One of the conveniences of file-based video recording is elimination of the time-consuming video-capture process. Now, even videographers who use tape-based HDV and DV camcorders can gain the file-based advantage with an ultra lightweight disk-based outboard recorder.
Called Citidisk for HD, this new peripheral by Shining Technology weighs only 10 ounces and is small enough to fit in the palm of a hand. Not only can it work via Firewire connection to camcorders, but it also can replace more costly P2 cards used for Panasonic's DVCPRO HD format.
Shining said the new HD disk drive offers the speed, storage capacity, portability and simplicity of recording directly from camcorders into most NLE (non-linear editing) software packages with instant playback capability, thus eliminating the intermediate step of re-capturing video footage.
The company said users of Panasonic's AG-HVX200 HD P2 camcorder will benefit most from the drive's extra storage capacity, which provides up to an additional 120GB (equivalent to approximately two hours of recording time).
With Panasonic's 4GB and 8GB P2 high-performance cards priced at $550 and $1,200 each, Citidisk for HD, at a much lower price per gigabit, becomes a viable alternative. Citidisk for HD is currently available in 100GB (1,049.00) and 120GB ($1,195.00) versions.
Competitive external video storage drives tend to be significantly heavier, Shining said, having a larger footprint and offering less storage capacity while costing nearly double that of Citidisk for HD.
The new drive embeds a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that automatically kicks in when external battery power runs low. This seamless battery power changeover ensures non-stop shooting capability with no need to shut down the unit. In addition, since lithium polymer batteries are particularly stable and less sensitive to temperature, they're not as prone to the overheating sometimes associated with lithium ion batteries.
For more information, visit http://www.shining.com.