Can you tell me exactly what to buy?

[filmtovideo]

I want to edit P2 footage on my MacBookPro. P2 cards will not go into the
MacBookPro so one vendor told me that I need a P2 store in between the P2 cards
and the laptop.

I've since learned that I can forget about the P2 cards and buy a Firestore that will
serve to record footage and load into the computer.


I shoot short 10-20 minute films and probably have 2-3
hours raw footage for each. If I edited one at a time, in addition to the Firestore
what kind and size external drive would I need? I've typically used Lacie 250 GB
drives for my Mini-DV projects. I currently have Final Cut Express. I believe that
I will have to get Final Cut Pro. I'm ready to write the check for the camera but
I want to know first what else I'll need and how much it should cost.

Do I need the P2 store for anything?

I really appreciate any help!

[THoff]

You can also connect the camera to the Mac using a Firewire connection, let it mount as a removeable drive, and download the video that way.

It means you can't continue shooting because the HVX needs to be switched from recording mode to MCR mode, but it works.

[David Saraceno]

FCExpress won't work with DVCProHD footage.

For a MacBook Pro, you will need FCP 5.1.x which is the Universal Binary version. You might consider adding a ExpressCard/34 firewire card.

The FS-100 is a good purchase.

Also, max out the RAM on the MBP. I'm not a huge fan of Lacie FW drives.

I would consider wiebetech.com or G-Tech instead.

[filmtovideo]

You can also connect the camera to the Mac using a Firewire connection, let it mount as a removeable drive, and download the video that way.

It means you can't continue shooting because the HVX needs to be switched from recording mode to MCR mode, but it works.

Does the camera have a Firewire that will go into a Firewire 400 port because my
MacBookPro does not have the 800 port?

[filmtovideo]

FCExpress won't work with DVCProHD footage.

For a MacBook Pro, you will need FCP 5.1.x which is the Universal Binary version. You might consider adding a ExpressCard/34 firewire card.

The FS-100 is a good purchase.

Also, max out the RAM on the MBP. I'm not a huge fan of Lacie FW drives.

I would consider wiebetech.com or G-Tech instead.

Even if I max out the RAM, I still clearly am going to need the storage space of
an external drive-is that correct? The RAM is more for helping Final Cut Pro to
work
efficiently, is that correct?

I looked at G-tech. They have a 500Gb Raid that seems pretty cool. That would
hold about a bit over four hours of footage I believe.

Haven't checked out the other one yet.

Could I be in business with a. a Firestore b. a 500 GB external drive c. maximum
RAM d. Final Cut Pro latest version ? Is editing with a MacBookPro (which I
already have) sensible ? (because I can't really afford to buy a new Mac Pro)

What is an ExpressCard/34 Firewire card and why should I get one?

If I can figure this out, and it looks like I can indeed edit successfully with my
laptop then I'm buying that camera! If you can help me sort it all out, THANKS!

[THoff]

Does the camera have a Firewire that will go into a Firewire 400 port because my
MacBookPro does not have the 800 port?Yes, you don't need FW800 for the HVX.

[gunleik]

I have mixed results of recording directly to my 2,16 MBP with a 7200 HD, but after I bought a FW 800 card for it, so that I could have the HVX on a separate bus from the HD, it's been pretty smooth.

This is of course due to the fact that my HD is always too full...

I do prefer the FS-100 route by far, though, especially as I don't have to gaff my computer to a jib.

Gunleik