Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder
- No Longer Available
- B&H # VIFS5HDD120
- Mfr# 12516
Product Highlights
- 120GB Internal Hard Drive
- Up to 12 Hours of Recording
- DV/HDV Recording
- Metadata Support
- 1080i/720p 24/25/30/50/60 Recording
- Native MXF & QuickTime HDV Support
- .m2t, QuickTime, MXF, AVI Files
The Vitec Multimedia FS-5 is a highly portable Direct To Edit (DTE) recorder designed for standard DV and HDV camcorders. As with previous models, the unit records footage directly through FireWire. Enhancements over previous models include a backlit, high-resolution LCD screen, ultra-light design, along with intuitive menus and controls. Suitable for the harshest environments, the FS-5 provides 10 seconds of shock cache to ensure footage is never lost due to vibration. Additional features include time lapse recording, scene marking, clip categorization, and the ability to assign custom metadata.
- Go from Acquisition to Editing in One Step
-
Featuring a backlit color display, and easy-to-use menu system, a 120GB hard drive, and a removable, rechargeable battery, the Focus FS-5 is the perfect DTE companion for your HDV or DV camcorder. Audio, video, timecode, and control information are passed through a single FireWire cable, allowing you to record to disk or disk and tape simultaneously.
Designed for use in even the roughest conditions, the FS-5 includes a 10-second electronic shock cache to ensure that you never lose footage. Advanced features such as time lapse (DV mode only), retro disk recording, scene marking, and clip categorization make the FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder the perfect companion for handheld shoots. When recording is complete, your footage is ready to edit instantly--no capturing, file transfer, or conversion is required.
- View Thumbnails and Video Clips
- With the FS-5, you can view thumbnails and video clips on its brilliant color display. Thumbnails can also be viewed on a web page when the FS-5 is connected to a network. MPEG-4 proxy files can be generated and transferred to a host computer or a video-sharing web site, as well as distributed to portable media devices, making collaboration easy.
- Assign Custom Metadata on the Fly
- With the FS-5, you can personalize and optimize workflow--while you shoot. With your wireless handheld device or laptop, you can access the FS-5 through a browser, define metadata, and assign it to video while you're recording, eliminating the need to tag footage when the shoot is over. During postproduction, simply transfer clips--complete with metadata--from the FS-5 to your NLE system or PX Media Server. All the information you assigned during the shoot goes with the clips, saving you hours or even days of logging time.
- Engineered for Portability, Durability, and Ease of Use
- Only 2.75" wide, 5.4" high, and 1.25" deep (7 x 13.7 x 3.2 cm), the FS-5 packs a wealth of functionality into a sleek and durable package that weighs only 12 ounces. Crafted from the inside out to meet the reliability and quality standards that video professionals demand, the FS-5 is designed to deliver great results under even the most challenging shooting conditions.
| Video System | NTSC |
| Configuration | Portable |
| Technology | DTE Disk Recorder |
| Video |
DV: 480i/p, 8-bit 4:1:1 (NTSC-DV) HDV: 720/24p, 720/30p, 1080/60i DTE File Formats: AVI Type 1, AVI Type 2, AVI Type2 24p, Canopus AVI, Matrox AVI, MXF, Pinnacle AVI, Quicktime, Quicktime 24p, RawDV |
| Audio |
DV 2-Channel (16-bit, 48kHz) 4-Channel (12-bit, 32kHz) (RawDV only) HDV MPEG-1 Audio Layer II |
| Recording | Dedicated VTR Record Buttons, Retro Recording, Scene Marking, MetaData Assigning |
| Playback | Play, Stop, Forward Index, Back Index, Forward, Rewind, Loop Playback Modes |
| Hard Drive | 120GB, 4200rpm |
| File Transfer Method | FireWire 400, USB 2.0 |
| Interface | Front Panel Keys with LCD screen |
| Controls | Power, 4 User-Programmable Function Keys, Record, Stop, Play, Pause |
| Input and Output Connectors |
FireWire: 6-Pin (x1 Input/Output) USB: USB 2.0 Type-A (x1 Input/Output) Remote: GPI/RS-232 |
| Time Code | DV Embedded Timecode (Drop or Non-Drop) |
| Mounting | Belt Mount or On-Camera |
| Compatible Camcorders |
MiniDV/HDV Camcorders Canon XL-H1, XH-A1, XH-G1 Sony HDR-FX1, HVR-HD1000U, HVR-V1U, HVR-Z1U, HVR-Z7U Panasonic AG-DVX100/100B, AG-DVC7, AG-DVC30, AG-DVC60 JVC GY-DV300 Refer to manufacturer's website for most current compatibility information. |
| Compatible NLE Systems |
Adobe Premiere Adobe Premiere Pro 2.0 Adobe Premiere Elements Apple Final Cut Express Apple Final Cut Pro Apple iMovie Avid Media Composer Adrenaline Avid Xpress Pro Avid Newscutter Adrenaline Canopus Edius Pro Canopus Edius Broadcast Matrox RT/RTX Matrox Axio Sony Vegas Ulead Media Studio Pro Please see current Focus NLE compatibility chart. |
| Power Requirements | 15VDC |
| Power Consumption | 7.5W |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F (0-40°C) |
| Storage Temperature | -40-140°F (-20-60°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.8 x 5.4 x 1.3" (7 x 13.7 x 3.2cm) |
| Weight | 12 oz (0.3kg) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 16 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
50%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (5)
- Professional quality (5)
- Easy to use (3)
Cons
- Unreliable (3)
Best Uses
- Complex projects (4)
- In the studio (3)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Business owner (4), Power user (4)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
First step into tapeless...
Not ever read comments:
Four Stars because:
• Be advise, it takes 15 secondes to power up !
If you work for a news network, don't forget to ...Read complete review
Not ever read comments:
Four Stars because:
• Be advise, it takes 15 secondes to power up !
If you work for a news network, don't forget to power the unit before you are at a scene...
• Camera mount not included...
• A protector case would be also welcome (Something like an iPod skin)
If you forget those previous comments, THIS IS a very good product !!!!!!!!!!
Yes, if you wish to forget to digitize footage THIS is the product you need.
Buy with confident because the product is mature. (Ver. 2.0)
Takes some minutes to ingest the way to surf into the interface but once you are familiar with it, you will appreciate.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
One step foreward, 2 steps backward
This review may run a little long.
We also own a FS-4, FS-4pro and a nNovia 60GB DTE deck. We have used these for years and they still function perfect...Read complete review
This review may run a little long.
We also own a FS-4, FS-4pro and a nNovia 60GB DTE deck. We have used these for years and they still function perfectly (Except for the original batteries of course). Well, not perfect as the cheap LCDs in the FS-4 devices are bleeding a little but it doesn't affect their functionality.
As our workflow has moved more to HD, we are outgrowing DV DTEs. Having had great experiences with the older firestores, I decided to get an FS-5 as opposed to an FS-CF due to the long recording time a hard drive offers.
The FS-5 has some good points. It records HDV, that is a very good point for us since we run XHG1s cameras. It allows you to veiw back your footage (After shooting) on the LCD which is great for confidence. It has a wealth of features including retrocache and time lapse (DV only).
Here are the problems:
The FS-4 DTE used a small fan to cool the unit. It was very quiet and moved a little bit of air but it was enough to keep it running at a bout room temp. Now, the new FS-5 has gone fanless. Focus touts this as an improvement citing a new cooling mechanism. I will tell you what that new cooling entails. There is a heat transfer plate on the back of the unit. That's right, on the BACK of the DTE.
Let me expand on that a little. As the hard drive inside heats up, the heat is transfered to this little metal plate and the plate must then radiate the heat out through the back of the FS-5. That would work great if the FS-5 was set on a table standing straight up. Unfortunately, most DTEs are mounted using the doggone back of the unit so you can see the LCD. Even when laying it down, you will want to put it on its back so you can read the screen. Forget about ever using a pouch as we did with the FS-4.
We had the hard drive go down within 5 months of owning it. Focus repaired it under warranty of course but we were without the unit for 2 weeks and could have lost all the fottage from that day. Luckly we shoot to tape as well. I didn't feel so lucky as I had to dump tape all the next day though heheh. I firmly believe that most FS-5 failures are heat related due to the awfull fanless new design.
One other small note: the FS-5 comes configured to create a proxy file of your footage as soon as you stop recording. It does this to facilitate playback on the FS-5's lcd. The problem with this is that it's slow and locks the unit up while processing the footage. That means that if you are filming an event and stop recording, you will have to wait for the unit to finish the proxy before you can start filming again. Did I mention that it is slow doing this? Was very frustrating till I figured out what was going on.
I really would not recomend the FS-5 to most users. We work around the heat issue as best we can and will just have to get a set of thin Torx screwdrivers so we can replace the inevitable failed hard drive ourselves once it is out of warranty. I would never rely on it for critical footage however; Always run tape as well.
One last issue: The transfer speed to the computer is nowhere as fast as it should be for USB. I get from 12MB/s to a max of 15MB/s. The good ole FS-4 Transfers at about 28MB/s. I believe that it is dues to a slow processor being used in the FS-5. The hard drive inside should be capable of 5x that speed. Still faster than realtime though!
Thanks for reading all that. I hope it helps!
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 16 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-16
Pros
- Easy To Set Up
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Television
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Nice product
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy To Use
- High Capacity
- Sleek Design
Cons
- Slow Bootup
- Slow file transfer
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- With a backup
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
This review may run a little long.
We also own a FS-4, FS-4pro and a nNovia 60GB DTE deck. We have used these for years and they still function perfectly (Except for the original batteries of course). Well, not perfect as the cheap LCDs in the FS-4 devices are bleeding a little but it doesn't affect their functionality.
As our workflow has moved more to HD, we are outgrowing DV DTEs. Having had great experiences with the older firestores, I decided to get an FS-5 as opposed to an FS-CF due to the long recording time a hard drive offers.
The FS-5 has some good points. It records HDV, that is a very good point for us since we run XHG1s cameras. It allows you to veiw back your footage (After shooting) on the LCD which is great for confidence. It has a wealth of features including retrocache and time lapse (DV only).
Here are the problems:
The FS-4 DTE used a small fan to cool the unit. It was very quiet and moved a little bit of air but it was enough to keep it running at a bout room temp. Now, the new FS-5 has gone fanless. Focus touts this as an improvement citing a new cooling mechanism. I will tell you what that new cooling entails. There is a heat transfer plate on the back of the unit. That's right, on the BACK of the DTE.
Let me expand on that a little. As the hard drive inside heats up, the heat is transfered to this little metal plate and the plate must then radiate the heat out through the back of the FS-5. That would work great if the FS-5 was set on a table standing straight up. Unfortunately, most DTEs are mounted using the doggone back of the unit so you can see the LCD. Even when laying it down, you will want to put it on its back so you can read the screen. Forget about ever using a pouch as we did with the FS-4.
We had the hard drive go down within 5 months of owning it. Focus repaired it under warranty of course but we were without the unit for 2 weeks and could have lost all the fottage from that day. Luckly we shoot to tape as well. I didn't feel so lucky as I had to dump tape all the next day though heheh. I firmly believe that most FS-5 failures are heat related due to the awfull fanless new design.
One other small note: the FS-5 comes configured to create a proxy file of your footage as soon as you stop recording. It does this to facilitate playback on the FS-5's lcd. The problem with this is that it's slow and locks the unit up while processing the footage. That means that if you are filming an event and stop recording, you will have to wait for the unit to finish the proxy before you can start filming again. Did I mention that it is slow doing this? Was very frustrating till I figured out what was going on.
I really would not recomend the FS-5 to most users. We work around the heat issue as best we can and will just have to get a set of thin Torx screwdrivers so we can replace the inevitable failed hard drive ourselves once it is out of warranty. I would never rely on it for critical footage however; Always run tape as well.
One last issue: The transfer speed to the computer is nowhere as fast as it should be for USB. I get from 12MB/s to a max of 15MB/s. The good ole FS-4 Transfers at about 28MB/s. I believe that it is dues to a slow processor being used in the FS-5. The hard drive inside should be capable of 5x that speed. Still faster than realtime though!
Thanks for reading all that. I hope it helps!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Conversion to quicktime
- High Capacity
- Reliable
- Reliable backup
- Tapeless
- Thumbnails for web
Cons
- Difficult To Set Up
- Difficult To Use
- Firewire connection fails
- Slow to start up
- Unattractive Design
- You're Never Sure It's ON
Best Uses
- Movies
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Okay, I'm surprised when I see that Vitec Multimedia is selling this. I'm glad I saw these reviews. I bought the 100GB model when Focus Enhancements was producing it. I'm still using it. Confusing instructions. Takes a while to turn on, but it eased me into tapeless operation with my Sony FX1, plus, gave me security. It allowed me to record to Mini-DV and at the same time this unit. The good parts: It give you thumbnails, low resolution video clips you can immediately post to a web site as well as high resolution. It also allows me to record my Sony FX1 direct to a .mov / quicktime file. So I have the option of working in Sony Vegas on the PC, or Final Cut on the Mac. It's bulky. Support from Focus Enhancements when I bought it was pretty non existant. I'm glad I bought the original unit. Wish I bought the Sony HVR-MRC1K, a tiny unit that mounts right to the camera and records on flash card. I love the footage from Sony 3 ccd cameras (not Cmos), so I put up with the extra steps. Yes, I have higher resolution video cameras including Canon D60 for video, but there's something with the quality of the Sony's so I'll keep using this unit till it dies. Maybe Vitec switch company of manufacture or used bad drives. For me, at least for now. It works.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
The power cord has broken on two of these devices that I own. Had to order new power supply which is on backorder, because the power cord breaks for most owners of this product.
Not reliable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Pricey / Poor Value
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
I have two fs-5 for xha1s for 10 months now. One 100gb and one 120gb. Honestly i dont have a problem with 100gb but second 120gb has, three times. I been telling focus tech about it that this product is defective and ive asking them to replace it but they never did.One event i'll probably lost most of the data, i couldn't extract it from the drive. Their advice is to send it to data recovery. My point is, so as other reviewer here, if you wanna go tapeless buy the camera and not this product I wish I have it but now im stuck with [$] equipment that is not realiable.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Not reliable
Best Uses
- None
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Folks,
Again, i take 2 minutes to save you bucks. One of my recorder was now sent THREE (3) times for repair and STILL not working...
NOT RELIABLE...DON'T BUY...BOTTOM OF THE LINE.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Instant access to videos
- No more tapes
- Plenty of space for long
- Time saver
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Great to be able to record right to a drive rather than tape. No limit to tape size and ton of time save from not having to capture. Should have done this upgrade some time ago.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- You may dream
Cons
- Freeze like a computer
- Not reliable
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
I'm a user since now 8 months.0 Star should be best !!!!Listen that.I bought four FS-5. The very first one was defect on arrival. (Okay, i'm not a lucky guy) B&H replaced it[...]So, i used my FS-5 for a month and bought TWO more.Too be short, ALL the three went to repair 2 or 3 months later. Then, two of them got a SECOND time to repair then today, my third one died (still warranted but...).Bottom of the line: NOT RELIABLE. DO NOT BUY. Keep your money for a real tapeless camera instead of putting money on your "old" camera.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
I use the FS-5 weekly recording services at our church. I recorded inthe m2t format in hdv video. I usually record about fifty minutes duration each time. Have encountered no problems with the unit.Apparantly those who give this product a bad rating dont't know how to use it.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Terrible product. I bought the FS-5 a while back for a film project that didn't happen. During tests I originally had a function failure that was finally fixed via phone support. Nonetheless, I recently pulled out the FS-5 to get my equipment ready to do some new filming. Again the FS-5 wouldn't respond to the buttons or the selection wheel. This is the same problem I originally had. I contacted Focus support and they said that because the unit was now out of warranty, it would cost me a $395 flat rate to check out the unit. I honestly told them I was an out-of-work film and video student and could they help me some how or offer an alternative. I can't afford the $395. They said simply "No alternative." I'm now stuck with an $1100 product that is useless and which I never even used. DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT. BUYER BEWARE!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Highly Compatible
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Great device! I paired this with my Sony HVRs270u to capture HDV video. Very happy with the combination. Took a few minutes to get familiar with the unit to actually record HDV. But once I drilled down on the menu it really was simple. I guess next time I will read the instructions first:)
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
There is a problem with the connection to the camera. Focus was great about turnaround with the returned FS-5 but they couldn't find anything wrong with it. I am still testing the FS-5 with alternate equipment but so far have varying results-it has been an exercise in frustration. Hopefully, if the problem persists Focus will replace the FS-5 with a different one. Since the problem is intermittent I will doing field testing this month and next month- we will see.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
Cons
- HDV DV only
- Limited Compatibility
Best Uses
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
A portable hard drive recorder, that has direct to edit footage.
No transfer time. Nice. I tested it on short clips. It worked fine.
Then I took it into the field for a long form shoot. I had it recording,
two straight hours. When I looked at the unit it said, "HEAT WARNING," and was too hot to touch. I shut it down and used it again about an hour and a half later. The second time I ran 20 minute clips for an hour and a half of footage. It again became quite hot, but did not give me a HEAT WARNING.
All the footage taken was good. I did not lose any. However, if an electronic unit is overheating it's first time in the field, it's bound to burn out it's circuitry at some point. So I sent it back. Note the FS-5 has no fans to cool it. I thought that was good, so there would be no fan noise, but the unit overheats and is therefore not recommended by me for long form recording.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- No camera mount
- No protective sleeve
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Four Stars because:
• Be advise, it takes 15 secondes to power up !
If you work for a news network, don't forget to power the unit before you are at a scene...
• Camera mount not included...
• A protector case would be also welcome (Something like an iPod skin)
If you forget those previous comments, THIS IS a very good product !!!!!!!!!!
Yes, if you wish to forget to digitize footage THIS is the product you need.
Buy with confident because the product is mature. (Ver. 2.0)
Takes some minutes to ingest the way to surf into the interface but once you are familiar with it, you will appreciate.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- No camera mount
- No protective sleeve
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Not ever read comments:
Four Stars because:
• Be advise, it takes 15 secondes to power up !
If you work for a news network, don't forget to power the unit before you are at a scene...
• Camera mount not included...
• A protector case would be also welcome (Something like an iPod skin)
If you forget those previous comments, THIS IS a very good product !!!!!!!!!!
Yes, if you wish to forget to digitize footage THIS is the product you need.
Buy with confident because the product is mature. (Ver. 2.0)
Takes some minutes to ingest the way to surf into the interface but once you are familiar with it, you will appreciate.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Needs camera mount
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Event Recording
Comments about Vitec Multimedia FS-5 120GB Portable DTE Recorder:
Most of the events I record are longer than a 60 minute DV tape can handle. This product is perfrect for avoiding having to switch tapes. The fact that you don't have to wait to digitize footage is great. Plug it in to the PC and go.
Displaying reviews 1-16
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