Pro I/O - Thoughts so far?

[Adam Howden]

Hi All,

I've just received notification that my Pro I/O is ready to ship. But I'm sceptical. Initially I was all over it and it seemed like it would solve my audio connective issues etc However now I'm not so sure.

Initially I'd had trouble getting good audio into the Epic, every sound op is different etc etc but lately this hasn't been too much of a problem, until yesterday but that's another story.

How is the Pro I/O feeling out there, is it making it easier to get good audio in from numerous devices. But also importantly, what's the feeling on how it affects the size of the camera, the balance and weight.

For those of you with a Element Technica Mantis rig; does the Pro I/O push the weight back over your shoulder a little more and make it feel better to hand hold?

Hit me back with some thoughts if you can

 

[Michael Lindsay]

What batteries do you use and most importantly how do you attach them?

There is no elegant solution for this at the moment..

The pri I/o is good but it is early days and it is not a quick fix. You will need to spend some time and money getting it working well..

M

 

[Adam Howden]

Hey Michael,

Thanks for your response. I'm using V-Lock batteries with a Switronix plate, attached via the wooden camera accessories. Works great straight onto the back of the Epic?

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Love the PRO I/O, and we use it with both a V-Lock battery plate as well as with the Quad and the Dual Battery modules, even so for Hand Held and Steady we prefer not to use the Quad, while when on Sticks the Quad offers an infinity of Battery Power, great for Doc shooting and super long shooting.

I, however look forward in receiving the Meizler module, and eliminate all together all other modules, and only use V-Lock batteries in the back of it together with the DSMC Redvolt to allow for Hot Swappable uninterrupted Battery power.

My shooting style even so I shoot lots of different stuff, has getting pretty much to keep always the same set up, so for this I anticipate that with the Meizler the set up I'll always use will be that one.

For now, and till the Meizler gets here, the PRO I/O is the best thing has come to be after the EPIC...


PS: But if the Meizler fits our needs as expected, then all cameras will be Meizler equipped, and al current Modules that I own will be sold...

 

[Brigham Edgar]

The i/o is good, worth every penny. It's far from great though. It's almost the size of the epic yet again which is surprisingly not great as seeing how much was crammed into the actual brain. But it does work perfectly and adds a bunch of interfaces which are missing and makes life a lot easier. When you don't need it take it off, you don't need to spend more or buy anything else to make it work (besides a module adapter) so its a no brainier really. Even if it's only for your soundo to keep them happy it'll be great. Doesn't improve audio quality, just gives you proper connectors like any other camera.

 

[Adrian Trent]

Does anybody have problems with the accessory power that the Pro I/O provides? So far we have been unable to even power a Small HD off of the accessory power port. Also each power port only provides 1.5 amp of power which is no where near enough to turn a zoom motor. Am I doing something wrong? Any help is appreciated.

 

[nacamera]

Red has yet to release a RELEASE firmware version for the Pro I/O, so if your work allows to work in the Wild West of Beta firmware, go for the Pro I/O. I've had mine for 3 months, and have used it twice because the firmware just isn't there yet for professional (paying) productions.

 

[Björn Benckert]

Red has yet to release a RELEASE firmware version for the Pro I/O, so if your work allows to work in the Wild West of Beta firmware, go for the Pro I/O. I've had mine for 3 months, and have used it twice because the firmware just isn't there yet for professional (paying) productions.

It works no problem with the current beta.

One thing, it creates a lot of heat when used so I can only make the assumption that it eats a lot of battery power. Except that we had no issues. it might look big but on the other hand when you connect one cable to each outlet / input it's not much space in between and it's rather light.

 

[Matthew J]

After shooting multiple days with the beta firmware on paying projects, I would suggest that it's actually more stable than the last three release builds. Yesterday it was the first time I had to restart the camera during the shoot where I've had to restart multiple times on "release" builds.

 

[nacamera]

Rumor has it that Red is working on some kind of solution that will allow all the Red Back Pack owners ($1200) to continue to use them with the Pro I/O.

 

[Mike Smith]

... it might look big but on the other hand when you connect one cable to each outlet / input it's not much space in between and it's rather light.

While on the topic of module weight, it would help a lot if Red would quote product weights in their tech specs in the Red Store to help us plan rigs. For example, the quad-battery module looks like a beast, yet it is very light. This is something Red should brag about by letting us know.

 

[Bob Gundu]

I didn't realize the audio quality was the same. Im surprised!

The i/o is good, worth every penny. It's far from great though. It's almost the size of the epic yet again which is surprisingly not great as seeing how much was crammed into the actual brain. But it does work perfectly and adds a bunch of interfaces which are missing and makes life a lot easier. When you don't need it take it off, you don't need to spend more or buy anything else to make it work (besides a module adapter) so its a no brainier really. Even if it's only for your soundo to keep them happy it'll be great. Doesn't improve audio quality, just gives you proper connectors like any other camera.

 

[nacamera]

Still waiting on Release version firmware for the Pro I/O. Not everyone can afford to fly by the seat of their pants with beta firmware.

 

[Greg M]

Red has yet to release a RELEASE firmware version for the Pro I/O, so if your work allows to work in the Wild West of Beta firmware, go for the Pro I/O. I've had mine for 3 months, and have used it twice because the firmware just isn't there yet for professional (paying) productions.

The current Beta is no less stable than the release version. You have complained about this frequently, but you should really just move on and try the Beta version.

 

[Michael Lindsay]

The current Beta is no less stable than the release version. You have complained about this frequently, but you should really just move on and try the Beta version.

True it seems good but i haven't tested every permutation and combination of settings. I am happy to shoot with beta versions (cause I can afford to take the risk and my clients are deliberately blind to what I do at a technical level) ... That said if Dop friends take any of our cameras I have them switched back to release. Even if the release is slightly less stable for me. If there is a problem and the production finds out they where shooting on a beta camera without consultation it would not be good. I think it is unreasonable to ask anyone to shoot beta - unless I want to share their risk. Public betas will always be double edged and interesting for those who want to get involved.

Regards

Michael

 

[nacamera]

I HAVE, and there were issues! Most notably with audio during playback. Its not so much a stability issue as a functionality issue. If the Beta version is every bit as good/stable as the release version, why hasn't Red brought the Beta into Release version? Obviously there are still issues that need ironing out. I like Red as much as the next person, but the blind fan-boy mentality on Reduser gets me a bit steamed.