Sony HVRDR60 - Unidade de Gravação em Disco Rígido

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I use the HVRDR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit with my Sony Z1U every time I shoot and it works great!!! I have shot with the HVRDR60 Hard Disk while hiking the Inca trail in Peru, while skiing backcountry in Colorado, and deep in the jungles of Papua New Guinea! People cry that it does not sink well with FCP but if you download the add-on for FCP goto log and transfer you just drop and drag your footage and into time you are importing all your almost-uncompressed HD footage in what is light years faster then real time! I would love to go out and get a P2 or an Ex1 but for me this is the next best thing!

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I bought two hvr-dr60 6 months ago and I found this device very usefull, I only download the final cut plugin on the sony's website and I can capture very fast. Also is very easy to link to the rec button in the camera.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

This would be an invaluable tool to transition to tapeless recording if Sony's engineers had put some thought into how it would be used.

1. The hard drive should be a swappable 2.5" laptop drive, which could then be plugged into a hot swap bay in any of our edit suites.

2. The price point is WAY out of line. Were it under $1000 with swappable drives I would buy 4 immediately to convert our 4 Sony cameras to hard drive w/tape backup. (We currently use laptops for stationary cameras). We are testing a HVR-MRC1 instead.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

Hi,
I used this disk, borrowed, so I don't own it. It gave me some headaches as I use it with my pmw-EX1, this unit doesn't record on every format as the cam does, so you have to be careful with this, the best recording formats from the cam are NOT supported by this unit, maybe it's just compatibility, I don't know. Second thing, I had trouble sending back my clips to FinalCut Pro, but after some heavy thinking and blog reading, I found out that it is ONLY possible to import from this device to FinalCut Pro using LOG and TRANSFER option in finalcut, be patient, it takes a while for FinalCut to notice the device, but once there, it hooks up fine. This is only for the ones mentioning here that it is not possible to use FinalCut with this device, it is possible.

Anyway, I don't recommend it unless it is extremely necessary to have the extra capture time, but don't buy it, borrow or rent it to try it first, that's my humble opinion.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I have owned this unit and the Firestore FS-4PRO HD 100GB and I found the Firestore to be more flexible and better all around. It may be bigger but the extra 40GB of storage space is worth it. Plus *gasp* Focus Enhancements actually includes a battery, Sony doesn't think they should put a battery in the box with the HVRDR60 - you got to buy one separately.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I use it for run and gun work as well as stationary shooting.
Workflow has been greatly improved, but I did learn the hard way that every time you power it off, it makes another folder and starts putting clips in that folder. I was shutting it down constantly to conserve battery and I had single clips in a bazillion folders.
I did read before buying that the record button was a little awkward. I agree. I was also hitting the record button again to stop and not the STOP button.
I need to read the manual and figure out how to slave the record to the record on the camera.

Over all I am thrilled.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

When I hooked it up to my A1U and when I pushed rec on my camera thinking it was linked, it didn't work. Basically, it does record, but you have to push rec and make sure it is. It will say it on the HDR but not on your camera if you have an A1U. Also, the file format is not usable for Final Cut, but this will make me learn to use the Adobe products....

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

Doesn't work with Final Cut (Express or Pro) (Except in real time camera mode -- but what's the point in that?)You can't delete old files without deleting them all. (You can delete the most recent, but not the oldest).Gives Error messages too often (requiring reformatting).On/Off Switch not well designed.I could go on and on. For [$], you can buy a lot of nicer, better toys -- and some reasonably priced back-up drives to boot!I (tried to) use this for Middle School Projects as an English Teacher. Our Public Service Announcements often receive air time on local TV stations. Sorry, I have nothing positive to say about this product. I had such high hopes. Now I just get sick when I think about what else I could have done with [$]

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

Lightweight perfect for camera. Never had problems setting up and recording. Recommend using when camera stationary because hand held movements may interfere with cable connection.
Found the power switch to be somewhat awkward to maneuver where it slides easily from video to computer mode. The switch could have been more robust.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I bought it less for workflow considerations than to save the heads and gears of my V1U; it's cheaper than a Sony HD deck[...]And I was pleased to see that it's also compatible with my SD PDX10 (although I have a DSR-11 deck for that). The first time out, I had the V1U in 24P mode and the DR60 captured zip, so I went back to the manual (which comes on a disc, so add your own paper and toner to the cost of the unit)and adjusted the V1U settings. The drive is fine with 1080i (and presumably SD), and everything uploaded to my computer without a hitch. But it only comes with a 6-pin to 4-pin firewire (that connects the unit to your camcorder), so if you're using a desktop instead of a laptop to edit, you'll need a 6-pin to 6-pin cable. My NLE (Avid Xpress Pro) imported the clips with no trouble whatever. I agree with those who complain about the troublesome computer/off/video slider-switch. It's small, with a tiny push-in button lock, and hard to land on "off." I also agree with those who complain about the flashing no-tape icon in the LCD screen if you try to use it without tape--a much-proclaimed feature with the V1U. Again, I bought it to save wear and tear on the tape mechanism, so think the tapeless function should be the default and look forward to the rumored "fix" that will shut that off. There aren't many controls, but you have to read the manual to enter optional commands. I'm happy with it. It comes with a sturdy cold-shoe brace and together they don't add much weight when I shoot hand-held.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I bought this unit because I upgraded to the Sony HVR-V1U and thought it might save a little wear-and-tear on the tape heads/motor.

This little unit is very compact, solid, and is pretty straight-forward to use. It is also very easy to transfer video to the computer via the firewire connection. So far I am very happy with it. One very nice thing about this unit is that you can manually turn it on to record (without presssing the record button on your camera), simulate your shot with your settings, then review it immediately... without having to waste any tape.

Things that are bad about it... the power switch is sometimes a little difficult to turn on/off. Sometimes the camera doesn't recognize that the unit is plugged into the camera, so the HVRDR60 doesn't record (you have to unplug the firewire cable then plug it back in for the camera to recognize it is there).

From a usability standpoint it is great... but, you have to get into the habit of manually turning it on, which isn't always easy to do when you are in a hurry to get the shot.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I was very excited when i purchased this hard disk recordingunit because running up and downstairs to my computerwithout the camera sounded appealing for transferringfootage. BUT the cable did not interface with my Mac and Ihad to drive to 2 stores to find a compatible firewirecable. Then I did a test shoot and found that it wouldn'topen in FCP. How stupid is that!!! The premiere videoediting software and SONY didn't think to create a formatthat would be compatible? What a waste of time and money.I'm so disappointed.

Expertise: I've created 5 educational DVDs

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

Hello all, I just wanted to fill you in on this drive.I tour for a living with major label recording artists and have now been all over the world with this unit. It took a little while getting used to the workflow involved with using .M2T files in Premiere Pro, but using Cineform's HD Link app that comes with Aspect HD, I've been able to fine tune this process a bit. Keep in mind what others have written, that you CANNOT set this unit to record in anything other than .M2T. That means NO .MOV or .AVI (at least for HD anyways, SD you can)I've created a folder structure where each concert I record or day of the tour, has a Batch folder and a CF Converted folder in it. That way, I go through and grab whatever clips I want to use from their individual folders and transfer them to the Batch folder. HD Link then gets directed to batch conform the Batch folders contents and outputs all the NEW .AVIS (or MOVs if you need) to the CF Converted folder. I then point Premiere to import from that CF Converted folder. May seem a little convoluted at first, but it works for me.A few things I've noticed about the drive and it's interaction with the V1U:-First off (and this is a BIG problem to me that should be fixed with a firmware patch) I've found a problem where, when the drive is connected, the digital 1.5X zoom of the camera gets DISABLED. In other words, there's no way to use the Enhanced Focus mode of the camera. Unless, of course, you turn the HVR-DR60 off, which totally defeats the purpose. Someone at Sony...PLEASE FIX THIS!-Battery life is very impressive, even when using the TiVO-esque cache recording function. -The 60GB capacity is misleading in a positive way. Since you're recording HDV, you can store 4.5 HOURS of footage on here. That's perfect for the documentary, run-n-gun style I work in. -One other MAJOR design flaw I've found is the HORRIBLE power slider switch. It seems like no one at Sony had any field experience when designing this switch. I can't tell you how many times I've put the unit into what I thought was the OFF position, only to come back a half hour later to find it had been actually switched to COMPUTER mode. Lame.-If this unit was supposedly designed to work so well with the V1U, why was there not a secondary firewire port placed near the top of the camera to eliminate the need for the FRAGILE firewire cable that has to run to awkwardly to the BACK of the camera. Am I missing something here? This just seems like an obvious screw up on their part.

Expertise: 8 years of documentary field work worldwide

Problems Encountered: Read the review I wrote. There are a few major ones that may annoy you.

Items I Recommend: The rear mounting plate, an extra Firewire cable (identical to the one supplied with the HVR-DR60) and lots of smaller Sony batteries

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

Firstly Sony has the worlds worst support... They have no support forums... I sent an e-mail and three days later still no response ...If you try and import the files directly into Premiere Pro the first thing you notice is that each video file is placed in it's own folder.... YOU CANNOT IMPORT MULTIPLE FOLDERS INTO PREMIERE... you have to go into each folder and import the video manually.. (Sony what were you thinking)How to get around this inconvenienceI copied all the Folders on the hard drive to a new folder on my computer called 'HDV Video'I then opened windows explorer navigated to the folder.Using the search function I searched for all files within this folder with the .M2T extension (these are the video files premiere needs)I selected all the .M2T files and copied them to the root folder 'HDV VideoOnce this is done you can go into Premiere Pro and import all the files..Sony's tech support (which i called and was placed on hold for ten minutes) informed me that you cannot change their folder structure... meaning you have to do what I did above to get the files into premiere.I am very happy with the HRV VU1 camera but definitely a wee bit disappointed with the hard drive recorder.. It is small lightweight and can hold 4.5 hours worth of video but what a pain.I have used other hard drive recorders and Sony's has room for improvementBefore I go I would also like to point out that i did not see on any literature a web address for the correct support site.. I also found the manual serial and in need of some tutorials.

Expertise: Semi Pro

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

The files won't import into Final Cut Pro. The work around is to put into video mode and use capture now function.

Problems Encountered: M2t files are not compatible with FCP!!

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Betacam SP

Items I Recommend: Big battery

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

The HVR-DR60 makes M2T files not MOV files. You cannot drop and drag this file into a Final Cut Pro timeline without converting the file to an MOV file or other format acceptable to FCP. This almost defeats the purpose of having recorded to a hard drive. If I wanted slow real time import, I would have used tape. I wish that I would have bought the Firestore unit. This is a serious design flaw. Oh yeah it looked good at first until I actually got a chance to use one and discovered the m2t issue. My other warning to hard drive shooters is to never shoot without tape backup. I mean never. It happen to me recently where the file became corrupted and I was not able to get the footage of the hard drive. It was a design flaw from another disk recorder manufacturer. Sure they fixed problem and offered me $30 towards an upgrade but the event coverage was lost forever.

Problems Encountered: M2T files which is the file format for 1080i cannot be imported in Final Cut Pro without a conversion.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Other Brand Hard Disk Recorder

Items I Recommend: Tape... I am not kidding.

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I purchased a Firestore FS-4 and found it to be incompatible with my HVR-V1U. That's not to say that the FS-4 is not a good product, which I'm sure it is. I even contacted the FS-4 technical support and they sent me step by step instructions which still did not work.As far as the DR60 goes, it was plug and play all the way. Although this may have more limited features than the FS-4 such as the ability to record in all types of different formats, I will record mostly in AVI which this drive does. Transferring data to the computer was not a problem either. I used a straight firewire cable and the computer recognized it immediately as another external hard drive. From there, it was just drag and drop.You'll the like small size and the VCT-1BP bracket comes in very handy when you have to use your shoe for a video light.Not a straight 5 overall only because it is pricey...but it works!!!

Problems Encountered: The only frustrating encounter that I am experiencing is the tape icon which continually flashes when you don't have a tape in the camera and recording to only the hard drive. I have contacted Sony about this issue and they are researching this problem. I find it hard to believe that this item was overlooked because looking at a flashing icon in the middle of the screen while video taping can drive you nuts. Keep in mind, I think this is an issue with the camera and not the drive.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Firestore FS-4

Items I Recommend: VCT-1BP

Comments about Sony HVR-DR60 Hard Disk Recording Unit for HVR-V1U Camcorder, HDV/DVCAM/DV, 60GB, 4.5 Hours Recording Time:

I recently purchased the Sony HVR-DR60 to compare it to the Firestore FS-4. Although I love the SONY brand, this product is not up to par to the FS-4.The unit work as promised however, download speeds are very slow. The DR60 only has a 1.7 4500rpm hard drive, compared to the FS-4 2.5 5400rpm hard drive. Downloads to the PC took about twice as long on the DR60. In addition, the DR60 hard drive size is only 60 gb, while my FS-4 is 80gb.On a positive for the DR60, I did like the smaller overall unit size, battery capacity, and the camera mounting bracket.

Previous Equivalent Items Owned: Firestore FS-4 Pro HD