Recording to a portable harddrive

[rustysterling]

I have a Sony HDR-FX1 and I'm wondering if it's possible to record directly to a portable harddrive instead of tape? This would be huge because for shooting bands a lot of times they play more than 60 minutes and changing tapes means I lose something from the show. But if I could record directly to a harddrive I could get everything. I imagine I'd have to use the FireWire output. Any thoughts?

[Paul LS]

Not sure if it is released yet but allows you to capture from Firewire to a USB2 device.
http://www.bella-usa.com/Catapult.htm

[rustysterling]

I think that would be just the ticket. I have a 80G portable USB2 harddrive (Western Digital) that I'd love to be able to carry with me and capture the video directly to it instead of mini-DV tape. That would be awsome.

[Chuck Engels]

Here is a good option from Sony
http://www.sony.ca/hdv/HVR-DR60_60i/pro ... tures.html

Another
http://www.mcetech.com/quickstreamdv/index.html

And my favorites
http://www.videoguys.com/FireStore.html
http://www.networkworld.com/columnists/ ... tools.html
http://www.dvcreators.net/firestore-fs-4
http://www.focusinfo.com/solutions/video_production.asp
Any of the Firestore models are great.

[rustysterling]

Thanks Chuck. Those are some pretty pricey drives. But it probably would be worth it. Too bad I can't use what I already have.

[Chuck Engels]

They definately aren't cheap, but they are made for connecting to a camcorder and recording in a variety of formats. Specialized equipment always costs more but the convenience is usually worth it.

[John 'twosheds' McDonald]

Is there anyone out there that has used any of this stuff? If so, any (personal) recommendations?