What would be the better choice, P2 cards or Firestore FS100?

B

BLUESPIDER

DVXuser Ninja
Which would be more relaible? I'm leaning more towards the firestore since I can store more plus its only a few hundred diffrence in price compared to a 8gig P2 card.

Firestore FS100 100gigs - $1800

or

8gig P2 card - $1200


I need some advice. Thanks
 
It really all depends on what you plan to shoot and produce. What fits your shooting style and workflow?
Jim
 
Jim,

I basically want to use it for everything from, filming concerts, music videos, to features, etc. My only concern is what's more realiable. I heard problems from both P2 and firestore. I need something with less techincal stress.
 
I shoot with both. Use the cards when needing to shoot 720/24pn and the Firestore for everything else. Since the firmware upgrade to 3.0 for the Firestore I can now use the FS-100 for everything. If you are a run and gun kind of shooter the Firestore may get in your way. It is bulkier. Personally I don't have a problem with that and do my fair share of run and gun when needed. As far as problems... they have been non-existent with cards or Firestore. If you do go with the Firestore I recommend going with the Zacuto baseplate and rods along with a Noga arm. This will give you a place to attach the FS-100 and cut down on an accidental disconnection issues regarding the firewire cable from camera to hard drive. I use a Velcro strap to secure the firewire cable to the Noga arm. never had it disconnect. Of course this added equipment equates to added weight. I am not disappointed by my cards or the Firestore. So again, it depends on what makes you comfortable.

I have a feeling my 3- 8 gig P2 cards are going to be gathering dust in the weeks and months ahead.
Jim
 
Figure out what the max length of your shoots will be and match that to how much footage you can fit on cards and the FS.

I think the FS is the safer bet. The last thing you need is to run out of space before the job is done. I'd rather have 100GB than 16GB, as I do since I went with the FS.
 
If you order the 8GB P2 cards from Europe, they will be considerably cheaper -- I think about $600 (haven't done the exact math).
 
I've used the firestore and loved it...however, there are a few things to watch out for:

1. You tether it to the HVX with a firewire cable. Even though we were pretty careful, somehow we broke the firewire connector on the firestore. I called one of the bigger rental houses in my town and they don't carry them for this very reason. They told me they got broke fairly often. It was repaired under warranty.

2. Noise - they have a variable rate fan in them. We picked up a lot of fan noise on our last shoot and was difficult to remove.
 
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