This eNews is Sponsored by OWC
Everything you need to know about storing video
There are countless articles about creating videos with perfect lighting at just the right angles. However, setting up that scene only matters if you can capture the footage without running out of storage for data.
Here, we'll begin with a firm understanding of value, speed, capacity, and costs. Then, you can apply that knowledge to make smart decisions and get the correct storage for your video needs.
Your data is more valuable than you may realize
When discussing the value of your storage options, we're not just referring to the cost of a memory card based on how many gigabytes or terabytes it can hold. The data you create also carries the cost it took to make that data. You may have actors on a limited schedule or a rented film location with a strict time allotment. Sometimes it's simply impossible to shoot retakes, as with filming nature or live events. Does this mean you should spend a fortune on storage to ensure your data is safe? Not necessarily.
Internal vs. external storage
Each camera and computer you use will have some form of internal storage. However, this storage serves a different purpose than external storage. Internal storage drives mostly work as a cache, allowing you to access things like videos and photos quickly.
It also manages the connectivity with I/O (input/output) devices — including your external drive. The faster your internal drive is, the faster your system responds to your commands. This speed and power come at a cost, of course. When comparing gigabytes to gigabytes, internal storage prices are about 20 percent higher per gigabyte. That may not seem like much when you think of $100 versus $120, but it can add up over time.
On the other hand, external storage drives are excellent for large files, such as RAW video, and being portable has clear advantages. For example, if you're filming a wedding, you'll need to capture a lot of footage with retakes and duplicates. You'll likely use multiple cameras. All of this footage will need protection and will need to be uploaded to a computer for editing. Since external drives are self-contained, you can use them between devices and take them with you for any shoot. In the unfortunate event that an external drive gets damaged, you can often fix it and save the data it's storing. This is rarely the case with internal drives because they work like a cache. It may be wise to invest a bit more to get the extra bang for your buck.
Dive into external drive speeds
In the external drives industry, the hard disk drive (HDD) is the OG of data storage designed with electro-mechanical technology decades ago. When engaged, it spins quickly for read/write functions. HDD is an option to consider when you need a low-cost solution, but it has drawbacks. The physical limitation of actual spinning RPMs makes HDDs much slower than modern competitors — the read/write speed averages about 80 to 160 MB/s through the SATA protocol.
Solid-state drive (SSD) was developed later with non-volatile flash technology. This means it will hold the memory without power and has no moving parts. SSD offers several benefits over HDD. Without the limits of a spin platter, the read/write capabilities are much faster than its predecessor, up to around 550 MB/s through the same SATA protocol as HDD. Also, since it doesn't have any parts subject to wear and tear over time, you'll find it's more portable, a lot more consistent and holds up well with time and usage.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Keep a civil tongue.