Video Val

Reprint

Works great with Sony Z1U

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.