Hi Folks,

Making a shopping list (with a very limited budget :) for an XF300 cam and accessories, I'm considering getting either a Nexto or a CF reader?

Since I can't yet afford the Nexto Video Pro 2500, I was thinking of getting the Nexto DI instead:

Nexto DI Nexto Video Storage Device (250GB) NESV-ND27252554 -

Would this Nexto model work with Canon's MXF files?

Thanks,

Hi Jeff,

I was training XF305s at a production company last week and they had looked into Nexto, but discarded the idea as it was apparently slow (and expensive). If you have any further info or get the opportunity to try one, I’d be interested to get any feedback.

If you’re going CF reader, be sure to get FW800 if you can - plenty of other info on this on other threads.

Thanks,

Nick.

Hi Nick,

Thanks for the reply.

I was initially planning on purchasing two 16G Hoodman cards and a Nexto. During a full day's shooting, I'd just upload the one full CF card into the Nexto, and continue to swap the two cards in and out as they get full.

For me, I guess the only speed issue would be upload times into the Nexto while out in a shoot. Hhmm. Will have to research a bit more.

Best,

Interestingly that same production company opted to buy a large number of 32Gb SanDisk CF cards (80 min / card), rather than go the Nexto route. Each camera now has a couple of days shooting for the equivalent price.

I’m still interested to hear how the device works, but my only concern is the specs say only Firewire 400 which means a slow copy onto computer in comparison with a FW800 Card reader + just noted the copy specs which are in the realm of glacial for CF card.

Back-up Speed:

• SxS : Avg. 80MByte/sec
• P2: Avg. 56MB/s, P2E: Avg. 70MB/s

• CF/SDHC/MSpro : Avg. 26MB/s(CF), 20MB/s(SDHC), 10MB/s(MSPro)

Best,

Nick.

I bought the Nexto DI Video Storage 500Gb last week and used it on my first shoot this weekend. I had two 7D's with one 16Gb CF card each and two 16Gb SD cards for my EX1. Dumping cards was a breeze! No notebook hassles. The Nexto has one button you simply insert a card and press the button. It takes about 10-14 minutes to dump a full 16Gb card. I dumped 120Gb with the external battery attached, the battery is now at 50%. At the end of the event I dumped all my cards onto the Nexto even the Zoom H4n.


Would this Nexto model work with Canon's MXF files?

The Nexto will copy anything you give it even USB flash drives. It copies all the data & organizes them according to date and number. You can dump the same card multiple times it creates a new folder every time. Another great feature for those looking for redundancy - the Nexto allows you to attach any portable usb hard drive and will then make a backup/sync between drives for peace of mind.

I highly recommend the unit & with the small price difference between the 250Gb and 500Gb unit I would say go with the 500Gb.

Nicholas,

Appreciate the info, thank you. It does sound like a good solution and obviously works well.

Hi Nicholas,

Yes, thanks for the info! Great to know that you can upload different types of cards with multiple types of files. It's really looking like a good choice for a Nexto :)

Also good to hear that you can backup to another USB external harddrive; are you using a smaller 2.5" external that doesn't need power? I wonder if all Nexto models have this feature.

Best,

I can echo everything Nicholas said.

I've been using my NEXTO DI 2500 all summer to backup files from my XF305 and my NanoFlash. In fact, most of those files are still sitting on the Nexto until I really need to get rid of them. Just one more layer of security.

Thanks Doug!

Would love to buy the DI 2500, but can really only afford the lesser expensive Nextos. I know I may eventually need to buy more CF cards; but I think two 16G Hoodman CFs, plus the Nexto will have to do for now.

You didn't happen to include a Nexto workflow chapter in your upcoming XF cam DVD tutorial, did ya?

Best,

Jeff, I do talk about the Nexto for a few minutes in my DVD but there was no need to spend a whole chapter on it. It's too easy to use!

Doug, you mentioned that you've been using the Nexto this summer with the Canon XF305. Does file playback work on the LCD viewer?

Sorry Greg. I'm travelling and somehow didn't see this question for a few days.

You can see thumbnail images of your footage on the Nexto and play clips back, but the playback isn't normal speed and it can't compare to the kind of playback you can get onboard the camera. The playback is meant just to give you confidence that that footage is there, but it's not much use for anything else.

The nexto nvs-2500 is a sweet product. It's not for everyone, but our custmers who have it, love it.

Videoguys.com - NextoDI NVS-2500 500GB Video Storage Pro (http://www.videoguys.com/Item/NextoDI+NVS-2500+500GB+Video+Storage+Pro/24740303530203035323023565E4.aspx)

Revolutionary field backup device for tapeless workflows. Built-in 2.4 inch Color LCD Preview Monitor gives you the ability to review your transferred footage as thumbnails as well as playback video clips.

Gary

Thanks for the link Gary!

Unfortunately, I couldn't afford that Nexto model :(

I went ahead and ordered this one last week:

Nexto DI Nexto eXtreme (500GB) ND270500G - B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=WishList.jsp&A=details&Q=&sku=613210&is=REG)

Will let you guys know how it works out with our workflow with Aodbe CS5.

Best,

Jeff I'd like to know how it works! I bought the Nexto DI 500GB VIDEO STORAGE which cost $533, yours is $200 cheaper. I also see no point in buying the Pro version, the LCD seems like a waste of battery life.

Hi Nicholas,

After a bit of research, I think your model, the Nexto Video Storage, supports P2 and SxS cards with an adapter. Whereas the Nexto extreme does not. (I have not confirmed this with Nexto however.) Your Nexto model also comes with additional accessories, like an external battery and car charger.

But the decision all came down to my final budget. I know I eventually need to buy additional CF cards, but I think 2 16G Hoodman cards, plus a Nexto, will do for now. (And I budgeted for Doug's XF cam training DVDs)

This would also be my first experiences with tapeless capture and workflow for our personal business. I'm realizing now the value of detailed video file management; and slowly the paranoia of lost or corrupt files, or error messages, is starting to creep in :)

Best,

Jeff I think you are right, my Nexto allows USB connectivity to my EX1 however I never make use of the feature. I actually just bought it because it said "Video Storage" I could have saved quite a few dollars if I knew this before I got mine - sucks! I share your fear when it comes to tapeless but I've had enough of tapes.

Another great feature for those looking for redundancy - the Nexto allows you to attach any portable usb hard drive and will then make a backup/sync between drives for peace of mind.

Hi Nicholas,

Have you tried this feature yet? I realize USB isn't fast, but wonder how long a 16G card will backup to an external drive.

I shoot with an XDCam disc cam at work (Sony F335), but we don't re-use the discs. So in effect, the XDCam discs are archived, which is sorta the same workflow I used to do for my personal business: shoot SD miniDV, and archive the tapes.

But with the XF300 cam and using compact flash media, I won't be able to archive the media like miniDV tapes (unless "good" CF cards drop prices really soon :) So I'll need to be mindful of how I save, backup, and archive (and save again) files.

Best,

Jeff I quickly did a test and my Nexto DI Video Storage unit won't power an external 2.5" hard drive even with the AC power plugged in so you will need to power an external HDD. I have not actually used the back-up/sync feature I've only read about it in the manual. Personally I still copy everything to my PC and make back-ups from there. I guess it's only useful if you want to bypass going through a PC in the field.

When it comes to archiving I've been contemplating deleting my raw footage and only keep the edited masters but I haven't had the guts to actually delete any footage yet. It's a real problem! I'm constantly running out of space. In 4 years of filming I haven't actually gone back to old archived tapes (I have a closet full of tapes) maybe I should take the plunge.

Hi Nicholas,

Just received my Nexto yesterday afternoon (along with an XF300 camera), but have yet to shoot anything yet (aside for a 20 sec. clip of our dog :)

I definitely voice your concern about archiving and deleting footage. Up til now, the only footage I've deleted were from six years ago, but the video is still archived on miniDV tapes. I think I have around 8 external hard drives, ranging from 160G to 2TBs. And with a tapeless workflow, I'll probably need quite a few more :)

I think what I want to do is backup to an external harddrive, then make blu ray disc copies. I read somewhere on here that that's the cheapest alternative for backing up and archiving.

Best,

So after a couple days of shooting with the new XF300 cam and uploading footage to the Nexto, all I could say is that I'm duly and truly impressed!

I hadn't filled up my 16G CF card; but after a few minutes of shooting, I'd upload footage into the Nexto. Pop in the CF card, power up the Nexto, it instantly recognizes it, press a button, and presto copio :) I still can't believe it's so easy. (I guess now I've jinxed myself.)

The only thing I'm worried about is the one touch button: pressing for less than a second for one command, and pressing for longer than two seconds gives you another command. Maybe being out in the field, one can get confused and press the button in the wrong manner (or it could just be my paranoia talking).

I am glad that I bought the 500G version (although it shows at the outset of 465G available), as I could really backup alot of files with that thing.

Best,

I own a xf305 and after some horrendous experience, I decided I need to invest in a nexto as another backup mechanism. I already backup to 2 location separately, and I intend to use the nexto as a field dump-out.

My low cost idea is to purchase the ND2730 which was meant for photos but since it copies cf cards at 70mb instread of 80mb for the nvs2500, it is still very decent for a fraction of the cost. The downside is I am blind to what I am backing up though.

What do u guys think?? I can easily afford more units of nd2730 than investing in one single unit of the 2500.

Hi Ming,

Congrats on your Canon XF305! I'm curious what "horrendous experience" you had with your XF. Was it backing up in the field?

I would make sure that the Nexto model (ND2730) you want supports video formats.

Personally, I've never had a problem (crossing fingers) backing up to my Nexto. And I've backed up my two 16G CF cards all day to the Nexto while shooting cowboys herding cows.

If you have the budget, I would buy any of the NVS models for the LCD feature and for the peace of mind.

If you're in a limited budget, I'd buy the eXtreme model, and buy more CF cards instead :)

Best,

horrendous because ... thought already backed up, but in fact backed up a card twice, and omitted one card. I guess i don't have to go into details, u guys can imagine it.

I am currently trying out the NVS 1501, is that the exTreme model?? It works as advertised. Backing up my stuff and allowing me to copy stuff out with the faster firewire interface.

I guess the next lower end model these guys might wanna go for, is easily removable hardisk with lesser "shockproof" features. Reason why i am going for the ND2730 or maybe the ND2700 is because after the hdd is filled, i will just take it out and keep in my cabinet, and not touch it until i really need to.

Already have 10 x 32GB CF cards in my arsenal. I think its time to get a field backup system. Lets discuss in our XF forums the appropriate ways to do proper backup.

I own a xf305 and after some horrendous experience, I decided I need to invest in a nexto as another backup mechanism. I already backup to 2 location separately, and I intend to use the nexto as a field dump-out.

My low cost idea is to purchase the ND2730 which was meant for photos but since it copies cf cards at 70mb instread of 80mb for the nvs2500, it is still very decent for a fraction of the cost. The downside is I am blind to what I am backing up though.

What do u guys think?? I can easily afford more units of nd2730 than investing in one single unit of the 2500.

Hi Ming,

If you're shooting with the Canon xf305, you might want to check out the Nexto DI NVS1501 (new product). The NVS 1501 is less expensive than the NVS 2500/ 2501.

The NVS 1501 supports CF and SDHC/ SDXC cards--but NOT Sony SxS or Panasonic P2 cars.

The NVS 1501 backs up CF cards at about 80MB/second. Plus, the NVS 1501 supports video preview via a low resolution LCD viewer (just like the NVS 2500/2501).

Of course, your backup would be safest if you perform a bit-by-bit verification ("copy & verify"). This bit-by-bit verification will compare every bit on your memory card with the contents on the internal HDD of your NVS 1501.

You can check out the Nexto DI NVS1501 at:

Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nvs1501.html)

USA readers can check out the NVS1501 at:

NEXTO DI U.S.A. Video (http://www.nextodiusa.com/video.html)

Sorry to hear about your bad backup experience!

karen

horrendous because ... thought already backed up, but in fact backed up a card twice, and omitted one card. I guess i don't have to go into details, u guys can imagine it.

I am currently trying out the NVS 1501, is that the exTreme model?? It works as advertised. Backing up my stuff and allowing me to copy stuff out with the faster firewire interface.

I guess the next lower end model these guys might wanna go for, is easily removable hardisk with lesser "shockproof" features. Reason why i am going for the ND2730 or maybe the ND2700 is because after the hdd is filled, i will just take it out and keep in my cabinet, and not touch it until i really need to.

Already have 10 x 32GB CF cards in my arsenal. I think its time to get a field backup system. Lets discuss in our XF forums the appropriate ways to do proper backup.

Hi again, Ming,

SORRY, I just realized that you are already trying out the Nexto DI NVS1501.

The NVS1501 is not the eXtreme model...it is far more like the NVS 2500/ 2501.

The main difference between the (less expensive) NVS1501 and the NVS 2500/2501 is that the NVS1501 does not support SxS or P2 cards.

The NVS 1501 offers the ability to verify capture via a low res LCD viewer. As you mentioned, the NVS 1501 computer interface is via Firewire 800 and USB 2.0.

The new Nexto DI ND2730 is a replacement product for the now-discontinued ND 2700 eXtreme. You are correct. The ND2700 does not offer video preview for confirmation of capture.

However, the ND2730 does support "bit by bit verification" (copy & verify). You can ensure that your footage has been recorded by performing a bit-by bit- verification. The ND 2730 will compare the data (video) on your CF card with the data on the ND2730's internal hard drive.

Your backup experience is every camera operator's nightmare. Unfortunately, I've heard that story so many times.

best,

karen

Hi Karen,

appreciate your response. I just placed an order shipping from Korea 2 units of ND2730. Am doing Same-Day-Edits, thus will make use of these units to speed up my workflow in transferring footages from CF cards to hardisks.

Will actually intend to use the ND2730 as actual operating hardisks for the edits. As I try these stuff, I may actually invest in additional unit of NVS1501 to do the backing up process.

Thanks for taking the time to answer all our queries.


Cheers
MS

Hi Jeff

The new ND2730 can copy every data stored in CF & SDHC/SDXC to internal hard drive.
The copy speed of CF is fast if you using 7200rpm HDD, i.e., upto 70MB/s while SD copy speed is slower 15MB/s.

You can use it with XF3xx series.
Actualy it does not matter the type of data.
What it matters is the formmat of memoty card.
ND2730 supports FAT12/16/32 & exFAT formatted memory card and every data stored in memory card.

almost every camera(inclusing CANON DSLRs and XF30x series) format the CF card to FAT32, so no problem with ND2730.

We have two line up.
Nexto Photo storage : ND2730
Nexto Video Storage : NVS2525 / NVS2501 / NVS1501 / NVS2500.

NVS2500 was firewire400 as Nick indicated, but other than NVS2500, every device listed above has both Firewire800 and USB2.0.
ND2730 is also Firewire800.

In our old models, there were ND2725 which was called Nexto Video Storage.
This model is different from NVS series which can preview video.
This ND2725 was variant of old ND2700(nexto extreme) which supported XDCAM through USB cable.

I attached the link for individual device here.
The ND2700(Nexto extreme) and ND2725 is discontinued and ND2730 replace it.
But ND2730 does not have USB host functionality as other model does, so cannot make secondary copy to external USB HDD without computer.

Photo Storages
ND2730(Nexto Photo Storage) : Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nd2730.html)
ND2700(Nexto extreme) : Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/eXtreme_en.html)
ND2725(Nexto Video Storage) : Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/ND2725_en.html)

Video Storage
NVS2500 : Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/NVS2500_en.html)
NVS1501 : Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nvs1501.html)
NVS2501 : Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/en_nvs2501.html)
NVS2525 : Nexto DI - Next Generation Storage with Digital Interface (http://www.nextodi.com/product/NVS2525_en.html)

Thank you

Hi Larry,

Thanks for the Nexto info! Much appreciated.

Best,