Saving files to sdhc card and what does exec do?-and first use of A160A

[Rod Pike]

Hi all
Just finished my first shoot with the new ac160a after years with Sony.My work usually consists of very short clips, maybe 120 scenes per day. While sitting in my hotel room last night I thought I would protect all of the files shot that day. Now, it is easy to protect them individually but is there a way to block protect them while leaving the spare space on the card available for further shooting?

I had Barry's book with me, plus both manuals parts one and two. I thought the secret might be the EXEC button having selected all the clips. However, I could find no reference to the exec key in any of the books other than as a block delete. ( not a good plan!)
Any advice on how to do this as a block operation rather than clip by clip? I would also appreciate any reference as to where this might appear in any of the above books. (maybe it is time to see the optician again!)

Regarding use, it is a nice camera. The only strange quirk is how long it takes to establish white balance when in auto mode and moving around in very demanding and changing light conditions (industrial warehousing -mixed low level lighting etc.) However, I can live with it and it is incredibly versatile. It will work nicely as a run'n'gun camera but with the caveat of slow auto white balance.

Re the focussing /zoom fix. As I didn't have the problem obviously, as this is the new model I can only comment as follows: It seems to hold focus when zoomed and doesn,t go wandering off on its own ( so far anyway) The snap focus and zoom peeking focus work as described and are very nice to have.---all in all, I like it. (but help please with file protection without locking the card of course!)
Rod

[Rod Pike]

Hi again,
well judging from the 163 views and the deafening silence on this , either block protecting of clip files cannot be done without locking the card, or------------(x files music) the answer is out there! ( just not here!). Barry, Jan, you must have an answer or the World might really be flat! The EXEC button can be used for block delete, it would be great if it could be used for block protect all files on card, while leaving the card open for continued shooting.(or maybe it can already do this??) Maybe another firmware update? ( in the interests of health and safety, breath is not being held!)
Cheers!
Rod

[Barry_Green]

I'd love to answer but have been on the road continuously for, I think, 9 days now. I don't have any reference materials with me. Hopefully someone else can answer. Otherwise I can maybe get you an answer when I get back...

[Rod Pike]

I'd love to answer but have been on the road continuously for, I think, 9 days now. I don't have any reference materials with me. Hopefully someone else can answer. Otherwise I can maybe get you an answer when I get back...

Hi Barry,
thanks for the reply. I have your superb book of course and both 160a manuals and there is no reference to this possibility. I have also read the electronic on line manuals and nada!
This function would be great to have, let.s hope you can find out if we actually have it!
Thanks for the feedback.
Rod

[Jan_Crittenden]

Hi,

the only way you can protect what is on the card is to lock the card, which of course means that you cannot continue to record on it. Best recommendation is to offload the card at a convenient time, and make a backup while you are at it. Erase card, or just leave it unlocked. But if you are starting a fresh project, I would reformat the card afresh.

Best,

Jan


PS, just spotted this one, been traveling and on vacation.

[Jan_Crittenden]

O and starting on page 61 in the Second manual which is on that CD rom that is in the box, you will find out how to use that EXEC button for deleting clips.


Best,

jan

[Rod Pike]

Thanks Jan, yes I knew about the block delete using EXEC, but was hoping there might be a function to block lock all on the card. After all, you can block select for deletion but can only lock them individually. It seems logical that you should be able to block select for either lock or delete. It seems a missed opportunity when the button and most of the process is already in place. I bet it could be done with a firmware update! Maybe Panny engineeers might get interested in this for a future update. Anyway I can live with it I guess. If it is adopted just email me and I will give you my bank account to post the royalties and design IP fees!!! (haha, I wish!)
Cheers!
Rod