Optura 300 restarts each time I try to play back video

[bamshort]

Hi everyone!, I hope someone can help. 

I have the Optura300A digital video camcorder, which I haven't used in years. I want to record all the videos I took years ago onto my imac 2017, 27 in. Retin 5K computer, macOS Ventura 13.7.2. My DV recorder is not playing back my cassette videos. I think that my BP-422 battery is exhausted after all these years. I bought this camera 5/25/04. So I took the battery pack off the camera and have the power cord plugged in. When I turn the camera on, put it in play mode and open the LCD screen, the blue screen appears with the small pic of a cassette in the middle, STEREO1 in the upper left corner, SP STOP with 61min next to another small cassette picture underneath in the upper right corner.  When I press play the screen goes black, then comes back on saying CANON, the set the time and date, then goes back to the original blue screen. The tape is rewinded and I have tried other tapes, but the same thing happens. Can someone tell me why my camera will not playback? I do not want to lose years of videos. Would be so sad. Thank you!! Melissa

[Danny]

Thanks for letting us know what Canon product you've got. The Optura 300 is an older model which we have retired. While that means that Canon USA no longer offers direct support for it, your friends here in the Canon Community are welcome to offer suggestions!

You can also speak with a Canon Upgrade Program specialist to help you score a modern replacement that would meet your current needs at a discount. You can reach them Monday through Friday at 1-866-443-8002.

Hope this helps!

[kvbarkley]

You probably need a battery, even if it is plugged in.

Do any of the tape transport controls work, like fast forward?

You might need to find another camera, or use a service like Legacy Box to transfer your tapes.

But hurry! Even with a good camcorder, the ability to transfer DV is being slowly removed from newer computers.

[bamshort]

Yes, I can rewind. I was thinking I might need another battery, even tho it plugged in. But was reluctant to buy one as they are not cheap and it might not be the solution. I’ll see how much legacy box runs. Thanks for your input. Much appreciated!!

[kvbarkley · Accepted solution]

I suspect that starting playback takes a surge of current the battery charger alone can't help.

Also, a 20 year old camera might have creaky joints like me and take a little extra oomph to get it going.

[bamshort]

Haha!!