SxS and EX1R: the ultimate way to save

[abereut]

(...)Every time someone comes up with a great idea, especially on how to save money, there is always someone else out there in the woodwork to criticize or find fault.(...)

Lets keep things straight: the idea to combine EX1R with USB to express card adapter and HD is indeed a great one , but it is not mine. My contribution is to show INEXPENSIVE way to implement it.

(...)I have an EX1 with Firmware V1.11. Can I use your set up with that version, or do I "HAVE" to upgrade? I ask, because if I do have to, I would rather send it in to Sony for that. Too many horror stories from others that have tried it themselves. I can't risk a $1,500.oo repair bill.(...)

Having EX1R cameras, I was only experimenting with EX1 once, last May. It had 1.2 firmware and the set-up worked on 80GB drive. Look: eventually, you will upgrade your firmware anyway. So right now, I wouldn't wait to order a couple of USB to Express Card adapters. I am sure you can easily find a usb–powered drive and appropriate cable within your stuff or among friends so you can give it a try. If it works – fine, you're in. If your camera will not see the large drive attached – here where firmware upgrade will help.
The question most users ask themselves "Should I do the upgrade by myself or should I sent the camera to Sony for it?" is a good one. From my experience, the procedure of upgrading is well documented and pretty straight forward. That was the first thing I did after my cameras were delivered from B&H. At that point I was not aware yet about multiple horror stories. Well, may be this is the case when the absence of knowledge helps, but I upgraded firmware on two cameras in no time and without any problem.
Take a look at this video (http://vimeo.com/10106072). It might bring back your confidence.

(...)I am hoping your system with overcome all these problems.

What problems..? That suppose to be my line!..

[George D.]

Dear Abereut,

I cannot thank you enough for the information which lead to me being able to set up this external hard drive to our Sony EX1. As you said, everything cost me less than $100.oo and it was so incredibly easy to put together and set up, it's amazing. "Easy" and "simple", are the methods more needed in this age of overwhelming technological complications.

I needed something that would give me longer recording times, and this is definitely the answer. I can get 5 hours out of this system, non-stop, and that is exactly what I wanted.

Getting the card adapter into the camera slot the first time was a little tricky. It took a little stronger of a push than I would have liked, but it finally went in and now works great.

The way I have set it up, and the way it works, reminds me of our Red-One with the Red Drive perched on top of the camera.

Before I could do all this, I had the firmware upgraded three levels to get it to v1.25 (it was v1.11), as you had suggested.

Anyway, I have high hopes that this system will now give me the kind or recording time I need for our projects without breaking down and faulting like so many of these other "technological wonders" do now days.

Now, the only thing that remains is if I can come up with a method to increase the quality of the footage coming from our Sony EX1 "without" spending the kind of money required to purchase a nanoFlash.

Thanks again, and my best wishes to you.

.

[George D.]

Lets keep things straight: the idea to combine EX1R with USB to express card adapter and HD is indeed a great one , but it is not mine. My contribution is to show INEXPENSIVE way to implement it.



Having EX1R cameras, I was only experimenting with EX1 once, last May. It had 1.2 firmware and the set-up worked on 80GB drive. Look: eventually, you will upgrade your firmware anyway. So right now, I wouldn't wait to order a couple of USB to Express Card adapters. I am sure you can easily find a usb–powered drive and appropriate cable within your stuff or among friends so you can give it a try. If it works – fine, you're in. If your camera will not see the large drive attached – here where firmware upgrade will help.
The question most users ask themselves "Should I do the upgrade by myself or should I sent the camera to Sony for it?" is a good one. From my experience, the procedure of upgrading is well documented and pretty straight forward. That was the first thing I did after my cameras were delivered from B&H. At that point I was not aware yet about multiple horror stories. Well, may be this is the case when the absence of knowledge helps, but I upgraded firmware on two cameras in no time and without any problem.
Take a look at this video (http://vimeo.com/10106072). It might bring back your confidence.




What problems..? That suppose to be my line!..

Well, I didn't want to take any chances, so I had TEK Media, in Southern California, upgrade the firmware for me, at a ridiculous cost of $285.oo, because it had to go up three levels. Next time, I "will" do it myself. We all live and learn.

On that note, I just want to say to anyone interested, that while TEK did the upgrades fast, their return shipping methods suck big time. I was VERY unhappy with the way they packaged my EX1 for the return. It was sloppily, loosely packed, and barely padded with bubble wrap, and by the time the box got to me it looked like someone had sat on it. If my camcorder is not damaged I will be truly amazed, but time will tell. When I send equipment in to a company to be repaired, I expect professional equipment to be handled professionally by professionals, but this was NOT the case. Their treatment of my camera shows a complete disregard and lack of consideration for their customers. I will NOT be doing business with them again.

Anyway, thanks again for everything.

.

[Lor]

Will someone recommend a good and reliable portable hard drive for this? I'm thinking about it.

[abereut]

Lor,
Please read the top of this thread. It has all information you might need. And more.

[abereut]

...Just want to inform everyone who is interested that after updating EX1R firmware to v.1.30 my camera is still very happy with 320GB 2.5" Hitachi Travelstar attached, no oddities to report.
Happy shooting!

[sadude]

I have a wing permanently attached to the baseplate on my camera where I normally mount my Nanoflash on a cold shoe. Putting this recorder on it would be a slide in affair.

Attachment 34541

There have to be a dozen other options too.

That is some rig you have there. It's absolutely loaded with wish list items. How did you find the sg blade? if that is an SG blade adaptor.