Backing up Solid state media has always been the sticking point for production companies when they consider tapeless acquisition. They either don’t want to take a laptop or there’s not enough time and ultimately don’t yet feel secure working with files over tape.
I understand these concerns and as with any new technology, mass adoption is gradual. I remember when Sony brought out the HVR-Z1 and nobody wanted to use it, they all wanted PD170’s because that is what they were used to.
Tapeless is even more of a leap.
However, advances in hard drive technology and transfer speeds mean new field back up devices are developing rapidly.
Nexto have announced the Pro NVS 2500 a Rugged portable video storage device that will backup SxS, Compact Flash and SD HC(also P2 with an adaptor) for around $1500 (sorry no confirmed pricing yet) It’s due to be available in around June time.
I think this device is awesome!
It’s handheld, with ultra fast data transfer of 80mb/s and NEXTO claim to have an exclusive X-Copy technology which is the reason for ultra fast backup. I haven’t tested fully but the 5 clips I had on my SxS card whizzed into the device very quickly and I watched the transfer progress on the built in 2.4″ full colour LCD preview monitor.
Yes, yes a backup device that allows you to review your transferred footage as thumbnails. Hooray!
(As you can tell I’m quite excited about this product.)
The options are 160GB, 250GB, 320GB and 500GB but NEXTO are advertising that the device is forward compatible to 2TB!!!
There’s a multiple backup function where you can plug a second hard drive into the NEXTO and back up to both devices simultaneously without requiring a laptop.
Powering is via a built in battery but there’s also an additional plug in battery holder so if you get really stuck you can use 4xAA batts. The internal battery can also be recharged using an in car charger cable and the best bit? They come as standard in the box……..
I can’t wait to do some proper testing.
What do you think?
Please leave a comment.
-Den

8 Responses
Stay in touch with the conversation, subscribe to the RSS feed for comments on this post.
Wow. Den, thanks for posting this. I would consider buying this when it comes out. I just have never heard of NEXTO as a company. Do you have any more information on them? Do they make quality stuff?
Tom
It looks very cool Den. So many new options coming out for solid state stuff now. I was really blown away with what I have seen from the AJA KiPro but this looks great for portability.
I love that I can even hook up a 2nd hard drive, make 2 copies of the data, fire my SXS card back in the camera and reuse the card knowing that my files are safe. It looks ideal for event videographers, covering trade show, conferences, and festivals. I guess wedding videographers will love his too.
Lots of homework to do now I think - so many cool new toys to choose from. It is great to see companies really working hard to fill the gaps in the workflow with solid state cameras.
I hadn’t heard of this one before though so thanks for bringing it to our attention.
Brian
Den,
Thanks for posting NextoDI NVS2500 news.
I’d like to let your readers to know that we’re looking for a beta tester to evaluate NVS2500. The registration is closing at midnight, 28th May.
For more information, please visit NextoDI UK website, http://www.nextodi.co.uk/uk/beta.html
Thanks,
Joseph
Looks like a great device. I shot some footage in Sweden in February on the Canon 5D and this unit would have been great. We were working on a frozen lake, I’d never really shot video before (my background is stills photography), so this would have been one less this to worry about in the cold!
http://blog.neillwatson.com/articles/the-ice-driver-project-iii/
Hi Den,
Yes, a superb idea. I was filming in the Middle East last week amidst a lot of dust and sand and was paranoid about it! To be able to back footage up in the filed, without the hassle of a laptop would have been great! Please keep me informed on this product. Cheers, Nik. ps, any news on the new Sony Camcorder for EX, the 350 is it?
hi If anyone interested in the in-depth reviews for Nexto SxS/P2 backup device, it’s here. http://www.xdcam-user.com/?page_id=427
Hi All
BVE 2010 will see the first UK public showing of significant improvements of NVS2500.
The highlights of upgraded features and newly added functions are,
- Copy and full verify with a single click.
- The data (compare) VERIFY speed rates now supporting up to 80Mb/Sec for a SxS card. The Verify speed as fast as the copy speed.
- Twice faster backup speed with CF/SD/MS cards.
Twice faster backup speed with SYNC & Multi-copy functions.
- Copying internal hard drive data directly to a CF/SD/MS card.
- Delete the contents of memory cards, including SxS and P2 cards with no need of a laptop.
These will be very useful for the field shooter who needs to rotate media quickly.
- Supporting video preview of .avi file that taken from PMW-350.
- Added support for SxS-1 and life time expired check.
- Burning back-up folders to a Blu-Ray drive (BD-R/BD).
Come to visit our stand H44 (Earls Ct 2) for a demonstration.
Thank you!
P.S. NEXTO DI UK will host a prize draw to win a NVS2500 500GB at BVE this year. Register your interests in our booth, H44.
its great to read the stuff about such a device… yes i’ve heard about NEXTO before… but never use their products… but this one seems to be a cool stuff