Demystifying the Data Management Process

Using Panasonic P2 Memory Cards for the Layman
(It doesn’t get any easier than this!)

Lately there has been quite a bit of hubbub regarding what kinds of complex and magical tools, specifically in regards to image data storage, one needs to complete projects shot in HD. Over the past few years, Panasonic, with their P2 solid state memory card technology has provided the media industry with an easy workflow process whereby video and audio information is recorded onto their P2 cards then easily downloaded onto a non-linear editing system. This workflow process has eliminated the time and labor intensive step of digitizing tape recordings. Instead, the information can be easily loaded onto a file based system of non-linear editing equipment as well as network servers. It is our hope that this article will be helpful to future users in creating an easy and affordable workflow of data for themselves.

In the following illustrations, we have outlined simple scenarios that include anywhere from two to five steps in bringing your footage to post. The first scenario is the easiest where you simply record onto the memory card(s) and download the data off into post land via the “P2 drive. ”

Flow Chart 1 (Download as PDF)

This process is as easy as it sounds, however, some may not want to shoot this way due to the following reasons:

1. If you are shooting oodles of footage you will need several P2 cards. If you own your own camera package you will soon realize that these cards are not cheap and most of us may only have two to three on hand. In addition, your rental house probably has a limited amount as well. However, the beauty of these cards is that you can reuse them over and over and over again on set as long as you have some device to download the data onto (more on this later).
2. Some people want to view the footage of the card in the field before sending it off to post. To do this, you will need a playback device and possibly a large monitor to see all the details (more on this later as well).
3. If you are renting the camera and cards, your rental house will want both items back first thing the next morning. This is not a problem if post can download the data from the cards the same day of your shoot. However, if they cannot get to the task until the next day or two, your rental house may not be too happy to find that their P2 cards are missing –especially if the cards are slated to go out on another rental that day.

The second scenario offers a variety of steps and tools to work with depending on the personal comfort and budget of the user. As you can see in the illustration below, once the image has been acquired, we take the P2 cards to the “preview, copy and media conversion” phase. Panasonic devices such as the “P2 Mobile” or “P2 Gear” allow the footage on the cards to be viewed, deleted or moved from one card to another. From here, the footage can be viewed on the larger set monitor to verify that all looks great before downloading to a portable hard drive which can be purchased at an affordable price from a store like Best Buy or through many vendors online. In some cases, a production will purchase two hard drives. The second one serves as a back up to remain untouched much like a negative in the film world is archived. From here, the information can be taken to post and the P2 memory cards can return to the rental house with the rest of the camera package.

Flow Chart 2 (Download as PDF)

As you can see, the data management process of P2 technology simply requires an understanding of the camera system, viewing tools and a basic knowledge of how to download computer files onto an external hard drive.

Other than that, in order to view and listen to your images on your laptop or desktop computer you will need to go to Panasonic’s Software Downloads page:
download the free P2 Driver and P2 Viewer software.

For further information like P2 FAQ’s and tutorials for understanding P2 workflow with programs like Final Cut Pro, visit Panasonic’s product pages