Convergent design flash xdr

tonykart125

tonykart125

Active member
I heard about this product through abel cine. Pretty neat lets you record to 4:2:2. That being said, has anyone on here had any real life experience? The site says shipping now...

Abel said the proto they had would randomly power off and you would lose all your footage... EEEEEEEk

It would be cool to discuss this product in further depth.
 
I've used two of the XDRflash recorders on a recent aerial shoot (connected to a couple of Iconix cameras) and had no problems at all. They were still in beta form a month ago, but are making frequent updates to the firmware (easily done via the web), so whatever issue Abel's had probably has been addressed by now. There is a lengthy list of posts on the other forum if you need more info, or check with C-D's website for links and info. My initial reaction was it is a good product. I'm looking forward to their Nana flash, which is a smaller, less featured and cheaper unit.

If you're shooting with an EX1 or similar HD camera and need HD-SDI output, this is a very cost effective way to go. Whether you need that higher data rate and whether it is noticeably better than the already excellent output of the EX1 onto XDCam is really up to the requirements of each particular job and your personal preferences.

For me, the XDRflash is a low-cost HDSDI recorder that fills a niche that only the Panasonic field recorder held. As with any electronic device, there are bugs. I had an otherwise flawless Sony SxS card fail on me for the first time in a year recently, so things do happen.
 
Also note that Convergent-Design will be releasing the NanoFlash after NAB. It will lack the secondary audio inputs of the FlashXDR and only accept 2 CF cards rather than 4 cards. But it will be priced at $3500 rather than $5000. I will be reviewing the FlashXDR after it appears, so stay tuned. Meanwhile, these products provide a means of achieving 100 mps LongGOP 4:2:2 MPEG files. While it will also be possible with fast CF cards and a firmware upgrade to record 160 mbps i-frame, Convergent Design contends that the 100 mps longGop will actually be better quality.

Hope to be shooting some test footage on my EX cameras this week with a FlashXDR.
 
soltz that is really interesting. I have heard about the mentioned piece before. Let me know what your findings are this week. Very exciting!
 
Is it possible to record to the internal cards at the same time?
Just in case the external flash device fails?
 
PLayed with this today at Videoforum at Earls Court. Its HUGE!

I expected to see something the size of a firestore but its about three times the size. So no good for me which is a shame. trying to use it handheld would be a no goer.

I will wait to see the nano flash, which I thought would be smaller than a firestore but now expect it to be bigger.
 
Steve Shovlar said:
PLayed with this today at Videoforum at Earls Court. Its HUGE!

I expected to see something the size of a firestore but its about three times the size. So no good for me which is a shame. trying to use it handheld would be a no goer.

I will wait to see the nano flash, which I thought would be smaller than a firestore but now expect it to be bigger.
Click to expand...

Hi Steve-
Actually the nanoFlash will be smaller than a Firestore. Our final box dimensions are 4.2x3.7x1.4" (107x94x36mm). It is an 80% reduction in size (as measured by volume) over the Flash XDR. It also uses about 1/2 the power (7 Watts) and it's less than 1/3 the weight (under 1lb). It only supports embedded audio, but it does have both HDMI and HD-SDI I/O. Also, only 2 Compact Flash slots, but that's ample for most applications (besides 64GB CF cards are now becoming available).

We expect to be in debug in a few weeks. Since we're reusing 95% of the technology from Flash XDR, we expect to be in production in April.

Best-
Mike Schell
Convergent Design
 
HI Mike that sounds a much better bet for me. The guys at Videoforum gave me a good demo. It was just not the right product for mebecause of the size. i will look forward to seeing the nano.
 
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Mike Schell said:
Hi Steve-
Actually the nanoFlash will be smaller than a Firestore. Our final box dimensions are 4.2x3.7x1.4" (107x94x36mm). It is an 80% reduction in size (as measured by volume) over the Flash XDR. It also uses about 1/2 the power (7 Watts) and it's less than 1/3 the weight (under 1lb). It only supports embedded audio, but it does have both HDMI and HD-SDI I/O. Also, only 2 Compact Flash slots, but that's ample for most applications (besides 64GB CF cards are now becoming available).

We expect to be in debug in a few weeks. Since we're reusing 95% of the technology from Flash XDR, we expect to be in production in April.

Best-
Mike Schell
Convergent Design
Click to expand...

That is fantastic, the size of the XDR was the only thing not to like and the nano is a totally workable portable size. HDMI as well? Thats also great, does this mean you could use it like a HD-SDI to HDMI converter as well?

Have you thought of mounting the XDR and/or Nano as a Vmount, so the Flash mounts to the camera on its vmount, then the Vmount batter attaches to the Flash. Then the Flash can take its power straight from the Vmount battery too. All it would need is the SDI cable in for pure HD-SDI connections.
 
GuyB said:
That is fantastic, the size of the XDR was the only thing not to like and the nano is a totally workable portable size. HDMI as well? Thats also great, does this mean you could use it like a HD-SDI to HDMI converter as well?

Have you thought of mounting the XDR and/or Nano as a Vmount, so the Flash mounts to the camera on its vmount, then the Vmount batter attaches to the Flash. Then the Flash can take its power straight from the Vmount battery too. All it would need is the SDI cable in for pure HD-SDI connections.
Click to expand...

Hi Guy-
Yes, you can use the nanoFlash as an HDMI -> HD-SDI or HD-SDI -> HDMI converter, as well as a recorder/player. It's really a very versatile box.

We looked at this possible mounting, but it would force us to use a very small LCD screen, since you only have the side of the box visible. We really need a reasonable size screen to show all the information for both record and playback. In playback mode for example we display the file name and the starting time code for each clip.

I really think you will be able to velcro the nanoFlash onto the side of the camera or carry it in a pouch on you belt. We are working on a mounting plate for a standard Sony 7.2V Lithium battery, which should provide over 2 hours record time. The total weight including this battery should be under 1.5 lbs (about 0.6 kg). So, it should not be too much of a burden to carry on your belt, in a backpack or strapped to the side of the camera.

Best-
Mike Schell
 
The advanatage of the sandwich approach is not just one of convienience of mounting the box easily and neatly on camera, but also the simplity of powering it (being able to draw power straight from the camera. Almost as 'neat' as the SxS recorder of JVCs which they are making for their HD700 etc.

I appreciate the issue of reduced room for controls & display though, I did think about that after I posted. Maybe this is something for the future for you guys. Maybe even the option of a removable or detachable control panel. Once set up on camera I am sure there are many times you don't need more than a few status lights or reduced display feature set on the side of the device, especially a nano which is a bit cut back anyway

Just thinking out aloud.
 
Hi Guy-
To be honest, I think the best setup is a simple pouch clipped to your belt. The nanoFlash + battery easily fits in an IDX battery pouch that clips on your belt (via velcro straps). You can tie-wrap the HD-SDI cable and remote cable together and run to your camera. The remote start/stop has a built in tally light, so you get confirmation that the nanoFlash is recording. It's a real simple setup and allows your to take off the nanoFlash to use for clip review.

The small 7.2V Li-Ion battery provides about 2 hours record time and weights about 1/2 lb (200 grams).

Best-
Mike Schell
 
But then you are always tethered to your camera. What happens when you need to adjust a light or something?

I agree with Guy. Being able to easily and securly mount it to the camera would be a MAJOR selling point. Maybe mount it the same way Sony mounts their hard drive on the EX1/EX3? (is it a hot shoe mount....can't remember)

Sounds like it's going to be a great product though. :)
 
MitchLewis said:
But then you are always tethered to your camera. What happens when you need to adjust a light or something?
Click to expand...

I hate being tethered to my camera light with a belt pack, too many times do you either neally pull your camera smashing to the floor as you walk away from your tripod, or the light doesn't turn on because you forgot to plug it back in in your rush back to the camera because they forgot to warn you speech's were starting...

I would like to be able to mount & connect it and then forget about it other than monitoring media capacity remaining.

Just my desires anyway.
 
Mike Schell said:
Hi Guy-
The small 7.2V Li-Ion battery provides about 2 hours record time and weights about 1/2 lb (200 grams).
Click to expand...

How much stand by time do you get? ie is it 2 hours of recording and no stand by, or 1 hour of recording over a 4 hour period etc.

Will it auto power up and standby with a signal from the SDI port so when you turn your camera on and off it will automatically turn on and off as well to extend battery life?
 
GuyB said:
How much stand by time do you get? ie is it 2 hours of recording and no stand by, or 1 hour of recording over a 4 hour period etc.

Will it auto power up and standby with a signal from the SDI port so when you turn your camera on and off it will automatically turn on and off as well to extend battery life?
Click to expand...

Hi Guy, Mitch-
Good points, I had not considered. We do have plans for a cold shoe mount option, which should work with almost all cameras. You can either steal power from the camera battery (off the D-Tap) or use our battery plate and a Sony Li-Ion battery.

Regarding the run time and power-down question. I am expecting 2 full hours of record time. The nanoFlash does have a full power mode (about 7 watts) and a standby mode (about 0.2 watts). The power-down mode can be entered via a programmable time-out or by the loss of the incoming SDI input. The time required to go from power-down to power-up is expected to be under 3 seconds.

So, if you shut off your camera between shots, the battery life of the nanoFlash will be extended considerable.

Best-
Mike Schell
 
If you can't attach it to the camera, at least make a mount that can hang on a tripod or something. Just my $0.02. :)
 
Have to agree with the above points. I thnk it paramount that the nanoflash is attache to the camera only. I had a firestore on my belt, forgot about it and walked away from the camera, nearly making the whole lot come crashing down. The cold shoe mount on the back of the EX3handle would be the ideal mounting spot, or a proper bracket like the Anton Bauer EX3 battery mount.
 
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MitchLewis said:
If you can't attach it to the camera, at least make a mount that can hang on a tripod or something. Just my $0.02. :)
Click to expand...

I'm going to keep it, along some other stuff (like the lenses fro my Letus), in the pouch attached between the tripod legs. Not only is everything very secure there, but the rig's C.o.G. is lowered, too !

PS. Hi Mike - nice to see you here, as well - Piotr here :)
 
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