I have a 14 day assignment in Kenya coming up and need to travel light. I want to transfer/backup files from my SXS and SDHC cards to a portable drive, but do not want to take a laptop with me. (my 17" screen HP Pavilion is far too big)

Can anyone recommend a good portable drive that will allow data transfers either directly from the camera or via a USB card reader. I have an Epson P5000 portable viewer (80gb) which does work, but it's very slow.

Thank you

I had the same problem a while ago and looked for a decent device to off-load footage and create a back-up in a compact set-up.

I ended up with this small Asus N10JH-HV006E Netbook PC (http://www.misco.co.uk/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=382058&CatId=0). It has an Express Card Slot that allows you to download the SxS Pro Memory Cards. I also has a built-in SD/SDHC Card Reader (Great if you are using the MxR Adaptor). If you are using the nanoFlash then purchase the Delkin ExpressCard 34 CF Adaptor (http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/prod.asp?i=16783&1=Delkin+ExpressCard+34+CF+Adaptor) for downloading the CF Memory Cards.

I have Clip Browser and Vegas Pro Loaded for checking footage. This mini laptop has a graphics card if you use a different NLE. I like to transfer using Clip Browser with 'CRC Check' to three external Hard Drives (Back-Up the Back-Up of the Back Up). I am finding the LaCie Rugged
250GB Hard Drive (http://www.speedgraphic.co.uk/prod.asp?i=18465&1=LaCie+Rugged) reliable and cost effective.

I know it isn’t as portable as the Epson P-5000 but IMO if far more practical and versatile, not to mention cost effective in the long run.

Hope it helps a bit.

Sounds like one of the Nexto boxes would work well for you.

Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodiusa.com/video_storage_pro.htm)

The NVS-2500 can even playback footage on it's integral screen, the 2725 is a more basic model but fully supports backup from SxS.

Now that’s versatility in a small package! How much are they?

couldn't find to buy in the states the mentioned netbook but the white lenovo ideapad is selling for 300 dollars on amazon and has an expresscard slot and features an atom processor to compensate for smaller battery. 3-4 hours reviewed battery on wide open screen brightness wifi and bluetooth on, streaming lots of videos. Closing all that down to just dump footage surely will get you lots of life. I'm heavily considering it. It's the only netbook with expresscard slot i could find here in the states unless someone else knows of a better one.

couldn't find to buy in the states the mentioned netbook but the white lenovo ideapad is selling for 300 dollars on amazon and has an expresscard slot and features an atom processor to compensate for smaller battery. 3-4 hours reviewed battery on wide open screen brightness wifi and bluetooth on, streaming lots of videos. Closing all that down to just dump footage surely will get you lots of life. I'm heavily considering it. It's the only netbook with expresscard slot i could find here in the states unless someone else knows of a better one.

List of Asus Suppliers in the USA (http://promos.asus.com/wheretobuy/US/NB_us.htm?prod=NB&ctry=US)

Hope that helps!

The Fujitsu Amilo 3520 has an express card slot and 60gb hard drive.
AMILO Mini Ui 3520 - Small & light mini-notebook, colorful clip-on covers - Fujitsu (http://ts.fujitsu.com/home/products/notebooks/amilo_mini_ui_3520.html)

I have one of these running OS-X. Picked it up on ebay brand new for £90. Works great.

Sorry, wasn't really clear there, I think it's that they sell certain models, in the states and then certain models across the pond. That particular model not included in the states. I may be wrong though as I haven't fully researched it. When looking I ran across this lenovo which is pretty freakin awesome though on specs.

Amazon.com: Lenovo Ideapad S10-1311UW 10.2-Inch White Netbook: Computer & Accessories (http://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-Ideapad-S10-1311UW-10-2-Inch-Netbook/dp/B001TLVSZK/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top)

I would still go with the Nexto box over a laptop. One step backups, no need for USB drives and cables, much simpler.

Thank you all for the suggestions, the Nexto does seem to be the best option.

I was also worried about putting my EX3 into the hold of the aircraft, as my Kata CC197 bag is too big for the cabin. After much experimenting I can make the camera fit into a Kata CC193 bag, this size is OK for the cabin. Just remove all the partition walls and the camera will fit, its not ideal but I would rather handle my gear that see it thrown onto a conveyor belt.

I would rather handle my gear that see it thrown onto a conveyor belt.

Totally agree!

the Nexto does seem to be the best option.

I'm thinking of a couple for myself!

Enjoy your trip Vincent!

Ok, I'm now interested in the Nexto.

However, some notes, after researching, if you want one that truly supports sxs cards, your options shoot into the thousands. The only ones with an actual expresscard port in the unit that is. Of course that one actually allows you to preview the clips which is nice.

Nexto DI | Nexto Video Pro Storage Device (320GB) | NVS2500320 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/635401-REG/Nexto_DI_NVS2500320_Nexto_Video_Pro_Storage.html#specifications)

The only one that says it supports sxs on the cheaper end are the black models which require the sony reader which you need to plug into the wall which defeats the purpose here are the links to that model and the sony adapter for pricing ideas....

Nexto DI | Nexto Video Storage Device (160GB) | NESV-ND27251654 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/592214-REG/Nexto_DI_NESV_ND27251654_Nexto_Video_Storage_Device.html)

SBAC-US10 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=SBAC-US10&N=0&InitialSearch=yes)


HOWEVER, I'm wondering if I have a usb cable hooked up to the cheapest models, which mentions nothing of SxS support, and keep it in my backpack and rip the footage by hooking it up to the camera through the USB port and rip whatever inactive card down while rolling then verify its on the drive and then format the card without ever removing the cards. Could it work? I might take the dive and get this to see if it does. Check this out....granted I'm trying to find something cheaper than the 160GB Netbook I mentioned above from Lenovo which has an expresscard slot. So what do yall think will the following work?

Nexto DI | Nexto eXtreme (160GB) | NESE-ND270160G | B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/592208-REG/Nexto_DI_NESE_ND270160G_Nexto_eXtreme_160GB_.html)



-Nate

To answer my question, I went to their own site....duh, should have done that from the get go.

YES you can backup from anything you can hook up to its USB port. As listed here on their site.

Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodiusa.com/extreme.htm)

This will be perfect as I can also offload photos from my DSLR through the Compact Flash port.

I'll report back after I order one and get it in. I may call in just to be on the safe side to verify there aren't any issues.

now that i kept digging i'm back to questioning it.

It appears that even if you get the more expensive black version which officially supports it and you only do this through USB instead of the extra adapter, it only supports port A in your EX which isn't acceptable. So if that's all you get out of the more expensive unit, then who knows what the cheaper extreme unit will do.

reading info.

Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/en/product/ND2725_en.html)

You might just want to wait a few more weeks and get a PXU-MS240 when they start shipping.

PXU-MS240 Mobile Storage Unit From Sony (http://www.storagenewsletter.com/news/disk/sony-pxu-ms240-mobile-storage-unit)

I can't say enough good things about the Nexto NVS2500. I took one on a recent shoot to Costa Rica, and had zero problems offloading hours of SxS, SDHC and CompactFlash footage shot with the EX1 (including the CD NanoFlash) and Panasonic GH1. The only real issue is that the unit can't playback the Nano or GH1 footage, only native EX1 and P2 clips.

But it was exactly what I needed for that trip, and for upcoming trips as well.

--SM

Nice to know you can off-load nanoFlash footage onto it!

The Fujitsu Amilo 3520 has an express card slot and 60gb hard drive.
AMILO Mini Ui 3520 - Small & light mini-notebook, colorful clip-on covers - Fujitsu (http://ts.fujitsu.com/home/products/notebooks/amilo_mini_ui_3520.html)

I have one of these running OS-X. Picked it up on ebay brand new for £90. Works great.

Sorry to hijack , how easy was it to get it to run OS-X and what version are you running?

I was thinking of getting the Sony SBAC-US10 SXS Card Reader to offload the clips I recorded at my Weddings. I don't need to offload during the wedding, just when I arrive home afterwards.
I use the EX3 to copy from the SxS cards to the PC but it takes a long time to offload a 32gb and two 8gb cards.

I don't have a laptop, perhaps it would be a better buy than the card reader?

Is there any other device on the market that lets you copy the SxS cards to the PC faster than the camera.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Anthony,

I don’t own nor have I used the Sony SxS Card Reader so can’t comment on it’s speed or performance. Furthermore I have never connected the camera to the PC in order to download clips either but would assume that is the slowest method. Downloading on to my laptop is quite slow and often, make a cup of tea while it is doing so.

If I was in your position I’d purchase the Sony SxS Card Reader apposed to a laptop.

(Sorry for the delay in replying but I’ve been away)

Anthony - don't know if it matters to you, but the Sony SBAC-US10 will NOT work with the SDHC card adapters.

I wonder if their card reader will work with their new memory stick adaptors? You would thinks so...

If I was in your position I’d purchase the Sony SxS Card Reader apposed to a laptop.

(Sorry for the delay in replying but I’ve been away)

Thanks Paul, no worries :)... the card reader is cheaper than the laptop but I'm starting to wonder, its about half the price of a laptop, well, the one i was looking at. One with a eSATA port and this would let me copy/offload direct to my external H.Drive. Just a thought.



Kevin, I didn't know that, thanks. I don't know but you would think it would work with the new memory stick adaptors.


Anthony - don't know if it matters to you, but the Sony SBAC-US10 will NOT work with the SDHC card adapters.

I wonder if their card reader will work with their new memory stick adaptors? You would thinks so...

I struggled with what to do for in field transfers too. Since I use FCP, I didn't want to go the PC route. What I ultimately decided on was a 13" Mac Book Pro. It's small enough to travel in my camera bag. I can do full editing on it - screen size and processor speed are quite adequate. Battery-life is great.

To me the Nexto NVS2500 is just too pricey for me. And an external battery? Come on! A fully loaded MBP 13" is a lot cheaper. Less portable for sure, but it can do a lot more. I need a computer on trips anyways to check email, so it's not extra equipment.

The Nexto 2700 would be an option in a pinch. But having one button for both copy and delete scares me. Couldn't they have spent a little extra for another button? Or a way to disable deleting completely. Plus, I want some visual confirmation of the copy.

I would still go with the Nexto box over a laptop. One step backups, no need for USB drives and cables, much simpler.

Alister, this is why the only netbook or laptop I would suggest is one with an expresscard slot. Pull up Clip browser and then shut the laptop. when you need to dump in the field just open the laptop, insert card and copy. Plus expresscard is so nice and fast compared to USB transfers. Also, we are talking about 300-400 dollars (US) for one of these compared to the pricey Nexto or $2000+ Sony will charge for their little box. I personally just carry my 15" MBP and rip down with expresscard slot. Unfortunately apple doesn't sell this model anymore. I have been thinking of getting one these netbooks simply as a dump station for on-the-go shooting. It's small and light in the backpack and keeps me from taking my $2000+ laptop everywhere.