recording 2h concert with FS-100
by Tono Errando
on
Jun 3, 2008 at 1:23:06 pm
Hello,
This is the first time I post here, but I've been reading for a while the cow and always it has been very helpful and interesting.
I have to record a 2 hours live music concert, and I'm thinking to record it with five HVX200, each one with a FS-100, so this way I can record on DVCPRO HD and also I don't have to change tapes on the middle of the concert.
I have record with my FS-100 on my HVX200 and it has worked pretty well but I've never done a live event where you can't stop the shooting if something goes wrong. So, I'm wondering if it's a big risk to do it this way, or if the FS-100 it's reliable enough for this job.
Re: recording 2h concert with FS-100 by Michael Sacci on Jun 3, 2008 at 3:24:21 pm
What version of the FS will you be using the 100GB records 111 min of HD footage unless you plan to use 24 frame mode and have the new firmware (v4) to do the pull down removal. Then you get over 4 hours in 720P@24P
But you need to do all your homework before you shoot. There are several gotcha that you can run into if you don't set everything up correctly. You need to read the most current FAQ and setup guide on the Focus website. Test each firestore, cable and settings.
READ and TEST are the key words. Other than that make sure the firewire connections are taped in. I use a right angle 4-pin into the camera.
Re: recording 2h concert with FS-100 by Tono Errando on Jun 3, 2008 at 5:19:09 pm
Thanks Michael,
My FS100 is 160GB but I don't know if I'll find 5 of them or some will be 100GB. Same with the firmware. But I'll record 720p 25N, I'm in Spain, and this is going to be distributed on DVD. As long as I know, in this format, with the 100GB, I can record 3.3 hours and with the 160GB 5.2h. Like mine is just about five months old I suposse it's 4.0 version, and I didn't know that with older versions you are not able to record on 720p 25N, so I understand now that 4.0 is a must.
One camera will be on a crane an another on a dolly, How will be the best way to attach the FS to the camera?
Re: recording 2h concert with FS-100 by Michael Sacci on Jun 3, 2008 at 6:50:48 pm
I'm totally clueless to the PAL versions so you probably need to disregard time length of my post. But make sure you read through the FAQ and manual very carefully. Follow there recommendations to the letter.
Only do a test record before, make sure the clips plays back in the camera, make sure it comes into you editing software the way you think it should and then make sure all are set the exact same way.
I had a lot of issues in the beginning (about 2 years ago) but everything seems to be stable or I have learned from my mistakes but I have recorded several long 90-120 minute multicam concerts with the HVX and Firestores and they have worked out fine. I don't use firestore's for handheld operation but I know some people do.
Re: recording 2h concert with FS-100 by William Carr on Jun 13, 2008 at 6:52:10 pm
Last September I recorded a 2-hour opera recital concert in Tokyo with the HVX200 and FS-100 with no hiccups. At one point between performers I inserted the P2 cards so for the next 20 minutes or so I had simultaneous recording on cards and drive; the performer who asked me to shoot the show was doing his segment and this served as back-up for that segment.
Perhaps some of your cameras are accessible enough that if you are worried about reliability you can supplement the FS-100 by also using P2 cards. They are cheap enough to rent a bunch for a big, single-ay shoot.
You can swap out full for for empty cards during the least active moments of the show (you can alternate cards without stopping recording, but it may shake the camera especially in telephoto).
Re: recording 2h concert with FS-100 by Randy Robinson on Jun 24, 2008 at 5:27:58 am
I've had a problem when recording live Rock bands but it's the camera not the FS. Depending on the kind of music lots of Bass causes vibrations in the 4 pin connector which looks good in the LCD or view finder. But when I play it back there's tons of breaks in the footage. So test it out on the music in the same environment if you can. I recorded a Jazz band up close with no problems. If you can feel the vibrations in your feet or body it might be too much, this thing needs a 6 Pin on the camera! Also make sure the connectors are taped down on that crane cam. No matter what kind of music it is.
