DV Info Net - Time to start talking about the DN-60

Hi Wayne,

I did several tests and the FS CF Pro worked flawlessly! Whereas the DN-60/XH A1 had a very annoying sync problem the FS CF Pro performed very well, you only have to remember you have to switch on the camera first and then the FS. Even switching from 1080i to 1080f while the unit was on, worked fine, the FS recognized it immediately.

I tested it with and without tape and the results were the same. I couldn't have done this with the DN-60. The DN60 is a lot cheaper and, apart from the sync-problem that it has with certain XH A1-firmwares, it does what you expect it do: record and play. You pay a lot more for the FS but in my opinion and also regarding the problems that I discovered, it is definitely worth the extra expense! It's much more reliable, I feel I am not going to use tape anymore (except as backup if necessary).

Besides the numerous settings (I have't tried them all) there are a few other practical things to notice. The DN-60 firewire connection is located on the back of the device whereas on the FS it's located on top. I find the FS solution much more convenient not only when the unit is mounted on the camera but also when you have to place it your desktop. With the DN-60 you can choose between rechargeable or alkaline/lithium batteries (lasts about 2 hours). The FS has its own built in battery (3 hours). If you have to change batteries on the DN-60 then you have to unmount the unit. One time when I wanted to open the battery compartment I almost couldn't get it open (thickness of the batteries?). I don't have the cradle for the FS yet but I expect it to be easier.
If I remember well on the DN-60 you have to remove the CFlash-card every time to transfer your recordings. On the FS you can leave the card in the unit and transfer it via USB2.

What I'm missing is that when you switch the camera to standby mode, the FS stays on. You can however lower the LCD and button brightness to save power. There's also an option to enable/disable the LCD backlight. The DN-60 has an option to automatically shutdown and restart with the camera but due to the sync problem it didn't work well for me.

I'm trying to setup wireless (ad-hoc) but so far it's not working. Although the USB-adapter (Linksys WUSB54GC) is known to be working with the FS, it doesn't work for me. I have my doubts about this adapter. I think I'll buy the Focus adapter instead.

I hope this helps to make your decision.
If you need more information then just let me know.

Kind regards,
Stany