Does the FS-100 seem like a bad product?

B

Brentmeister

Active member
Im four days through testing my new HVX200 and FS100 combo. I entered this scenario with high hopes and expectations. However, Im beginning to lose faith in this setup. I am amazed at the amount of dropouts, digital hits, bad pixels or whatever word best describes the problem Im encountering.

Im shooting with a stationary camera and FS100. Im viewing in FCP 5.0.4 on a 1.67GHZ Dual Tower. On at least 10-20% of my clips, there are hits, or dropouts. Ive been reading the threads on this site, and see that my situation is common. Am I crazy, or does it seem that Firestore may have rushed a product out the door that isnt ready for the field??? Has anyone been successfully using this combo...if so, please let me know what youve been doing to avoid this issue.

At this point, theres no way I can recommend this configuration to a client. I dont feel confident that any of my takes are dependable... this is worse than the old Hi-8 dropout days!!!!!
 
Might be a firmware issue. I was just sent this bulletin:

There has recently been reports from some FS-100 users of drop-outs during recordings. Focus has been investigating this issue and it appears that some units were shipped out of the factory with an incorrect setting in the FireWire bridge chip. A software update is now available at http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp that will rectify this issue. As it is difficult to know in the field exactly which units have an incorrect setting, we would recommend that ALL FS-100 users load this updated software (there is no harm in doing so if your unit is set correctly).

Once you have downloaded the new software (follow the software update instructions on page 70 of the User Guide) and then do a System Reset (follow instructions on page 72 of the User Guide). Your unit will now have the correct FireWire bridge settings.​
Click to expand...
​
 
Hi,

Barry beat me to it, but here is the solution for the drop-outs issue. Sorry for the delay...

Recently there have been reports from some FS-100 users of drop-outs during recordings. Unfortunately some units shipped from our production plant with an incorrect FireWire bridge chip configuration. Focus apologizes for this problem and inconvenience, and we assure you that these drop-outs are in no way related to drive performance or future reliability, but rather a simple software error which resulted in a buffer overrun.

We have corrected this problem and posted a software update here:

http://www.focusinfo.com/support/downloads.asp

We recommend that ALL FS-100 users load this updated software, as there is no harm in doing so even if your unit is set correctly. Please download the new software (follow the software update instructions on the READ ME enclosed in the zip file) and then do a System Reset (follow instructions on page 72 of the User Guide).

Best regards,

Focus Enhancements
 
Installed firmware update on drive...Just test shot about 10 minutes of footage at various settings...moved around quite a bit with FS100 in my pocket... just viewed footage on laptop...seems to be resolved issue... one clip may have some type of hit, but i wont be sure until im at a production monitor tomorrow.

Still ordered 2 8GB P2s today...1 chance to make a first impression.

So until I can really put this FS100 through serious production schedule, I cant feel confident. Ill still give it a solid tryout...but for now, P2 is for clients...FS100 is for leisure/test/self produced stuff.

By this time next year, i hope each of these overpriced solutions will seem ridiculous.
 
I have an FS-100 that I've been banging around for about two weeks now (litterally banged around). We've used it here in the south Louisiana swamps with the heat and humidity, banged around in a boat, it holds up super well! I love it! No problems what so ever!
 
I've been banging around a FS-100 for the last four days in outdoor shooting conditions in dusty, humid Dallas. I must have been lucky because I had no drops even before installing the patch. It has performed admirably. My only issue so far has been with battery life, but I have the extended battery on the way. Also should be getting a Jimmybox tomorrow (6/2) since mounting has been awkward. The on-camera mount will unfortunately cause on-board mikes to pick up fan noise. The belt-mount is scary. I have been walking around with it clipped to my belt and it did pop off once when I went to my knees for a low shot. I would in no way categorize it as a bad product. Its only issues so far are power and bulk. I still feel very insecure about hard drive acquisition since drives are so sensitive to movement, but until we start seeing large capacity P2 cards at lower prices, I think we're stuck with hard drives for a good while.

Ned Soltz
 
OK...ive done a good deal of reshooting after installing the firmware... seems to have resolved the problem. Thanks!!!
 
I finally sat down with the new firmware tonight and gave it a go.. couldnt break the firestore this time around... and no dropouts.

I admit i wasnt the biggest fan of the firestore before this fireware update, but it looks like its working out pretty good.

You must read the manual. and its not the best manual in the world but you gotta read it, as you will never figure out the GUI on your own.. I hope they make a quick start guide like the excellent P2/FCP workflow PDF they now have on the website... it would help alot of people.

Bravo Focus.. looks like you salvaged a questionable product here with a simple fireware upgrade.. Im gonna fill the entire drive up tomorrow as one last dropout test but alas i think they got it :)

P.S.. company support tells you alot, and Firestore really is shining here.. good work :)
 
I have an firestore on order (i been waiting two month) and i been reading alot of complains of the firestore, so im glad to read that the dropouts seamed to be soleved=) Can't wait to hear about your final dropout test Jarred. What do you guys recomend to have the disc, above on the handle, ounder the camera or the belt you get with the package? Also if some body want to warn me about getting the firestore now or for ever hold their peace? Now is your time:)
 
I just received a Jimmybox for evaluation and highly recommend it for the FS-100. It mounts very nicely under the camera, it is isolated sufficiently from the on-board mike, and the extra handle adds stability. I would also get the extended battery. I have been very disappointed with battery life (I think I mentioned that in this thread) of the standard battery. My extended battery is enroute as of this writing and I can post more when I have used it (or I'll just make you wait to read about it in my Videography column).

Ned Soltz
 
Can you look at the display while the firestore is in Jimmybox. I looked at pictures and i looks like its may be a problem.
 
jimmybox isnt a viable solution.. you cant see the screen and it is CRITICAL you see the screen at all times to see your recording.
 
Jarred Land said:
jimmybox isnt a viable solution.. you cant see the screen and it is CRITICAL you see the screen at all times to see your recording.
Click to expand...

Hi Jarred,

I do not necessarily agree with this. There are times when you want to have your camera and the FS-100 inthe same space and the Jimmybox is perfect for this. Yes you do need to know what the screen is saying but not all of the time.

Best,


Jan
 
I'm going to agree with Jan on this one. While I would ideally love to see the screen on the FS-100, when considering the options of carrying it on my belt with the scary, flimsy clip (and it did pop off once on me last week, but no disaster), mounting on the camera with the noise potential, or losing screen, I'd rather have the Jimmybox. Now, the one issue I do have is difficulty in mounting Jimmybox to bottom of camera. I cannot seem to keep it secure and straight at the same time. I had no problem with securing my tripod mount to the bottom of the contraption. In short, while not the most ideal solution, it does the job for hand-held or rig-mounted shooting on the run.

Ned Soltz
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top