Now, if you use two Kensingtons and eject the expresscard when removing (like you would with SxS) leaving the SDHC in the Kensington, they work just like the SxS cards.

The cost of the 16GB SanDisk Ultra II 15MB/s SDHC card and the Kensington 7-in-1 is little over $100 USD.

I've been following this thread and am ready to try the SDHC setup with my EX1. There are two things I'm not totally clear on :
1) Can you shoot 1080 60i HQ to the SDHC cards?
2) Does use of the Kensington/SDHC require the v 1.1 firmware, or will it work with the preceeding firmware (v 1.05??) as well.
Thanks

Yes I know the D90 does 720 at 24 but from what Ive seen and heard the codec is horrid so it would stand out like dogs danglers compared to the pristine EX1 shots.

I know the canon isnt out yet but supposedly its codec is much cleaner, it does 1080 and has many other polished features in video mode that would make it a better choice. Then again it costs way more than the D90 so you would hope this to be the case.

I just thought if footage from the canon could be intercut nicely with the EX1 (matching the frame rates) then you could cut in some amazing shallow DOF visuals with minimal fuss compared to using a letus rig or similar.

Just one other concern with the SDHC option - what if sony decide to block this in a later firmware release? I know everyone would say simply dont upgrade the FW but what if its something you really need? Worse what if your camera breaks and needs to be serviced. Sony would be well within their right to refuse to service it unless the firmware was upgraded...? What if the upgrade was not reversible...?

I guess if you bought the EX1 budgeting in SxS before SDHC was an option then no biggie - but it your sole reason for buying was because SDHC suddenly made it an option then this would hurt big-time.

Not trying to be a negative nancy here, just trying to work through all the pro's and Con's

I just thought if footage from the canon could be intercut nicely with the EX1 (matching the frame rates) then you could cut in some amazing shallow DOF visuals with minimal fuss compared to using a letus rig or similar.

I think, rendition of images will be completely different, since lenses are different.

It does not seem to me canon will intercut seemlessly unless you use same lenses in front of EX1 (such as using 35mm adapter like LEX etc.) - which you seem to be trying to avoid...

I already own some great Nikon lenses, so I'll wait till Nikon comes up with the second generation of video-capturing cams, I guess :)

I've been following this thread and am ready to try the SDHC setup with my EX1. There are two things I'm not totally clear on :
1) Can you shoot 1080 60i HQ to the SDHC cards?


Yes, you can shoot ANY HQ mode.


2) Does use of the Kensington/SDHC require the v 1.1 firmware, or will it work with the preceeding firmware (v 1.05??) as well.
Thanks

No, you need version 1.11

Just one other concern with the SDHC option - what if sony decide to block this in a later firmware release? I know everyone would say simply dont upgrade the FW but what if its something you really need? Worse what if your camera breaks and needs to be serviced. Sony would be well within their right to refuse to service it unless the firmware was upgraded...? What if the upgrade was not reversible...?


Well, I guess at that point you will have to decide if the added benefits of a newer upgrade are better than the cheaper memory solution. Man, it would have to offer some serious gadgets to even make me consider, and even then...

You're right, if you send it in they may upgrade the software.

Having said that, they offered the USB over the expresscard slot to enable their new portable capture drive to work. If they disabled this access, they would render ALL of their PHU-60K drives already sold useless... not a smart move.

I REALLY believe this is GREAT news for Sony!
I've already spoke to several who are now considering buying the EX1 due to cheaper memory cards (SDHC). SxS easily raises the price a couple thousand dollars.

If I were Sony, I would be working on their own expresscard adapter. I'd be willing to spend a "bit" more to be able to have Sony approved expresscards and close the dang EX1 memory door! lol

Steven
Thanks for your reply.
RE: Sony- they may well be making much more profit from the sale of the SxS cards than they are from the camera. Hard to read their motives, but there is the iron law that memory always gets cheaper over time. They'll give in eventually.

Since SxS stands for Sony by Sandisk (at least what I've heard) and it's the latest technology, I'm not sure about the profit margin.

Blocking the use of SDHC would also probably block the use of the PHU-60. I don't think Sony would do that.

Perrone, yes that's not a bad idea just buying a Kensington for every SDHC card.
You're right, when the Ultra II 32GB 15MB/s SDHC cards come out in a month or two, for under $200 USD you can buy the Kensigton and the 32GB SDHC card!

Unreal..

Spot on. I have now ordered 4 32Gb Ultra 11's with 4 Kensingtons. No need to touch the sdhc cards once they are in the kensingtons. Just leave them in there. That is more than ample for a full days wedding shoot. As soon as the cards arrive and I have done full testing, all buut one of my 16Gb and all my 8Gb SXS cards will be up for grabs on ebay.

Steven
Thanks for your reply.
RE: Sony- they may well be making much more profit from the sale of the SxS cards than they are from the camera. Hard to read their motives, but there is the iron law that memory always gets cheaper over time. They'll give in eventually.

You mean like the profit on ink cartridges after you buy a reasonably priced printer?

John

I'd be willing to spend a "bit" more to be able to have Sony approved expresscards and close the dang EX1 memory door! lol

This is one of those moments I dread. Evidently, I've missed something in this overly long thread.

Am I to understand that using the Kensington adaptors with the SDHC cards prevents one from closing the door on card slots?

Am I to understand that using the Kensington adaptors with the SDHC cards prevents one from closing the door on card slots?

Correct

Paul.

It's no big deal, especially when you think about the cost.

I expect sony or sandisk will make a push/push adaptor soon.

Paul.

2mm and an open door to save around $800 for 16GB
some say that's not a bad trade off.

There must be money in someone designing a plastic moulding to go over the gap. With such savings on card costs a reasonable charge could be made with out causing pain.

I thought I heard it said you could close the door with the EX-3 Just not the EX-1?

Yes I read it too that the EX3 door does close.

I thought I heard it said you could close the door with the EX-3 Just not the EX-1?

Yes I read it too that the EX3 door does close.

Boy, I hope you guys are right! Guess I'll find out tomorrow when they arrive.

This has been previously discussed and confirmed that yes you can close the EX3 door:

See http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/944239-post340.html

Dang, Chris, do you have every post on this site memorized? ;o)

Thanks!

Based on a recommendation in this thread, I bought 4 Cables Unlimited Card Readers from Buy.com and 4 SanDisk UltraII 16GB SDHC cards from Amazon. The EX-1 will not recognize them at all. Doesn't even say "media error" or anything. I'm assuming the SanDisk cards are good but the camera does not see the reader. When I insert it in my laptop, it sees it but takes forever to load and gets confused. So - a $135 mistake. I have no trouble recording on Lexar SSD 8GB cards.

Firmware 1.11.

I guest you did not read my post stick with the Kensington reader

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/sony-xdcam-ex-cinealta/130757-sdhc-substitute-sxs-cards-38.html#post950159

Ronn
No biggie, just send the adaptors back and get the Kensingtons.

Based on a recommendation in this thread, I bought 4 Cables Unlimited Card Readers from Buy.com and 4 SanDisk UltraII 16GB SDHC cards from Amazon. The EX-1 will not recognize them at all. Doesn't even say "media error" or anything. I'm assuming the SanDisk cards are good but the camera does not see the reader. When I insert it in my laptop, it sees it but takes forever to load and gets confused. So - a $135 mistake. I have no trouble recording on Lexar SSD 8GB cards.

Firmware 1.11.

I bought four from Buy.com as well, however I haven't opened them and I haven't purchased the Lexar SDHC cards, nor have I upgraded the firmware yet.

Alex said that he has to reinsert the Card readers a few times to get them to be recognized then he says he never has a problem. It was around $50 for the four of them and there is a $5 rebate. I was going to keep them, but now I am not sure it is worth it if in fact they do not work at all for you.

John

I tried reinserting them like 46 times. Finally it said "format?" I said yes, then it said "cannot format" and "unrecognizable media" or words to that effect. Tried several times after and nothing. Nada. Zilch.

I just take the bubble gum in my mouth and carefully mold it over the exposed innards on my EX1 when I can't close the door. Footage really wants to POP with this setup.
;o)

Dang, Chris, do you have every post on this site memorized?Nope. My secret lies in knowing how to use the "Search This Thread" function.

Any PC gurus out here? I am trying to update my camera, but am getting stuck trying to get the stupid USB driver to install.

Are you at the point you insert the USB cable?

If so, make sure your using the hidden USB port on the EX1. It's hidden under a cover held by two screws.

BTW,
ALL.

"Currently", the Kensington is the ONLY card tested that works well in the EX1/EX3.
The Cables Unlimited Card Readers were only reported by a couple to work, but they had problems getting them to be recognized.

I bought four from Buy.com as well, however I haven't opened them and I haven't purchased the Lexar SDHC cards, nor have I upgraded the firmware yet.

Alex said that he has to reinsert the Card readers a few times to get them to be recognized then he says he never has a problem. It was around $50 for the four of them and there is a $5 rebate. I was going to keep them, but now I am not sure it is worth it if in fact they do not work at all for you.

John

$45 for the card readers. $8 shipping fee to return them and a 15% restocking fee from Buy.com even though they are unopened and still in the factory blister pack.

Oh well, what good are they anyway?

John

Oh GOOD GRIEF!

Thanks! Of course I don't have a screwdriver here at the house to fit it. I'll see if I can get it open tomorrow at work.

-P

Are you at the point you insert the USB cable?

If so, make sure your using the hidden USB port on the EX1. It's hidden under a cover held by two screws.

Also, remember when installing 1.10 first, it will NOT display 1.10 at the end.
Just go on to install 1.11 after 1.10 is complete.

I tried my 2nd kensington card again... the one that refused to work on day one.. Works fine now.. I have no idea. Good to have a spare though.

Steven,

Any thoughts about these cards?

SDSDHV016GA15 SanDisk 16 GB Video HD SDHC Memory Card (http://www.adorama.com/IDSSD16GVHD.html)

About half-price after the rebate!

I ordered 2 should have them WED.

Please keep us posted - I may get a couple myself!

Steven,

Any thoughts about these cards?

SDSDHV016GA15 SanDisk 16 GB Video HD SDHC Memory Card (http://www.adorama.com/IDSSD16GVHD.html)

About half-price after the rebate!

That's a good question. I have not tried these.

I ordered 2 should have them WED.

Brian, if they work and you're up for it, could you run Crystal Disk Mark and report the speed?

Steven,

Any thoughts about these cards?

SDSDHV016GA15 SanDisk 16 GB Video HD SDHC Memory Card (http://www.adorama.com/IDSSD16GVHD.html)

About half-price after the rebate!

Unable to download rebate form from the Adorama website. Keeps saying "transferring", but never downloads. That aside, when you are able to download the form, check the address for the rebate. This from the SanDisk website:

For SanDisk Manufacturer's rebates:

If the rebate submission was mailed to one of the following address, it is a SanDisk Manufacturer’s rebate.
In the USA:

P.O Box 42903
Mesa, AZ 85274-2903
-or-
In Canada:

P.O. Box 4588 STN A
Toronto, ON M5W 4X1

John

I've got the Kensington adapter and the Sandisk 16gig cards, and they record fine on my EX-3. But the Sony SBAC-US10 SxS to USB card reader won't recognize the Kensington adapter. The cards simply don't mount on my Mac Pro. Has Sony perhaps made their reader SxS specific, and do I simply need to get another brand of Expresscard to USB reader?

I haven't tried the sdhc and kensington in my sony reader because i sold the sony reader, however, i tried the sdhc and kensington in my laptop express slot and it works fine.
But why are you using the sony reader anyway ?
Do you have the little sdhc>usb reader ? sandisk and transcend make them, they're great, about the size of your thumb and no need for mains power like the sony reader.
That's what i use, it's just as fast as the sony reader.

Paul.

I've got the Kensington adapter and the Sandisk 16gig cards, and they record fine on my EX-3. But the Sony SBAC-US10 SxS to USB card reader won't recognize the Kensington adapter. The cards simply don't mount on my Mac Pro. Has Sony perhaps made their reader SxS specific, and do I simply need to get another brand of Expresscard to USB reader?

Yes Dave.
The Kensington is a USB based expresscard rearder. It will NOT work with the Sony SBAC-US10 which is PCIe based. No big deal since SDHC card readers can be bought for $7.

I tried the i-dot-connect brand "18-in-1" card reader (PPA Int'l) with SanDisk 16GB and it works, HQ and SQ. Overcranks at 60frames 24p for about 16 seconds before media error. I got it at Fry's for $24.99

I tried the i-dot-connect brand "18-in-1" card reader (PPA Int'l) with SanDisk 16GB and it works, HQ and SQ. Overcranks at 60frames 24p for about 16 seconds before media error. I got it at Fry's for $24.99

I'd worry about the speed of these card readers. When I measured a bunch as late as 2006, some of the PQI and other cheapies topped out at 2 MB/Second read speed. If you want something more accurate than timing the transfer of a large file, try this program to measure the read/write performance:

HdTach (http://www.simplisoftware.com/Public/index.php?request=HdTach)

NOTE: be careful. The write test may obliterate the existing files on your card.

SDSDHV016GA15 SanDisk 16 GB Video HD SDHC Memory Card (http://www.adorama.com/IDSSD16GVHD.html)
Unable to download rebate form from the Adorama website. Keeps saying "transferring", but never downloads. That aside, when you are able to download the form, check the address for the rebate. This from the SanDisk website:

For SanDisk Manufacturer's rebates:

If the rebate submission was mailed to one of the following address, it is a SanDisk Manufacturer’s rebate.
In the USA:

P.O Box 42903
Mesa, AZ 85274-2903
-or-
In Canada:

P.O. Box 4588 STN A
Toronto, ON M5W 4X1

John

Follow up:

The pdf file opened and the "rebate" is actually a SanDisk Visa Prepaid Card that can be used where merchants accept such a card. The cards have no cash value and are issued by a bank called MetaBank which I have never heard of. The so-called rebate does not appear to be an offer from SanDisk. Buyer beware.

John

I tried the i-dot-connect brand "18-in-1" card reader (PPA Int'l) with SanDisk 16GB and it works, HQ and SQ. Overcranks at 60frames 24p for about 16 seconds before media error. I got it at Fry's for $24.99

Ron, if I remember right this card will not allow the EX1 door to close, right?

Also, check 24P overcrank at 50FPS and see if this errors.

I'd worry about the speed of these card readers. When I measured a bunch as late as 2006, some of the PQI and other cheapies topped out at 2 MB/Second read speed. If you want something more accurate than timing the transfer of a large file, try this program to measure the read/write performance:

HdTach (http://www.simplisoftware.com/Public/index.php?request=HdTach)

NOTE: be careful. The write test may obliterate the existing files on your card.

Real world results: I recorded 58 minutes (full card) 1080/60i. No prob.

Ron, if I remember right this card will not allow the EX1 door to close, right?

Also, check 24P overcrank at 50FPS and see if this errors.

That's correct Steven, door will not close. I tried 24p overcrank at 60 and 48fps - got 16 and 18 seconds respectively before it gave an error.