I would like to transfer files off the camera (via Firewire?) to the Macbook Pro and have this feed through (via Express 34 port) to the SATA drives.

I hoping I don't have to copy the footage first to the internal drive and then to the SATA drives.

Is this possible via Firewire or some "other" way?

I insert my SxS card in my MBP Express card slot and copy the BPAV folder directly to a LACIE FW800 drive.... Very fast and effcient!
You can not transfer via FW only capture is available via FW and that is HDV quality only. I am not understanding exactly what you are trying to ask? Can you elaborate?

Hi Jason. Thanks :)

Transfer the files (ie.shot footage) off the camera to the Macbook Pro's external SATA drives in one pass.

What I really need is a Macbook Pro with 2 Express 34 slots.

I want my footage on a 5TB hot-swappable SATA system.

Sure, it is the same thing I am doing with an External FW 800 drive instead of SATA. One pass per card of course... But straight from cards to External drive. If you want to keep the cards in the camera you can do that as well but will have to transfer over USB 2.0 and it is much slower than Express slot.

Yes two Express slots would be awsome!

Right-o Jason.
USB 2.0 Hmmmmm.
How much slower?

Search the Forum for USB and Express card speeds as others have done direct comparisons....I know I can offload a full 16GB SxS card by way of Express card slot to External FW800 drive in less than 3-7 minutes depending on how many clips I shot.