I'm wondering what the latest recommendations are for tapeless recording to the XH A1 or XH A1s?

I bought one of the first XH A1 units a few years back. I like using this camera and I like the video quality it gives me.

Also, I don't mind the tape back up as I don't shoot more than 4 to 5 tapes a month on average.

However, lately I've noticed the tape eject mechanism to be slow and I'm guessing I'm going to have to have some work done on it(the tape eject system) in the near future. The eject system seems to be a weak system at best and I'm guessing repairing the eject system to be quite costly.

So, I'm looking at tapeless systems again for my XH A1...using firewire would be my guess.

Suggestions?

Tx for the time taken.

FWIW,

I'm not a pro but I make a bit of $$$ from this....unfortunately, not enough to change systems or I'd probably go Panasonic AG-AF100 or Canon XF 300.

Again...suggestions for tapeless for my XH A1?

Tx

Hardly the latest technology, but I use a Firestore FS-4HDPRO 60Gb HDD with my XH-A1 on occasion. It works fine but I would go for a card based recorder if I were getting one now.

For the XH A1 you'd have to use the firewire since it doesn't have SDI or HDMI.

When I had an XH A1 and XL H1a i used the Sony MRC-1K. Records to compact flash cards and runs off of a Sony battery. Worked great. Use the Sony software for stitching files back together for long recordings. I lost track of the largest cards you can use in them now but if you could use one of the 64GB cards you'd get a long record time.
You can find them used every now and then. B&H has a new one for $749.

sony hvr-mrc1 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Ntt=sony+hvr-mrc1&N=0&InitialSearch=yes)

-Garrett

Check out this 'data video dn-60' , good price too.
DATAVIDEO DN-60 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&N=0&Q=&Ntt=DATAVIDEO+DN-60&A=endecaSearch)

I use the DATAVIDEO DN-60 with my canon and it works great. Several 3 hr continuous shots and uploads onto computer with no issues.

Mike, what kind of flash card did you use ? 32G or 64G to get over 3 hr.

I use the 64gb Transcend - Compact Flash 400x 64GB Memory Card with no problems. I also have the 32g card as backup but have not used it yet. Also use lithium AA batteries because of multi hours usage. Std alkaline batteries only last up to two hours in the DN-60.

Hi there,
I am thinking on purchasing the focus fs-5 or fs-cf recorder.

Any advice on the best one to go for? To be used with Canon XHA1 & XHA1s.

Thanks
Wayne

I just ordered the Maxell iVDR VC102 for my XH A1s.

Maxell iVDR VC102 Video Capture Device w/250GB EX Cartridge B&H

Hi Richard,

Once you get the recorder could you post your thoughts to me as I would be very interested in your views.

Regards
Wayne

Wayne,


I see you posted about the FS-CF v. FS-5 a while back, but your most recent post makes it seem like you may not have purchased anything yet.

If that's the case, here's my 2 cents. If I'm not mistaken you'll need to go with the FS-CF which is made specifically for Canon cameras. It will capture all the formats the XH can put out. I've been using one for about a year and have no complaints.

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the reply back. No I haven't purchased one yet still unsure which one to go with. The price tag is putting me off the Canon one which you rightly say the FS-CF is solely for the Canon.

Everyone is going on about the Datavideo DN-60 but I'm worried about the reliability of it as I shoot mainly weddings and a little worried it doesn't capture that shot you wanted.

Helpppp!!!! :o)

Hi Wayne,
It seems you missed my post in the Datavideo DN-60 section ;-)
http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/datavideo-dn-xx-series-recorders/480494-time-start-talking-about-dn-60-a-3.html#post1642398
Stany

Hi Stany,

Thanks for letting me know about your reply and yes I did miss it, sorry ;O(

I think you have made me make up my mind it has to be the Canon FS-CF. I did have my doubts regarding the reliability of the DN-60.

Thank you so much for your feedback it very much appreciated.

Hi Wayne,

You won't regret buying the FS CF Pro. I've done some more testing and it really works excellent! No problems at all! Highly recommended (especially after my experiences with the DN-60...).
In the mean time I tested it with the original Firestore mount which is quite good but if you are using tape and you want to rewind the tape with the controls on the cam.handle then you will need to remove 2 small screws first.... For me this is no problem as I will record to CF most of the time.
With the camera mount it is a bit more difficult to carry the camera but it's still manageable. Maybe other people around here have better mounting solutions?
I also suggest you to compare the FS CF and FS CF Pro, the Pro has some nice extras.
Stany

Stany you have me all excited now ;o) I want it and I want it now! Dear me I think I should calm down.

Thank you for all your input I will be going for the FS-CF Pro now as it does sound a more reliable unit than the DN-60. The only thing I'm a little worried about now is the weight of all the extra's on the camera itself.
I already have a Comer Led light on, Sennheiser Receiver plus the Rode Shotgun Mic. I need arms like Popeye I think.

Thanks once again
Wayne

Hi Wayne,


The unit is not really heavy at all. I don't notice it when using the XH and I go handheld almost all the time.

I've been using a sony hvr-dr60 with my xh-a1 the past 2 years and been very happy with it. The only disadvantage it has that it takes about 12 seconds to start up but other then that it has been rock solid. It also works really well together with the canon. I can even record to the dr60 using the camera record button only without having a mini-dv cassette in the camera but I always use a cassette as backup, just in case.