Do i need a P2 when direct/real time capture to FCP?

[leejam99]

I've been testing my setup which is HVX --> powerbook G4 --> ext. HD via USB. I'm recording at 720/24P and everything seems to work great. my only question now is..is there a way to start the record on the HVX without having a P2 inserted? Currently i just leave my 8gig P2 in the slot and let it run. when it passes 8 min. the camera shows that P2 is full but the recording function seems to still continue and FCP captures it.

If it possible, i would like to just leave the P2 out of this equation so that I'll have a fresh one when i need it.

thanks!

 

[bbalser]

I use an FS-100, which BTW I absolutly love. I can't shoot without P2 cards in or I get wacky time code.

Panasonic crippled the FireWire port in a number of ways I'll never understand. For one, you have to have P2 cards in the slots (at least one) in order for the FW stream to work properly without problems. Then the no Native formats, well, that's just silly. It can physically be sent, they just refused to let it go that way for some unknown reason.

So, yes, you have to have a P2 card in a slot in order to have any Firewire device operate properly. At least in my experience. I'd love to know if I'm missing something on this issue. Anyone?