The e-HDR allows the user to record directly to an external hard disk and sets a new standard for recording time and affordability. The e-HDR is amazing value compared to other storage solutions.

The user inserts the e-HDR ExpressCard into the EX-1 or EX-3 camcorder, connects the Mini-USB cable to the hard disk enclosure – which can accommodate either an HDD or SSD hard disk (not supplied) – supplies power and presses record. The hard disk is powered by either a supplied AC adaptor or a Dolgin Power’s EX-V adapter.

For those of us who record long form video we have two fundamental requirements

• -Long uninterrupted record times

-Quick editing turnaround.

One of the advantages of tape was that we could go from recording to duplication by removing the tape, rewinding and duplicating to DVD immediately if need be.

Solid state recording presented a new challenge as it offers shorter record times, as well as very high cost per recorded minute, as compared to tape.

The advantage we had with the two slot EX series camera design, was that we could fill up one card and the camera would seamlessly swap to the other card giving us the possibility of unlimited recording.

The reality unfortunately, was that we were unable to achieve this, as the cost of the media for a 6 or 8 hour record, was more than the camera, and footage had to be downloaded either during the shoot, which was not always possible, or back at the studio, to allow the next day’s recording to take place.

Because the EX1/EX3 cameras work with the PCIexpress and USB media in similar ways to computers, using a Hard Disk Drive (HDD) was the next logical platform as a recording media device.

E-films now delivers the e-HDR Hard disk Recording device.

The e-HDR was designed to deliver to the user:

• -Recording to the maximum capacity the camera safely allows (84GB), over 5 hours of recording
• -Performance to at least match the MxR and e-LCR
• -Provide the user with a choice of power options
• -Provide the user with choices of what HDD or SSD to use
• -Use an e-sata interface to increase download speeds to the computer
• -Deliver all of this at a reasonable price

When we built the Expresscard to interface with the camera, we were leaving it to the user to source their own cable/enclosure/HDD and powering solution. It became obvious as we started testing cables and enclosures that so many were not compatible with the camera, and that ordinary USB cable would sometimes drop data while recording. So few cables and enclosures were compatible we designed and built our own. The goal was to ensure maximum data rate is sustained to the HDD, using as little power as possible.  

We offer a high quality AC adaptor to power the e-HDR, or the user can purchase the Dolgin Power EX-V adapter, which allows the user to use their existing BPU series batteries for a minimum 5hrs recording.

In operation the user turns on power to the hard drive, attaches the cable to the Expresscard USB adapter, inserts into the camera, and the camera will report on how much free space there is on the hard drive. The user can then record to the HDD as they would to either an SxS card or an MxR/e-LCR card.

Once recording has been completed, the user plugs the HDD enclosure into the computer via e-sata, and they can either edit directly from the e-HDR at full speed or they can download the data at a lightning 3Gbps.

e-HDR kit contents include:
•    2 x Mini-USB to Mini-USB cables, short 37cm and long 150cm
•    1 x high speed enclosure with Mini-USB and e-SATA interfaces
•    1 x Mini-USB to 2 x USB-A
•    1 x e-SATA cable
•    1 x AC Adapter 110-240v to 5v
•    1 x leather belt bag with lanyard.
•    1 x carry case

* Note this unit does not include the 2.5" hard disk and requires Sony camera battery to operate in the field.