Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Purchased the MRC1 to make the transfer of video into Final Cut Pro faster and easier. Previously I had to log and capture at real time. Takes about an hour to read the manual and to understand the different functions of the MRC1 and to load the software into FCP. The clips from the card are imported thru LOG AND TRANSFER in FCP. NOTE: You need the CD software to make the transfer work. The MRC1 clips easily on the back of the Z5U. I haven't noticed the additional weight, but one draw back is you have to remove the MRC1 to change the camera battery. Another is the file name when the clips are imported is really long. I'm using a 32G card which is plenty. I use the Z5U for ENG shooting. I'd recommend the MRC1. I only record on the MRC1 to a card now and leave a tape in the camera as a back up for important jobs. It is great being able to choose between recording on tape or card. Hope this help - the unit would be even better if it was cheaper!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

This product is good for use and save a lot of time.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I have two of these units. One for the Sony Z5U and one for FX1000. Unit attaches directly to Z5 which is great. operates Perfectly! The FX 1000 it has to be attached by cable No Problem takes a little more awareness. FX 1000 does not control unit but Z5U does.
Video Tape ?? What is that? Compact Flash Cards all the way! I have saved a bundle of money not buying Tapes. Only time I use tape is when I have to for the customer. Down load to computer for edit is 1/4 of the time.
I would not hesitate to purchase MCR1 again.
PS. works great on other cameras also!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

In cold conditions tapes became a problem, this unit solved it...

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I use it in conjunction with my Sony HVR-Z5U.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Product is freat and simple to use.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I bought this because i was covering a festival and i needed to have fast turna arounds in getting the footage on a computer for uploads to the web. The hvr mrc1 was easy to set up and start recording. I also loved that it works with the sony Z1 and it doesnt need a tape in the camera to record. The downsides are that the plugin for finalcut pro doesnt work for me and you need to press two buttons to record which is a hassel if you are working without a tripod. The benefits however far outway these negatives.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I use this product by my job

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I use the MRC1 with my Canon XLH1 no problems at all worked first time. Make sure all the settings are correct and format card in MRC1. Brilliant piece of kit and you do not need a tape in XLH1 as you do with Sony cameras, it records directly to CF card and log and transfer into FCP 7.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I'm using this with the Canon XHA-1 and it works flawlessly!! I have imported files from the MRC1 via the Compact Flash Card and it so much faster than tapes. What would take one hour now only takes 5 minutes, and it goes right into Final Cur Pro ready to edit.

The unit is light weight, easy to use and most of all easy to attach with the supplied equipment. All the cables and necessary software came with unit.

Seeing time saved and ease of use, it is hard to have any negatives about this product!!! I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE DOING HDV VIDEO!!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Easy to set up. easy to use,the M2t files are a pain, and need to be converted, but no problems recording on compact cards.
Avi works fine, I do wish the record button was a little bigger. It takes a few seconds to start recording. But overall It works great.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I don't like tape, but now it serves as a back-up to the MRC1. I've used it for 8 months with zero problems, although a bit of a learning curve was involved. I did learn you can't go with the cheap CF cards and expect them to work in this unit.
Also, when attached to the back of an HVR-Z5U, you can't use the NP-F970 battery. It's too big.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Just started using the MRC1 on my HVR V1U and I love it. Small, intelligent, easy to use and so fast.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

This Sony product, even if it is an old unit, does the job well! To get the most out of it I got a new cf card reader jump the transfer time up to 10x times faster! (USB2 card reader) I would recommend it to all!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I recorded a wedding using a Sony HVR-Z1U and the HVR-MRC1 when I reviewed the minidDV tape, I was horrified to see that the date and time showed on the camcorder LCD screen. Connected the MRC1 to my PC and imported the video into Vegas 11.0 ... the video was perfect (without date and time).

Additionally,what was great about the MRC1 was that it took 14 minutes to import the 8.9 Gb files into Vegas .... MUCH better than playing the 1-1/2 hour miniDV tape on my camcorder into a firewire to the PC.

Not so good: Had to purchase a flash bracket (NIFBRS) from B&H so I could mount the MRC1 to the side of my camcorder and allow mounting an LED light (or) a Sennhouser ME-66 shotgun mic on the hot shoe on top of the Z1U.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

By far one of the best on camera addition I have purchased. The HVR-MRC1 allows you to capture full HD quality footage directly to a stand CF card. I paired this unit with my FX1 and can't express how much it has simplified my work flow while also boosting image quality!

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

huge time saver. must have.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

Shoot a lot of corporate "how to" videos, it's so time consuming to capture from tape. Unit has come down in price since I first looked at it, too much $ to purchase (with camera) at the time.
Docks right on the back of my HVR-Z5U, documentation is a little vague from Sony but, I found a YouTube video (in japanese) showing how to iLinc with my camera.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I have been able to use this on a variety of cameras having firewire outs and I have loved it! Very compact and easy to use. The ability to carry the CF cards around makes it so easy to shoot and to transfer the footage to the computer.

Comments about Sony HVR-MRC1 Memory Recording Unit:

I bought this unit for my Sony Z1U after being pleased with the Sony POV camera (HXR-MC1) with Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo media for over a year. Solid State recording media are the way to go!

I downloaded and read the manual thoroughly before buying the device, so there weren't very many surprises. I avoid manufacturers that don't make their manuals available before purchase.

The HVR-MRC1 mounts on the hot shoe of the Z1U with an adaptor that is supplied. It needs to be powered with a separate Sony Li-Ion battery when used with the Z1U. I use a big Sony NP-F970, which is probably overkill. It is connected to the Z1U with a 6-to-4-pin FW400 cable that is supplied. No CF cards come with the unit. No battery comes with the unit.

I have now used this unit on my Z1U intensively for several weeks with complete success. I often run video sessions for over two hours continuously, and the 32GB CF cards make this easy for the first time.

Good Features:
1.) This unit (HVR-MRC1) uses Compact Flash media. I found the SanDisk 32GB CF cards with 60Mb/sec transfer rate worked perfectly.
2.) Very long continuous recording times. You can use CF cards at least as large at 32 GB (144 minutes). (I haven't tried larger.) The two NP-F970 batteries on the Z1U and this unit easily last long enough.
3.) Records SD or HD files correctly automatically, depending on Z1U camera settings.
4.) Simple operation with Z1U. I just run the Z1U without tape, and do the recording from the controls of the HVR-MRC1. The playback to the Z1U monitor is straightforward for checking the recording.
5.) Fast downloads to computer. I use a SanDisk CF card reader with a FW800 cable. I simply copy the CF card to my hard disk, being careful to keep the entire folder and file structure intact. [Afterwards, I use the Log & Transfer command to import the video into Final Cut Pro to edit it. The L&T process takes a while and the files created by L&T are somewhat larger, typically about 8GB for about 44min.]
6.) The unit can be easily and quickly removed from the Z1U for travel or storage.
7.) The likelihood of mechanical failure (unlike tape transports or hard disks) is virtually nil.
8.) Compact storage: The volume of the unit plus the Sony NP-F970 battery plus 3 CF cards is about the same as six or seven 85-min mini-DV tapes. Each 32GB CF card holds the equivalent of three 85-min mini DV's.

Not so great things:
1.) The unit should be removed from the Z1U for traveling or for storage. The combination is an awkward size and shape, and could easily be damaged by handling. It is at least easy to remove. I always take this precaution. I found no issue while recording on a tripod.
2.) Good CF cards are a bit pricey.
3.) No CF cards come with the unit.
4.) It does not take power from the Sony Z1U, and therefore needs a separate battery. No battery was supplied. This is not a big deal for me because I have lots of appropriate Sony batteries.