[Bob Knapp]

I have both a desktop and a laptop. This hard drive is needed for my work on the road. I’m working mainly with HD 720p AVCHD footage. I don’t have a lot of layers except some graphics and grading. My projests need to be edited fast (few hours or overnight). I’m just looking for something that will help prevent anything from being sluggish. My laptop is an i7/8 gig ram/1 gig nvidia but not optimized for Mercury. (I just discovered the hack for this but am wary of trying it. I can’t have any crashes).

I don’t have any experience with SSD’s. I’m also not using Raid 0 right now. Should I?

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[Bob Knapp]

Yes, I use them. I’ve had no problem with them and have used them for a few years now. They usually have 4 or 5 bulbs in them all on separate switches so you can shut a few off for a lower light effect. The one real problem is they are fragile. If you have to break them down a lot keep all the boxes and you need to pack everything separately (which takes a little time).

Just make sure you white balance correctly. I wouldn’t use them to light a stage but for interviews/greenscreen they are great.

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[Bob Knapp]

Thanks everyone for great input! I definitely see both sides for quality of cases. For fun I’ll finish up this thread and describe my experience.

I needed a case fast!!! (3 days) so I went with a golf case. I found one on Craigslist for $15!! It wasn’t top of the line but for the price and it looked like it was never used so I went for it. I Placed 2 light stands, backdrop with stands, spare tripod, and even 2 light fixtures (carefully wrapped) in the case. The case had a place for a lock so I used a TSA lock for protection and in case the latches came loose.

First flight the case came out perfect everything in working order. The flight back was out of ATL. I had to drop the case at a different bag drop off for larger bags. The TSA guys there were already diagnosing a golf bag so I knew mine wasn’t going to skate by.

When I picked up my bag after the flight it came off the belt with 2 of the 3 latches unbuckled. The bottom latch and the lock was the only thing holding it together (I got lucky). Everything was still in its place and working properly.

So, you can see both sides on using a quality case. I fixed the latches to make them tighter and we’ll see how round 2 goes. I’m definitely sold on the golf case idea. I’ll probably buy a better quality one soon.

I’ve never had gear stolen but I try to be careful. I even lock my Pelican cases to the bed frame in hotels if I’m not sure about the area. TSA and baggage handlers are our biggest problem. I’ll always be traveling for work so I’ll keep experiencing and learning and try to make things easier and safer. You guys helped tremendously thanks again and hopefully this will help others with their decisions when traveling with gear for work. Thanks again!

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[Bob Knapp]

Excellent point Mark! Thanks

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[Bob Knapp]

Thanks everyone! I think I’m going to go with a golf case. I can get one off Craigslist for around $40-$60. New they are $150+. I don’t care if it’s scratched as long as the latches are good. It will be scratched soon enough!

As for airline fees I travel all the time so I have status so I get 2 bags free.

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[Bob Knapp]

Well, these are all one day shoots. Most are fly in and shoot the same day with a cab ride from the airport. Then on to the next city. Someone was telling me about getting a golf travel case. Not a bad idea if you pack it well.

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[Bob Knapp]

Bra Strap center of back under dress or back of dress center with pack on the inside.

Good Luck

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[Bob Knapp]

Thanks Daniel, Seems that when you preview you can override the first play but once the dvd is burned it is locked out. Another bug I guess. CS5 is next on my “to buy list”. Thanks again!

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[Bob Knapp]

Thanks Bill! I was looking at some old video switchers with that same idea in mind. Thanks again

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[Bob Knapp]

If it has manual audio control (like 60d) then this might be my next camera!!

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