Questions Regarding Storage Methods

[andhu]

I just have couple of questions about the storage devices.

when i first made my order i ordered the RED FLASH DRIVE and later found out that it will not be available for a long time. Then i was recommended to go for the red drives for the time being. Then i started looking at other options available. I am wondering if i should go for the red drives or go for the compact flash card option and getting multiple flash cards till i get the flash drive.

Also while looking through the shop i came across the product description for the RED FLASH (CF) Module which said "Can not be used on cameras with the RAW PORT option". What does that really mean. Does it mean the camera does not record raw format on to flash cards??? And what does RED RAW PORT Module do.



hope someone could clear this out for me.

regards
Andhu

[Craig Schober]

as always, it depends on your needs but i have both and believe that 95% of all red users will need both at least for the next year or two. cf prices are just too high and their densities and speeds are just too low for many eng and feature film shoots. $900 is very reasonable for a drive and $700 (cf module + 1 8gb card) is a great deal too for the portability and stability cf offers. i wouldn't go out and buy a ton of 8gb cf cards, but a few should work whenever you can't use the drive.

the cf module physically takes the place of the raw port so it's either one or the other but not both at the same time. the raw port allows the raw red data to be spooled out uncompressed at some crazy 1gb/sec rate. it requires tethering to a very fast raid for such speeds. the cf card, red drive and flash module all record redcode which is compressed data but still looks great.

[Jeff Kilgroe]

What wigby said...

Except you no longer need to worry about the RAW port as an option... It has been discontinued.

RED drive is the best record option right now for most things. If you will be shooting while moving the camera or any area with vibration -- industrial locations, vehicle mounts, even potentially on a steadicam, you will want the CF cards.

I think the RED FLASH drive is real close -- I bet it's released at NAB or just before. CF cards are a good option, but I also want to say don't buy more 8GB cards than you absolutely need. I know it seems like larger cards are never going to arrive, but they will over the coming months. New faster FLASH controllers (that go on-board the CF cards) and new FLASH chips are hitting the market in the near future so we will see larger and faster cards.