Maybe this is not really the answer you were looking for, but Adobe PP CS5 can export your edited sequence as P2 format (in all DVCPROHD formats your camera supports). So you just keep what you need, and also in the original format.
It works fine on mine with firewire. Just to make sure: you need to choose the firewire Host option in the menu. (Last menu point – Other Functions.)
If you are using an G-tech mini drive (2.5 form factor) you need to provide power separately. Firewire doesn’t provide power for the drive.