Vitec Multimedia FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support
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Availabillty Details
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The Focus Enhancements 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.
- Speed up your Editing Workflow
- When using the FS-5, moving from acquisition (recording) to post-production (editing) is so fast and easy you'll never want to record on tape again! Not only is capturing and digitizing footage boring, it takes up precious time that could be used managing other aspects of your project.
- Ultra-Portable Design
- The FS-5 is lightweight, durable, and can fit virtually anywhere. Most importantly, when the unit is attached to a camcorder it won't adversely affect weight distribution or make the camera unmanageable. This is especially important while shooting documentaries or live events where camera operators potentially may have to record for long periods of time in unpredictable environments.
- Metadata Anyone?
- The FS-5 can be accessed by using a browser loaded up either to a laptop or wirelessly to a portable handheld device. Through the browser, metadata can be assigned and manipulated. This can prevent users from having to rename footage once they are in post; simply tag the footage as you shoot it!
- High Capacity 100 GB Hard Drive
- The 100GB drive in the FS-5 translates into 7.5 hours of MiniDV or 1080i HDV footage. When using HDV in 720p, the unit will record up to 10 hours! Wow.
- High-Resolution LCD Screen
- The LCD screen on the FS-5 is both bright and clear, making it easy to use in even the most brightly lit locations.
| Video System | NTSC |
| Configuration | Portable |
| Technology | DTE Disk Recorder |
| Audio |
DV 2-Channel (16-bit, 48kHz) 4-Channel (12-bit, 32kHz) (RawDV only) HDV MPEG-1 Audio Layer II |
| 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 |
| 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 | 100GB, 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 |
Mini DV (DV25 Camcorders), Canon XLH1, Canon XHA1, Canon XHG1 Sony HDR-FX1, Sony HVR-HD1000U, Sony HVR-V1U, Sony HVR-Z1U, Sony HVR-Z7U
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Please Note:Refer to manufacturer's website for most current compatibility information. close |
| 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 |
| 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 9 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
100%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Compact (7)
- Easy to use (7)
- Lightweight (5)
- Good audio (4)
- Versatile (4)
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances (7)
- Professional recording (7)
- Outdoor events / games (6)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (8)
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 9 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-9
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Lightweight
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
We are very pleased with the new option to record in much longer clips. We recently taped a battle of the bands and the editing would have been a lot smoother if we had had this firestore to record the entire show in one clip. We also like the feature to watch the clips right on the FireStore.
Negatives would be when you are recording in 9 min clips it is difficult to figure out where all but the first one are located when you are looking to copy them to your computer. Also there is a little delay when setting the 8 sec pre-roll.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
- Complicated menu options
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
If you read the instructions for this before you start messing with it, your golden. This piece of equipment takes your entire project to a whole new level. It saves soooo much time with capturing and even rendering. I use Final Cut Pro 6 and it is amazing how well it imports. It cuts my entire editing time in half and saves so much money not having to buy tapes. I use it with the Sony HVR-V1U HDV and they work really well together. I love being able to drag and drop files onto my Mac.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Video Site
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
The not having to use tapes is great you don't have to miss any action. [...]
Pros
- Compact
- Convenient
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I'm really enjoying this more than I thought I would even for the simple benefit of no tape capture. Plus I am a lot more willing to record something because it's easy and I don't need to use up an $8 tape each time (yes I know I could buy a lot of $8 tapes for one FS-5, but the convenience factor of not needing to buy tapes and not having to capture is quite strong). Of course, not having to worry about swapping tapes and missing 30 seconds of long events is great.
The only thing I wasn't crazy about is the weight of the handle mount which is substantial but heavy. I ended up taking the heavy part off and attaching the clip part onto my bracket1 so I can see the unit while recording and don't need to use the heavy part of the clamp. For a tripod mount, the handle would be fine and is well made.
Overall, I am really getting good use out of this unit, and no problems!
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I love the size of the Fs-5. It fits nicely on top of my dv camera without any extra weight from what I can tell. No issues with the battery life. I am having a hard time connecting to the meta tag features but other than that. No more digitizing.
Pros
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
We are a school district television station that produces a lot of content and are CONSTANTLY conducting various shows every other day, shows that must go on air quickly. This is perfect for recording shows and make the turnaround time very quick! I also enjoy using the record button feature during a show. When someone makes a mistake i hit the record button and it starts a new clip. When i lay the footage down in adobe i check the cuts in clips and immediately find the mistake instead of guessing where it may be and accidentaly missing cutting out a mistake. GREAT PRODUCT!
Pros
- Affordable
- Clear Sound
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- Durable
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I use this product for video productions; the metadata is awasome. I just love it.
Pros
- Good Battery life
- Great Capacity
- Great interface
Cons
- No playback of clips
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
This is a welcome upgrade from previous models, in many ways. It does precisely what it's supposed to, and is very easy to use, even compared to earlier Firestores. I was up and running with HDV recording in about 10 minutes! That said, I have to wonder why the large screen doesn't playback clips, in some way? I also miss the ability to "daisy chain" the firewire signal, like with my previous FS-4. That said, it's a wonderful recorder.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Lots Of Features
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Power comsuption
Best Uses
- Documentaries
- Event videography
Comments about Focus Enhancements FS-5 Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I'm an event videographer who purchased this device to cut down on the amount of time that it takes to digitize data using tapes. I'm able to edit directly from the drive without any issues.
I use this unit in conjunction with tapes and I haven't developed full trust on these type of devices.
This unit is in real need of an external battery charger and a longer lasting battery. The 3hr battery almost drops to 85% right afer inserting a fully charge battery.
The unit ships with a camera mount cradle.
Displaying reviews 1-9
Video Cables
- Price: $11.95
Power Accessories
- Price: $119.95
Mounts
- Price: $119.95
What's in the Box
- Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger
- 4-Pin to 6-Pin FireWire Cable
- USB Cable
- FS-5 Handle Mount Cradle
- 1-Year Warranty
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