MacBook Pro Edit workflow and Sony EX3 vs. Panasonic HPX170

[Tim Ryan]

michael. Can I use the SxS reader to feed footage from camera directly to thumb or hard drive when computer not on hand?

MacBook Pro
Mac OSX version 10.4.11
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB DDr SDRAM
FCP 6.0
G-Raid 2 Tb external hard drive

[Craig Seeman]

[Tim Ryan] “craig. Can I do a footage dump without a computer? Does a SxS card reader feed directly from camera to external hard drive or thumb drive? “
As Michael says elsewhere, you need a computer at the moment. People are hoping for “P2 Store” like devices but costs make a lap top more flexible although the size can be awkward.

[Tim Ryan] “I’m thinking about situations in the field where client needs copy of footage in hand. Not always going to have computer with me. “
It’ll be interesting to see what’s happening with Flash card technology and prices. Even so I still like the idea of the computer so both the client and I can have copies. You can certainly use the computer to copy to external hard drive, burn to optical disc, copy to USB thumb drive. Remember the copy speeds are several times real time (except for optical disc).

My fantasy would be to see an iPhone type sized device with a port of some sort. One could not only copy but view the video. Basically it would be a “micro” laptop (ultra ultra portable). As it is my camera bag has a slot for a 15″ laptop so I can take my MacBookPro with me. One can get a Windows laptop with Express port for much less though if budget is a concern.

[Tim Ryan]

In reference to asking again about dumping to drive without computer, it sounds like the P2 cameras can dump directly to external hard drive without computer (OR P2 Store device).

Here’s a response the same question on a different post (FCP forum):

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Re: MacBook Pro Edit workflow and Sony EX3 vs. Panasonic HPX170
by Shane Ross on Oct 10, 2008 at 10:33:56 am

[Tim Ryan] “does a direct dump to external hard drive (without computer) apply to either the EX3 or the P2 cameras”

I have zero experience with the EX series. But P2 I know…it works with the P2 cameras.

[Tim Ryan] ” is it via a firewire cable (mini from camera) and can I select files to “save to” from a camera menu? ”

Firewire or USB…and yes, it is all done in the camera menus.

[Tim Ryan] “I read elsewhere that using a USB 2.0 external was a mistake”

Only as MEDIA drives…drives where you store the media you are editing. Perfectly fine for offloading cards and archiving data.

[Tim Ryan] ” Do you have suggestions for field hard drives (format and brand) to dump from camera to drive without computer?”

LaCie bus powered drives are good. Acomdata I have used with success. These are all bus powered drives that you can attach to the camera or computer. If you want to use firewire and have access to more power, I recommend the CalDigit Firewire VR…as it can do Raid 1 backup (mirrored backup on two drives). You can use this then as your archived storage, as the drives are removable.

I use USB bus powered drives…they get power from the computer or camera (or P2 Gear)…and hold a LOT more than a thumb drive.

Shane

MacBook Pro
Mac OSX version 10.4.11
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB DDr SDRAM
FCP 6.0
G-Raid 2 Tb external hard drive

[Craig Seeman]

Yes, the EX series can not go to USB drive and there is nothing like P2 Store (yet).

I do have problems with that workflow though.
I don’t like to have to tie up the camera to dump to a drive.
I don’t trust dumping to a device where there isn’t a data check and a visual confirmation.
I don’t like the fact there’s also no visual confirmation on P2 store even though it obviously doesn’t tie up the camera.
That’s why I like ClipBrowser 2 with CRC check and being able seeing the clips.
That’s why I’d like to see an iPhone size ultra portable.

P2 Store at about $1500 costs for 60GB only slightly less than MacBookPro and much more than various Windows laptops. I don’t see it as I device I’d purchase over a laptop, which slides right in to my camera bag. You can certainly use a bus powered drive with a laptop. I would NOT trust camera to bus powered drive as a safe way to handle camera masters.

[Michael Palmer]

The P2 system does have a stand alone battery operated card reader that can offload the card to an internal hard drive. This comes at a premium price. Tim I think you need to search and read more about these two workflows as these questions can most likely be answered from reading the brochures.
https://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/cat-broadcastcameras/cat-xdcam/product-PMWEX3/
https://catalog2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ModelDetail?displayTab=O&storeId=11201&catalogId=13051&itemId=280234&catGroupId=34401&surfModel=AG-HPX170

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Noah Kadner]

I’ve done step by step workflows on both P2 and XDCAM EX if you’re curious to see exactly what’s involved in going with either workflow. In my opinion they are quite evenly matched. The EX3’s format is a bit more visually compromised, though arguably the efficiency of XDCAM EX makes up for its long GOPpiness. It’s a far cry from standard HDV. The P2 workflow is a lot more supported and battle tested, however to really offload the cards quickly you need an old Powerbook or an expensive P2 drive. With EX3 you get Expresscard compatible memory cards that fit right into current model MacBook Pros, and since the file datarates are more than 50% smaller your transfers are all around much faster. So there you have it- very evenly matched, yet quite different cameras. Here are my discs for each:

https://www.callboxlive.com/store/sony-guidebook-p-39.html

https://www.callboxlive.com/store/panasonic-workflow-with-final-hvx200-p-33.html

-Noah

My FCP Blog. Unlock the secrets of the DVX100, HVX200 and Apple Color and Win a Free Letus Extreme.
Now featuring the Sony EX1 Guidebook, DVD Studio Pro and Sound for Film and TV.
https://www.callboxlive.com

[Tim Ryan]

Hey Noah,
I’ve decided to go with the HPX170 and invest in a Firestore FS100-160 (in addition to two 16Gb P2 cards). Can you say that the advice and processes used on your DVD on HVX200 workflow apply exactly to the HPX170? Do you reference the FS100 at all within the DVD?

Thanks,

Tim

MacBook Pro
Mac OSX version 10.4.11
2.4 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
4 GB DDr SDRAM
FCP 6.0
G-Raid 2 Tb external hard drive

[Michael Palmer]

I wouldn’t go with this combo, I really think you should hold off from the FireStore as hard drive recorders or a thing of the past. I know someone that purchased the P2 HVX-200’s and the FireStore units and hated it as they had major issues. I think you should save your money and wait for the Convergent Design Flash XDR or the Nano Flash (compact flash memory) recorder as it will deliver near uncompressed quality way beyond any firewire connection hard drive recorder, also the CF cards have drastically reduce in price and some 32 gig cards are now down to $84 .
https://www.convergent-design.com/
It is also said that the EX series cameras can use SDHC solid state memory that will lower the cost of the media by 75-85 percent.
https://www.glasseye.com.au/articles/sdassxs/
I believe the 170 is still using 720p native CCD’s while the EX sensors are full raster HD. I wouldn’t rush into this just yet as I’m sure Panasonic is brewing up some better competition. IMO The 170n isn’t it. Purchasing expensive P2 cards is over. If budget is a concern look for a used HVX-200 and save yourself a lot of money.
https://forums.creativecow.net/readpost/38/860817

Good Luck
Michael Palmer