That makes a huge difference if there are any issues.
For tethering the Canons, we use EOS utility and Adobe's bridge for organization and reviews. I like C-1 for the DB's but for the Canons EOS utility may look clunky but for us it's bulletproof and makes a large preview as you shoot and bridge is a fast easy way to check focus and rate files on the fly.
One other thing we never use the capture computers for other tasks. All the drives are virtually clean, the computers set up for capture, backup, synchronization and image management ONLY.
Bottom line is just that, the bottom line. I can't imagine spending huge money on cameras and computers and walk out on set untested and it usually takes a year before any manufacturer gets all the data in from cameras, software, computer platforms, varied use, to really fine tune their product so it's reliable.
With the pressure of quality and volume on set, gone are the days of beta testing for a camera, computer of software provider (sponsored or not). Today everything must work reliably and a promise of a discount camera or back won't ever make up for the potential loss of revenue of a problematic project.
The upside with older equipment is the newer cameras have not changed the final result that much, at least not to a degree that you are behind by using one or two generations back.
I see it with our still and motion setups and looking back at the past the only issues I've ever had is with brand new.
Our Phase backs may be old, but no client complains and their bullet proof. Our 1ds3's may be slightly slower than the newest dslrs, but they work and work and work.
Our Red 1's I use 90% of the time compared to the Scarlet. They're heavier a little less mobile, but they always work and set up is a breeze.
I own a lot of cameras, sometimes get the bug for something new, but until I just have to move up, we just keep on running what we know works.
We hear it all the time, "what will I do when I can't go to firewire or my software won't run on super duper lion". Well to me that's virtually a non issue.
Lightly used, or refurbished computers that run a few generations older software and equipment are always out there, for at least a decade and no client ever walks over and says, "is that a thunderbolt capable machine?".
So in other words, I just don't worry about it.
Nothing is a buzz kill on set like hearing those dreaded words, "hold on, we have to change or reboot at ______".
IMO
BC
