I'm considering getting a portable storage device to dump cards onto when I'm in the field. I've searched high and low for recent info on portable storage devices like the Hyperdrive, the Nexto and the like. I am weighing this against two other options: just buying more CF cards, or schlepping along a laptop and a card reader. I'm primarily a photo guy, and my Canon 1-series bodies both have two card slots, so there's piece of mind in having a second copy of every photo in the field. But obviously the XF camcorders (when set to do seamless relay recording) only save one copy of the video.

So what are you folks doing for piece of mind in the field?

I have some other options than the ones below with the EX1r because it uses express cards but the principle is the same: Sleep comes much faster when the data is in two places.

Inexpensive Nexto plus enough CF cards to hold all your footage

OR

More expensive Nexto model that supports external drive plus USB drive

OR

Computer and G-Drive 1TB Mini Raid

OR

Computer and internal and external drive

Hi Steve,

I shot all day at a ranch last week and I only had 2 16G cards. But I brought along my Nexto DI Nexto eXtreme (500GB) ND270500G B&H Photo Video

Aside for the occasional dust, the Nexto worked great!

But like Les said, I'd go with a Nexto along with enough CF cards to last you the day.

Best,

I'm considering getting a portable storage device to dump cards onto when I'm in the field. I've searched high and low for recent info on portable storage devices like the Hyperdrive, the Nexto and the like. I am weighing this against two other options: just buying more CF cards, or schlepping along a laptop and a card reader. I'm primarily a photo guy, and my Canon 1-series bodies both have two card slots, so there's piece of mind in having a second copy of every photo in the field. But obviously the XF camcorders (when set to do seamless relay recording) only save one copy of the video.

So what are you folks doing for piece of mind in the field?

Well, the XF 100 can record to both cards at the same time, so you get dual copies of the footage.

While I don't use my hyperdrive too often since I usually bring my laptop with two internal drives, the hyperdrive does come in handy once in a while when I can't bring the laptop. If you have the money and want a true peace of mind, get more cards, and a nexto/hyperdrive. You'll sleep sound at night. :)