Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support
- No Longer Available
The Canon FS-CV by Focus Enhancements is a highly portable Direct-To-Edit (DTE) recorder designed for standard Canon camcorders. As with previous models, the unit records footage directly through FireWire. Enhancements over previous models include a backlit, 2.5" high-resolution LCD screen, ultra-light design, along with intuitive menus and controls. Suitable for the harshest environments, the FS-CV 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-CV, 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-CV is lightweight, durable, and can fit virtually anywhere. Most importantly, when the unit is attached to a camcorder it won't adversely effect 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-CV 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-CV 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-CV is both bright and clear, making it easy to use in even the most brightly lit locations. View thumbnails and video clips directly on the device.
| 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 |
Canon XLH1s, Canon XHA1s, Canon XHG1s
1
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 11 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
91%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Professional quality (8)
- Compact (6)
- Easy to use (6)
- Improves performance (6)
- Highly compatible (5)
Cons
Best Uses
- In the studio (6)
- Complex projects (4)
- Independent films (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Professional artist (5), Business owner (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
A great recorder... battery power
I'm a feature film Sound Supervisor and a Videographer specializing in Video Documentaries.
I'll be using the FS-CV for shooting multi-channel audio for videos as well as recording feature film ambient and h...Read complete review
I'm a feature film Sound Supervisor and a Videographer specializing in Video Documentaries.
I'll be using the FS-CV for shooting multi-channel audio for videos as well as recording feature film ambient and hard sound effects for my feature sound work.
I am delighted with the FS-CV's great features and it's large recording capacity.
The only drawbacks I've encountered so far:
The MANUAL is a bit confusing and poorly-organized. That makes for a slow learning-curve.
There are no approved high-capacity BATTERIES available (only the one that comes with it which advertises a "three-hour" capacity but which is always lower than that in the field).
Further to that, there is no stand-alone BATTERY CHARGER for the unit. This means that all batteries need to be charged one at a time - at night - after a day's shoot and you need to be awake to swap out the batteries one after another. That is inconvenient.
I've been communicating with the manufacturer (FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS) about these issues and they've been very quick to respond, they've been sympathetic about the problems and it's clear that they are dedicated to the on-going development of their recorder.
I've asked if they could at least produce a CHARGER by using the shell of their recorder with only the CHARGING ELEMENTS inside it. That might produce a relatively inexpensive way to purchase two or three chargers and at least eliminate the overnight charging problem.
All in all it's a brilliant step forward in VIDEO/AUDIO recording and I look forward to working with it in the field and to more development and improvements from FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS for the recorder.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Do Not Buy
Video has audio dropouts and time code and image freezing when use with XHA1… Lock ups Vegas when suits when import the bad video. Should have bought a new camera instead.
Video has audio dropouts and time code and image freezing when use with XHA1… Lock ups Vegas when suits when import the bad video. Should have bought a new camera instead.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 11 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-11
Pros
Cons
- Poor Performance
Best Uses
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
Video has audio dropouts and time code and image freezing when use with XHA1… Lock ups Vegas when suits when import the bad video. Should have bought a new camera instead.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Limited Compatibility
- Poor Design
Best Uses
- News Stringer
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
This recorder needs to be made a bit easier with regards to adding to time lines such as avid . would be nice if they could add a metadata button that can be turned on or off. The price on this is to steep. USB 3 is out and yet they have USB 2.0 also if this is going to us firewire to record from the camera then they need to make it so the files can be transferred via firewire as well its all about speed when it comes to moving files. Also cant see the video on the LED screen. For the money this should do more like be able to review the footage on the LED screen and even the audio.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Big
Best Uses
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I have been pleased with the FS-CV. I have used it on several very important shoots and it has worked very well. I was shocked at how large it was when I first got it. For some reason I was thinking it would be the size of an mp3 player. It's not. It's big. It also has a lot of features that I was not counting on and took a while to figure it out. It's not terribly intuitive but is manageable. The instructions speak to it's ability to save metadata to FCP. I use Adobe Premiere. I could not read the data on CS4. Though I have recently gone to CS5 and have not tried to import that yet.
Ultimately I am very happy with the FS-CV. More importantly I trust it. DV tapes are a pain for a variety of reasons and cause stress on the camera itself. I love my XH-A1s and simply factor in this cost to the price of the camera. The optional cradle is an absolute must. It mounts on the handle of the camera very securely. I use an extended hot shoe mount for my wireless receivers and everything fits very nicely.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact Design
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
- Terrific features
- Very compact design
Cons
- Manual hard to decipher
- No High Capacity Battery
- No Separate Batt Charger
Best Uses
- Excellent Sound Recorder
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
- Ready 2 Edit Files a PLUS
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I'm a feature film Sound Supervisor and a Videographer specializing in Video Documentaries.
I'll be using the FS-CV for shooting multi-channel audio for videos as well as recording feature film ambient and hard sound effects for my feature sound work.
I am delighted with the FS-CV's great features and it's large recording capacity.
The only drawbacks I've encountered so far:
The MANUAL is a bit confusing and poorly-organized. That makes for a slow learning-curve.
There are no approved high-capacity BATTERIES available (only the one that comes with it which advertises a "three-hour" capacity but which is always lower than that in the field).
Further to that, there is no stand-alone BATTERY CHARGER for the unit. This means that all batteries need to be charged one at a time - at night - after a day's shoot and you need to be awake to swap out the batteries one after another. That is inconvenient.
I've been communicating with the manufacturer (FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS) about these issues and they've been very quick to respond, they've been sympathetic about the problems and it's clear that they are dedicated to the on-going development of their recorder.
I've asked if they could at least produce a CHARGER by using the shell of their recorder with only the CHARGING ELEMENTS inside it. That might produce a relatively inexpensive way to purchase two or three chargers and at least eliminate the overnight charging problem.
All in all it's a brilliant step forward in VIDEO/AUDIO recording and I look forward to working with it in the field and to more development and improvements from FOCUS ENHANCEMENTS for the recorder.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- None
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- In The Studio
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
It helps the work flow go easier and faster.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
Cons
- No Carry Case
- No Mounting Device
Best Uses
- Long Shoots
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I use this attached to my Canon XL-2. I took the belt clip which came with my CH-910 Canon Battery Charger and stuck velcro to the clip as well as the back of the FS-CV. I then attach the belt clip to the back of the XL-2 on the std. mount for a well balanced connection. The camera can control & record to this device without the need for a tape to be in the camera.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Limited Compatibility
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- In The Studio
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
We have transitioned from the use of DVC tapes to the direct hard drive and it has made editing a breeze! Not to mention the money we saved on tapes. The sound quality has been drastically increased. The simple set up and compact design make this a must buy.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Professional Quality
Cons
- Cumbersome transport
Best Uses
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
The possibility alone not to have to sit hours waiting for your footage to be digitized is sufficient reason to grab one of these recorders. Make sure to purchase a longer FW cord (eg 3ft.
Biggest downside is the carrying possibility. I use a neck cord and strapped bag for transport. Don't use enclosed leather pouch, drive will overheat!
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
Right out of the box, in the field recording and edit directly from hard drive, what's not to like. At first look it may take a little time to use the menu but menu is easy. I recorded a two hour event and dump it my computer to edit, simple as that. If you want to streamline digital video editing this is a must.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy To Use
- Highly Compatible
- Improves Performance
- Professional Quality
Cons
Best Uses
- Complex Projects
- Home Movies
- Independent Films
- In The Studio
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
It is great using this to capture your video and then go straight to editing. I love the fact that I can actually view the clips on my Macbook with out even dumping them onto my hard drive space. I know the next time I have to log and capture off a mini DV I will probably complain the whole time.
The best part is that the minidv acts as a back up and you cna start and stop the recording via the camera or the DTE.
(hint you have to change the DV control and set it on you camera to make that work!)
Pros
- Access clips instantly
- Awesome battery time
- Easy to put to use
- Go tapeless
- Increase throughput
- Less to carry and set up
- Light and Compact
Cons
- Difficult to remove bty
- Hefty investment
- No cradle or carry pouch
- No eSATA
- Supplied FW too short
Best Uses
- Do more with less
- Increase mobility
- Plug and use
- Save time
Comments about Canon FS-CV 100GB Portable DTE Recorder with Metadata Support:
I use this product for sports performance training outdoor hence I am exposed to almost all weather conditions (sun and wind) that is never ideal to video stream into a laptop at my filming location.
With FS-CV, I leave my laptop and many other accessories in the shade. Less to carry and less to set up in the field. No tapes to deal with. No wear and tear on my camera tape mechanism and recording heads.
FS-CV is compact, light weight, quiet and very easy to use straight out of the box.
I wish the manufacturer bundle a FS-CV cradle with the unit into the cost of the device.
Tranfering video files and locating correct video clips on my laptop from FS-CV was a breeze.
Awesome tool and a worthy investment for any video applications.
Displaying reviews 1-11
Video Cables
- Price: $9.95
Data Cables
- Price: $2.25
Power Accessories
- Price: $119.95
Mounts
- Price: $119.95
Bags & Cases
- Price: $39.06
What's in the Box
- Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
- Battery Charger
- 4-Pin to 6-Pin FireWire Cable
- USB Cable
- 1-Year Warranty
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