The Datavideo DN-60 is a portable, small size, rain-proof and shock proof FireWire DV / HDV recorder with removable high capacity compact flash (CF) memory cards. The DN-60 provides hours of continuous high definition recordings, enabling you to take advantage of tapeless acquisition in even the toughest environments. The Datavideo DN-60 connects directly to your existing DV or HDV camcorder via a single FireWire cable. The DN-60 is lightweight and easy to mount to camcorders. It is perfect for news gathering, location shoots, security systems, scientific and medical recording.

Tapeless or file based video acquisition has widely become accepted as a replacement for outdated tape based systems. Recording times are far longer than for traditional tape, there are no drop outs and using Datavideo's Direct to Timeline technology, you will speed up the process from shooting to editing, thanks to fast file transfer, rather than traditional capturing from a tape. No dedicated player is required during the ingest as the CF Card can be inserted directly in the computer either directly or using a inexpensive USB adapter.

In addition to video and audio connection the DN-60 also features connection to external time code and RS-232 control protocol, making it perfect in a multi camera production where it is important to keep the same time code on all units. The unit can also generate time code internally if no external time code is available or required.

Time lapse recording down to a single frame recording for stop motion, science, model animation or many other application is standard in the DN-60. The lightweight (approx. 160g / 5.7oz) and flexible mounting options include tripod and hot shoe, make it easy to mount direct on your camera, and thanks to the solid state recording no noisy fan will interfere with the audio, even if the DN-60 is mounted next to the built in microphone.

The DN-60 is powered using four traditional AA batteries, or widely available rechargeable AA batteries available. A set of batteries provides more than two hours continuous recording, depending on the type of battery used. Also included is an external power supply.

Note:
This recorder will not support HDV at 720p.

• Portable, Small size, Rain-Proof, shockproof
• Removable CF card, compatible with FAT32 or NTFS file systems
• Flexing mounting options include tripod and hot shoe
• File support includes AVI, MOV, M2Tformat, QuickTime HDV through quick utility program. MXF-OP1A file support will be released soon (TBC)
• Time lapse recording down to single frame recording for stop motion, science, model animation or many other application
• 8 seconds pre-record buffer, useful in recording unexpected events especially in science research, outdoor recording or security applications
• Control Interface RS-232 compatible with Sony protocol
• Use four standard AA batteries for more that two hours continuous recording. Can also use included external power adapter
• IEEE 1394 input and output, can store DV,HDV, DVCPro 25, 50 and HD-100 signal formats
• DV25 time code from the camera or generates internal time coder
• Support for DV,HDV,DVCPro25, DVCPro50 & DVCPro HD100
• DN-60 can be controlled directly by the camera through the IEEE-1394 AVC command protocol. Record to inexpensive, reliable and widely available CF-Cards

Also, Datavideo recommends Pretec 567x speed 16GB and 32GB cards with a read / write transfer speed of 85MB per sec. SanDisk Extreme 3 compact flash (CF) cards are also recommended.

Datavideo has also tested the DN-60 with SanDisk cards with a read / write transfer speed of 30MB per sec however we cannot guarantee that other manufacturers cards will give reliable performance at this lower quality level. Where possible, you should buy a card with the highest read / write transfer speed. GDB can supply the DN-60 recorder with a CF card on request at an additional cost.

Review of Datavideo's DN-60 written by Anthony Burokas.

"Thus far, the need for external devices to record HD footage has primarily been served by Focus Enhancements FireStore line. However, there has been growth in the segment recently and Datavideo has entered the fray with a unique design and price point under $500. Does the Datavideo DN-60 Solid Stare CF Card Recorder give the more expensive recorders a run for their money?"

Click here for the full review in .PDF form (209kb)