feedback on FireStore FS-100

[Shane Ross]

Search the forum. This device has been discussed a lot, and is in use by many many MANY people. it is a viable solution.

Shane

Littlefrog Post
http://www.lfhd.net

[Jim Harvey]

The firestore FS-100 will deliver just a hair less then 100 minutes of DVCPROHD (Assuming the standard 1 GB per minute and taking into consideration that the Firestore OS will occupy some space on the drive). That said, if you shoot in a studio setting, the Firestore isn’t really much of a nusiance. Zacuto and other companies make wonderful accessory holders for the Firestore, Switronix batteries and other add-ons that make a studio or well put together field kit a pleasure to work with (and very cool to look at).

If, on the other hand, you are doing event work or a lot of handheld shooting, the firestore becomes albatross like and frankly not something that I’d care to deal with. I rarely used my Firestore with my Z1U even though it was a breeze to transfer footage to my computer for edit, it was just a total hassle to have everything piled on to the camera or my belt. (Yes, I’m finicky and lazy).

Please do not misunderstand, the Firestore does EXACTLY what it was designed to do and it does it most likely better than anything else you’re likely to come across. It’s just a little kludgy in the field.

I am fully fireproofed, so anyone caring to douse me with flammable liquid for my heresy is welcome to step up.

Jim Harvey
JHV Digital

[Peter Carroll]

Thanks Jim.
Very helpful. I do alot of hand holding in the field so need to scratch my head over this.

[Jim Harvey]

Sidney:

Just remember, if you need to have the capacity and need to shoot HD, you have really only 2 choices. Personally, I’d opt for the P2 cards 16GB is available now and you can get 32minutes on two cards and then download them to a laptop, or can hot swap them (of course, now you introduce a laptop into the equation). check out Zacuto and see some of their setups and you might get some ideas for the Firestore for field use.
The P2 cards give you a lot of flexibility over any other method. They don’t wear out, they don’t crash and there are no moving parts. Pretty good deal. Plus, you can shoot 720p/24pn and get 32 minutes per card (16gb) That gives you a hour on two cards in HD.

Jim Harvey
JHV Digital

[Michael Sacci]

In my option the firestore is a rough way to go for handheld, the firewire connectors prove to be very problematic to say the least.

If you get the firestore make sure you read all the instructions and FAQs, it is not difficult but their are a couple of serious “gothas” that can screw you.

[David S.]

V. 3 will give you 3 hours or so of 720/24pN equivalent.

I bought a bebob box and mount it under the cam.

Use a right angle 4 pin connector for FW transfers with it attached to the cam using a tension point.

We shoot run and gun college sports. Not the best solution but really the only one for long form.

[Christopher Wright]

Yes the FS-100 rocks! 294 minutes of DVCPROHD 720PN on a single shoot, without having to play “swap and load” with small capacity P2 cards. I have two and have used them in performance, studio, feature, and “run and gun” scenarios with no problems. Just make sure to actually read the very small manual and do a few test shoots before a major gig so you get comfortable with the workflow.