Video transfer rates

[AndWhyNot]

My only experience of video has been recording to tape which I've always found slow (ie real time) to transfer to the computer. How much quicker are devices like the Flip and MS Hero. If someone could give me an appx transfer time for 5 or 10 mins recording via USB 2 or firewire that'd be great.

[FasterFreddy]

Depends on the quality setting of your video camera (affects filesize per minute), the speed of the flashcard you use and the flashcard reader you buy (not all USB 2 readers work at the same speeds).

Rough guide - 1 hour of HD H.264 video might take up about 4GB. If you use a fairly fast flashcard like a Sandisk Extreme at 30MB/s transfer rate, it should take about 3 minutes to copy to your hard disk.

But there are so many variables you have to just test it yourself to be sure.

[AndWhyNot]

Thanks, good start on feedback.

Looking in to it a bit more the GoPro (MS Hero) uses SD cards so I can use my existing Sandisk Extreme III cards and I guess expect a similar rate MB for MB to photo transfers. Sounds quick enough from your description though.

Next Q, anyone any experience of hiring a GoPro or is that just asking too much?

[GetCarter]

I use a GoPro HD Hero with a Sandisk extreme 111 and an Apple Mac G5.

It's pretty slow to to transfer files to be honest - but the results are stunning. Well worth the wait.

BTW... some postcards on the way to you! (along with 14 other PHers)

Edited by GetCarter on Monday 28th June 11:39

[FasterFreddy]

I doubt anyone has them for hire as they are too cheap to buy in the first place...

Steve, are you taking out the SD card and then using a card reader or transferring from the USB port on the GoPro? You should find you can get faster transfer using an external card reader (as long as you use a fast one).

[AndWhyNot]

GetCarter said:

I use a GoPro HD Hero with a Sandisk extreme 111 and an Apple Mac G5.

It's pretty slow to to transfer files to be honest - but the results are stunning. Well worth the wait.

BTW... some postcards on the way to you! (along with 14 other PHers)

Thanks for the info, looking out for the cards

[GetCarter]

FasterFreddy said:

Steve, are you taking out the SD card and then using a card reader or transferring from the USB port on the GoPro? You should find you can get faster transfer using an external card reader (as long as you use a fast one).

Latter. Ta for the tip.