figures are: random access ms / average read MB/s / burst MB/s

Transcend - 0.6ms - 23.6MB/s - 25.0MB/s
Lexar - 0.6ms - 32.7MB/s - 35.3MB/s
Sony SXS - 0.4ms - 49.0MB/s - 82.9MB/s


I simply don't understand why either card won't work perfectly. Even the transcend card at 23MB/s comes out to about 180mb/s which is about 5 times what the HQ codec records at. They should be able to handle HQ and even HQ slowmo perfectly fine. Very odd that they're throwing up errors.



I have today filled a couple of Transcend 8Gb class 6 SD cards with 25P HQ and 720P50 material without any problems. I used a Kingston Express card to 7 way card reader/adapter. All purchased from Amazon UK. The SD cards are a lot faster than the Express SSD cards.


You mean you found an express card SD reader that works in the camera? Please do tell!

The adapter is

"Kensington 7 in 1 Media Reader for ExpressCard Slot" model number 33407EU price £16.00

8Gb Transcend class 6 SD cards £11.84!!! At that price there as cheap as tape an I can afford to give them to the client.

The SD card sticks out a few mm so you can't close the door on an EX1 but you can close the door on an EX3.

I have not extensively tested this but so far no problems!

Alister,
This is very good news.

Let's get this straight..
With this configuration (using the latest software version 1.1), you can read and write to these cards/SD memory without any issues using all HQ video formats ?

If so, I wonder if the 16GB SDHC CLASS 6 PATRIOT SD memory card will also work?

They're only $60 USD.
So for under $100 you could have 16GB.

It would be nice to find a reader that is not as long and could fit so the Memory access door can close.

So the camera fully recognizes it and you can record to the SD cards no problem? 8gb cards for 20 dollars, this is ridiculously awesome news. Time to lower the price on your $500 8gb cards Sony.

Also,
Alister, based on the specs, I doubt class 4 (4MB/s) SD cards will work, but if you have one kicking around, could you give it a try?

My tests have been done with an EX3 using the stock firmware. I don't have any class 4 cards cards to try but at the price I would use the fastest cards possible, ie class 6 or better.

The adapter is

"Kensington 7 in 1 Media Reader for ExpressCard Slot" model number 33407EU price £16.00

8Gb Transcend class 6 SD cards £11.84!!! At that price there as cheap as tape an I can afford to give them to the client.

The SD card sticks out a few mm so you can't close the door on an EX1 but you can close the door on an EX3.

I have not extensively tested this but so far no problems!

Hi Alister, I can't find the 8Gb cards n amazon.co.uk at that price. Only £14.03 . OK EDIT. I see one of the sponsors are doing it for £11.79.
Amazon.co.uk: Transcend 8Gb SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card: Transcend: Electronics & Photo (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Transcend-SDHC-Class-Flash-Memory/dp/B000P9ZBFA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1221035718&sr=8-1)

Is that the same card?

They do a 16Gb card for £25.62, which is a better deal for me with the longer record time.

So you can shoot 720P 50 in HQ with no problems?

Thanks
Steve

They are all about £14 when you factor in the shipping charges which vary from £0 - £4

Paul

I recorded a mix of 720P50 and 1080P25 until the card was full. Longest clip during one test was 20 mins with no errors. A class 6 SD card should be fast enough, but there is no headroom.

Whether they end up at £11 0r £14 it's still cheap. I may stick to my SxS cards for HQ and use the SD cards for corporates at SQ until I have used them enough to really know how well they work. Sony spec class 6 SD cards for the HDV cameras so 25Mb should be fine.

Thanks Alister.

A sustained data rate of 50mb/s equates to around. 6.2 MB/s
So, the Class 6 (sustained data rate 6MB/s) cards should offer a sustained data rate of 50mb/s.

I realize the Sony 35mb/s data rate can peak at 40mb/s, so it sure appears that class 6 cards should do the trick, as you have discovered.

This Friday I'll be experimenting with a AFT PROExpress-7 ExpressCard Reader and various SD cards.

somebody test 60fps S&Q!

I've got a Kensington expresscard and Transcend 8-bit bundle coming from amazon.com ($65 for the bundle) and will run it through its paces.

Thanks Alister.

A sustained data rate of 50mb/s equates to around. 6.2 MB/s
So, the Class 6 (sustained data rate 6MB/s) cards should offer a sustained data rate of 50mb/s.

I realize the Sony 35mb/s data rate can peak at 40mb/s, so it sure appears that class 6 cards should do the trick, as you have discovered.

This Friday I'll be experimenting with a AFT PROExpress-7 ExpressCard Reader and various SD cards.



I tried a 7 in one Express card adapter generic brand with a patriot and adata SDHC card the cam could not recognize the media. I think its all in the brand of adapter that’s used.

I think it will be well worth while making a sticky thread with all of this info. It's scattered across a few threads already. Just something simple, with camera model, firmware, adapter model, card model, modes working and not, and so on. It'll save a lot of repeat questions and retesting.

I tried a 7 in one Express card adapter generic brand with a patriot and adata SDHC card the cam could not recognize the media. I think its all in the brand of adapter that’s used.


I tested it with an PMW EX1 WITH 1.11 FIRMWARE results my differ on the EX3.

I tried a 7 in one Express card adapter generic brand with a patriot and adata SDHC card the cam could not recognize the media. I think its all in the brand of adapter that’s used.

Brian,
What is the make of the "7 in one Express card adapter generic brand" and a link to where you downloaded it?

This information will help us from making the same mistake and ordering the same one that did not work for you.

Hopefully, it's not the AFT PROExpress-7.
I may be trying this very soon. It should be here tomorrow.

SIGG 11/1 EXPRESS READER 11in1 ExpressCard Reader
FRYS.com*|*SIIG (http://shop4.frys.com/product/4801710?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG)
WILL NOT WORK WITH THE EX
I am also wondering if there is a differ. between the EX3 and EX1 with which card readers will work both have differ. firmware.

Thanks Brian.
I guess we'll know real soon.
Someone has already ordered the same card reader and SD card as Alister and will try it with the EX1.

Unless Alister is willing to check this configuration with the EX1?

Oh, the price us tech pioneers must pay! LOL

Thanks Brian.
I guess we'll know real soon.
Someone has already ordered the same card reader and SD card as Alister and will try it with the EX1.

Unless Alister is willing to check this configuration with the EX1?

Oh, the price us tech pioneers must pay! LOL

ITS A GOOD THING that the stores that I deal with have a good return policy.

SIGG 11/1 EXPRESS READER 11in1 ExpressCard Reader
WILL NOT WORK WITH THE EX1 firmware 1.11

Kensington 7 in 1 Media Reader for ExpressCard Slot" model number 33407EU
W/ 8Gb Transcend class 6 SD cards
WORKING WITH EX3 SP AND HQ MODE EX1?

Lexar 8GB SSD Express Card
WORK WITH EX1 firmware 1.11 AND EX3 SP MODE ONLY

Lexar 16Gb SSD Express Card This card is slower than the 8gb
WORK WITH EX1 firmware 1.11 AND EX3 SP MODE ONLY error message no lost of data


Transend 8gb 16gb SSD Express card
WILL NOT WORK WITH THE EX1 firmware 1.11 or EX3

EXPRESS CARD TO COMPACT FLASH ADAPTER
WILL NOT WORK WITH THE EX1 firmware 1.11 EX3?


SONY MSACEX1 MEMORY STICK(R) DUO EXPRESSCARD(TM) ADAPTER
WILL NOT WORK WITH THE EX1 firmware 1.11 EX3?

thanks for this brian. I just got two of the Lexar 8gb cards off ebay today for cheap!

Thanks Brian, can a mod please sticky this?

Thanks Brian.

Any additional updates should be added to a copied version of Brian's original post and added to on this thread.


One question Brian:
Do you have the make and model number of the CF to Express reader you wrote:

"EXPRESS CARD TO COMPACT FLASH ADAPTER
WILL NOT WORK WITH THE EX1 firmware 1.11 EX3?"

Delkin express card to compact flash adapter (Dave Morrison's post)

Yes, I live close to a few major sellers myself with a decent return policy.

Has anyone tried, with an EX1, the class 6 cards which Alistair used.
It should't make any difference which adaptor is used, the adaptor is just a bridge of connections.
I just bought an adaptor from Maplin for £15.
I'm gonna try and get a firmware upgrade next week then i'll b able to try some different cards myself.

Paul.

Provantage $47.78

PROVANTAGE: Lexar Media EX8GB-431 8GB ExpressCard SSD (http://www.provantage.com/lexar-ex8gb-431~7LXMI092.htm)

Good vendor. I have ordered from them many times.

John

Hmmm..
The more I think about this... I'm wondering if these express card reader/media converters we've ordered to work with the EX1 are going to work at all....

I realize, Alister has got one to work on the EX3, but I'm wondering...

Is it possible that the hardware expresscard communication protocol has changed for the EX3.

Having said that, looking at the Sony SBAC-US10 reader. This reader is a USB 2.0 capable reader but is based on connecting directly to computer systems through a high-speed PCI-Express bus.

It's well known from many others who tried to use other cheaper USB express card readers that would not work with the Sony SXS cards from the EX1. We were forced upon buying the Sony USB reader. This is due to the other USB expresscard readers were not PCIe based capable.
The Sony reader is PCIe based.

This thought had me thinking that the expresscard media adapters we're about to try, are not PCIe based and may not work.

After a bit of research, I found one expresscard media adapter (Compact Flash) that is PCIe based.... hmmm... This just may do the trick. They are claiming to be the first expresscard media adapter that is PCIe based. It's a $65 gamble. If all of our others fail, I'll take the gamble... Unless there are other takers.. LOL. Remember to use the fastest CF cards possible.

CFExpressPro+ PCIe ExpressCard to CompactFlash Memory Card Adapter 2.5Gbps, Synchrotech (http://www.synchrotech.com/products-expc/expresscard-memory-card-adapters_03-compactflash_pcie.html)

Delkin express card to compact flash adapter (Dave Morrison's post)

Please disregard my findings. I posted too soon without REALLY reading the entire thread and had not done the firmware update. Again, my apologies for any misleading info.

oK.. Steve I will order one today and test it if it dos not work I will keep and use it to off load my still pics from my Canon 5d's. I have a Sony 306x 46mb/s CF CARD. that I can test it with.

the best solution is to buy a Macbook Pro :-), slap a huge HDD in it, and be done.

the best solution is to buy a Macbook Pro :-), slap a huge HDD in it, and be done.

And that will fit on the cold shoe of my EX3 :) I think you've missed the point. These are substitutes for Sandisk and Sony SxS Expresscard media.

Yes, this thread is about using other memory cards in the PMW-EX1.

oK.. Steve I will order one today and test it if it dos not work I will keep and use it to off load my still pics from my Canon 5d's. I have a Sony 306x 46mb/s CF CARD. that I can test it with.

Thanks Brian,
let us know if it works.

Man, if that works, I like the idea of using Compact Flash!

BTW, here's the the detail on the Sony USB Reader.
http://www.creativevideo.co.uk/public/print_details.php?productID=4287

i haven't missed the point. I have on order two lexar 8gb SSDs, and will be getting
two 16gb cards in the next week. I am very interested in the SSD reader mentioned a few posts ago to use Cat 6 SD cards. These solutions really make getting this camera
a no brainer.

i haven't missed the point. I have on order two lexar 8gb SSDs, and will be getting
two 16gb cards in the next week. I am very interested in the SSD reader mentioned a few posts ago to use Cat 6 SD cards. These solutions really make getting this camera
a no brainer.


Scott when I tested the lexar 16gb cards I got errors with start & stop recording in SP MODE
I would stick wit the faster 8gb cards.

I have one on order its the Kensington 7 in 1 Media Reader for ExpressCard Slot" model number 33407EU W/ 8Gb Transcend class 6 SD cards will be testing it with the EX1 .

ok, i can get two more 8gb lexars. for weddings, SP mode is just fine. Too bad
Transcend's cards don't work.

OK...
I'm getting close..

The following Expresscard reader/writer works with the EX1, but....
PROExpress-7-Atech Flash Technology (http://www.atechflash.com/products-proexpress7.html)

But, I tried a Patriot SDHC 16GB Class 6 card and it was to slow.
I could get it to record in HQ and SP modes, but would error out if recording more than 20-30 seconds.
The card does not seem to be fast enough.

Does anyone know where there is a "shootout" on the fastest SD cards?
I've heard the SanDisk Extreme III SD cards are faster.
Does anyone have any info on this?
I'll be looking for another SD card to try tomorrow.

Also, If I can find an SD card that will be fast enough for at least HQ and SP modes, the good news is the SD cards fit in the expresscard adapter and still allow the EX1 memory compartment to close.

were you able to slide the door closed?

edit: nevermind, I actually bothered to read the whole post. It's late and I need to go to bed

Check this out,
Memory Hog Battlemodo: Among Many Fast SDHC Cards, Only One Is King of Speed (http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/memory-hog-battlemodo/among-many-fast-sdhc-cards--only-one-is-king-of-speed-278351.php)

it looks like Lexar Class 6 are quickest, Patriot slower - also be aware that the higher capacity cards sustain slower speeds, 8gb seems to be the best trade off with price/capacity/speed

Paul

Just recevied the Kensington adapter. I had a Transcend 16Gb Class 6 SDHC card already. Short tests gives me this:

720/50p: ok
720/25p: ok
1080/25p: ok
720/25p at 50 or 60 fps: media error after 10sec

Note that this is only a few minutes recording. Right now I have the camera running at 1080/25p and hope fill up the entire card. I'll get back with the result.

Did anyone checked A-Data? I just found the card surfing through some sites....A-DATA Technology (http://www.adata-group.com/de/products_category.php?ProductType=Peripheral&TypeUse=ExpressCard)

Using the Kensington adapter with Transcend 8 gb card in EX3 has worked fine in preliminary tests. Will really try to beat it to death later today, but so far recording fine in 1080i60 and 1080p24

Just recevied the Kensington adapter. I had a Transcend 16Gb Class 6 SDHC card already. Short tests gives me this:

720/50p: ok
720/25p: ok
1080/25p: ok
720/25p at 50 or 60 fps: media error after 10sec

Note that this is only a few minutes recording. Right now I have the camera running at 1080/25p and hope fill up the entire card. I'll get back with the result.

Marten did you try it with an EX1 or EX3

Also has any one tried the Panasonic cards
http://www.jr.com/panasonic/pe/PAN_RPSDV08GU1K/

how about 1080i/60?

Just recevied the Kensington adapter. I had a Transcend 16Gb Class 6 SDHC card already. Short tests gives me this:

720/50p: ok
720/25p: ok
1080/25p: ok
720/25p at 50 or 60 fps: media error after 10sec

Note that this is only a few minutes recording. Right now I have the camera running at 1080/25p and hope fill up the entire card. I'll get back with the result.

Thanks Marten.

Did you try it on an EX1, or EX3?

Well, I looked at your previous posts and determined it was probably and EX3.

More testing with the Kensington 7-in-1 and Transcend 8 gb card.

Filled just about the whole card with mostly 1080i60 footage. Not a single media error and footage was all fine-- no glitches.

this is the bomb. I am anxious to see what the other card does (the one that fits
flush). I am ready to jump on two of those.

Has anyone been able to try the Kensington adapter withTranscend 8 or 16Gb Class 6 SDHC
on the EX1?

please call me a moron (thank you). So what we you are saying is the Kensington 7 in 1 Media Reader for ExpressCard Slot" model number 33407EU with The 8Gb Transcend class 6 SD cards seem to work in the EX3 on most modes? Again is anyone reporting any problems in any of the modes of shooting on the EX3?

Obviously this is huge news. I am just about to order and the reason I ask is that I see a couple of Transcend cards one cheaper than the other both class 6. Do you have the model number of these cards? I am trying to get this thing up and running and this looks like a great option. This forum fascinates me...Thanks for the info guys!!!