I'm working with a Varicam 3700 later this week and will need to download and back up files before sending the P2 cards themselves off to the client. I will be renting a P2 card reader through its probably pretty old - Uses firewire.
I could find out the model # if needed.

What software do I need to be able to download and back up the cards on Mac laptop OS 10.8.2 mountain Lion?

Thanks

Hey Leonard,
You probably want to download Panasonic P2 software like P2CMS and see if there are any drivers to recognize the cards or the machine you are hooking up.

Panasonic Support Software Downloads for Professional Video (http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/support/software.asp)

While there is other software which will convert the footage you don't "need" it. If the cards mount then you really can just use Copy and Paste to copy the card files. Check the copies with the Panasonic software or in your editing software if it is installed on the laptop.

A couple of tips. Always lock out the record button before mounting the cad on Mac. Just copy the Contents and Last Txt files into a named folder for the card on the Hard drive don't rename or dig into the file structure underneath that level.

Thanks Daniel,
I was an early adopter of the HVX200 so i'm used to P2 cards but jumped ship for Sony quite a few years ago. Just wanted to know what software I needed to update.
I did go to the Panny website and downloaded P2CMS, P2 driver and P2 viewer. so i should be covered but i won't know till start downloading on the job.

Hey Leonard,
Older adapters may have more issues with newer computers so it is a good idea to check things are working before you are stuck on location. If you are converting the footage to other formats or making simultaneous multiple copies there are commercial products which you can buy but you are probably covered with the basics. Panasonic does have a single slot card reader with USB 2.0 connections which I use reliably

Panasonic AJ-PCD2GPJ Single-Slot P2 Memory Card Drive AJ-PCD2GPJ

. Only downside is it uses 2 USB slots so you have to plan your harddrive connections to laptops which only have two USB spigots. A firewire drive connection works well. Some Producers are giving my USB 3 drives for transferring which can be a bit of a juggling act.

A handy hint is that you can buy or borrow and old mac powerbook with a PCMIA slot and use that too, I have an old one with firewire 400 for the ext hard drive and can plug the cards straight into it.

The software is available from panasonic or should come with the camera.