PCMCIA Card Reader for MacBook or MacBook Pro to Read Panasonic P2 Cards

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Level 1

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PCMCIA Card Reader for MacBook or MacBook Pro to Read Panasonic P2 Cards

Is there a MacBook or MacBook Pro that comes with a PCMCIA slot that will accept the new Panasonic P2 cards that are used to capture the DVCProHD format? If not, is there an alternative to the Panasonic reader that uses an USB connection to send the information to the computer. Currently, the only way I can import the material is via the camera. Thanks for any help.

PPC Dual G5 2GHz Mac OS X (10.4.7)

Posted on Aug 21, 2006 2:11 PM

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Answer 1

Aug 21, 2006 2:21 PM in response to Robert Land

Welcome to the forum Robert!

No current Macs have PCMCIA slots... the MBP sports the newer Expresscard/34 slot... shoot..

I found this a while ago:

http://www.amtron.com/reader/uisdma2w.htm

I'd call them about this first though... it's not too expensive, but has some restrictions. Only works with DATA cards which to me seems like it might then work with the P2 storage... dunno call for sure or get them to OK a return if it doesn't?

The camera itself can do it BTW sans reader.

Jerry

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Answer 2

Robert Land Author

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33 points

Aug 21, 2006 2:27 PM in response to Jerry Hofmann

Thanks for your quick response to my question as well as the link. I'll get back with some additional info from the followup.
Just a side note: It seems that Apple and Panasonic have worked so well together so far that it would be a good idea for Apple to find a good solution to the future demand of the P2 product support. Just an idea.

Thanks again, Robert Land

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Answer 3

Robert Land Author

Level 1

33 points

Aug 21, 2006 2:32 PM in response to Jerry Hofmann

Here's the followup to the answer.
It appears that the unit may do the trick. The only problem I've found is that page that the link connected does not give a price for the unit. I may need to contact the company directly to get more information as to the price of the unit. Thank you again for your help.

Robert Land

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Answer 4

David S.

Level 7

20,636 points

Aug 21, 2006 2:35 PM in response to Robert Land

Duel-systems is about a month away from testing a ExpressCard/34 to PC Card adapter.

Another company has indicated it is developing a USB2 to PC Card adapter as well.

Apple is unlikely to modify the MB or MBP to include a PC Card reader.

No other none Panasonic solutions exist.

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Answer 5

Robert Land Author

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33 points

Aug 21, 2006 2:35 PM in response to Jerry Hofmann

Oh,

By-the-way, thanks for the welcome to the forum! I usually don't have many questions about my macs since they function properly most of the time - especially since OSX.

Robert Land

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Answer 6

Robert Land Author

Level 1

33 points

Aug 21, 2006 2:40 PM in response to David S.

David,

Thanks for the information. I must say, the new Panasonic camera makes such fine images that I simply want the ability to import the material without the need for a connection to the camera directly. We shall see how things shape up. Thank you again.

Robert Land

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Answer 7

Aug 21, 2006 2:55 PM in response to Robert Land

P2 simply rules for the money... really rules... HDV pales in comparison with the post workflow. Everyone that's used the camera that I know just loves it. They are looking at the shoot AT the shoot and doing roughs on the set because of it's workflow, and that makes for a much better result I think. It's not for event videography don't think per se, but it's wonderful for everything else.

Jerry

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Answer 8

Robert Land Author

Level 1

33 points

Aug 22, 2006 9:44 AM in response to Jerry Hofmann

Spot On!

I am completely sold on the technology and its future. I recently read an article on a future codec that will be available for the camera and card that will use the H.264 scheme in the compression. This will double the amount of content that a card will hold. In other words, from 8 gigs = 8 minutes to 8 gigs = 16 minutes. This will come in the form of a downloadable update for the camera and cards. REALLY COOL!!! You won't have to buy a new camera to take advantage of the improved codec.
As far as color reproduction, HDV cannot come close. If you look at the technical aspects of DVCPro HD vs. HDV, it's a "No Brainer."

Happy Shooting!
Robert Land

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