Focus FS3 on HD-111. Good idea?
 

hi all

I am about to start a major project shooting HDV 720/24p, to be edited on Final Cut. I am looking at a hard drive option for my HD-111 (the Pal version of the HD-110) and like the look of the Focus Enhancements FS-3. Of course, I know better than to even consider waving my credit card at new equipment without consulting the dvinfo thread=98 oracle first.

so, some questions.

1: I have a Hawkwood V-Lok mounting plate on the back of my camera, and use Swit 8080 batteries. Would the FS-3 work with this combo?

2: Does the FS3 record HDV 720/24? Does it output in Quicktime effectively to Final Cut? I usually shoot on SD, but I know there are problems capturing JVC's HDV codec into FCP from tape; are those problems removed by using an FS3?

3: A main reason for choosing the FS-3 is that it appears (from promo pictures) to be cable-free. Is this correct? Or is there still a Fire wire linking the camera and the Hard drive unit.

4: How does the FS-3 impact on the balance of the camera? It must make quite a difference - but is it a problem?

5: Is there an alternative? Is there a better way of mounting a hard drive? Is there a better hard drive?

As always, I look forward to hearing what you all have to think.

Best wishes

Rob Adams
Harare
Zimbabwe

JVC alternative...
 

Of course, there was the MR-HD200U, announced at NAB earlier this year.. which seems to have disappeared again - nothing comes up on Google, anyway. Anyone heard anything else about this unit?