FAQ on Panasonic Microp2 Cards and Adaptor

FAQ on Panasonic microP2 Cards and Adaptor

1.) What are the main differences between the full size P2 cards and the new microP2 cards? The five main differences are the size, transfer speed, price, compatibility and a content protection system.

2.) What is a microP2 card? It is the evolution of P2 technology in a smaller form factor. microP2 is the world’s first UHS-II compliant memory. This new technology allows for faster transfer speeds, high reliability and the ability to record the new AVC-Ultra family of codecs.

3.) How fast is a microP2 card? The maximum transfer rate for the new microP2 card is a blazing 2Gbps. This is 1.7 times faster than traditional full size P2 cards. Please note that transfer speeds are based on several factors, including computer and disk / RAID configuration, copy method or application software and potential network traffic.

This super-fast 2Gbps transfer speed means you can edit, archive and complete your project faster than ever. Typical real-world results: Since microP2 transfer speed is 2Gbps you can transfer a full 32GB microP2 card with at least 32 minutes of AVC-Intra100 P2 HD video in just two minutes, and a full 64GB microP2 card with at least 64 minutes of P2 HD video in a mere four minutes.

When shooting with one 32GB microP2 card in AVC-Intra 100 1080/24p, the P2 HD transfer speed is 2x which means 44 minutes of recorded HD video transfers in 2.1 minutes. And when shooting with one 64GB microP2 card in DVCPRO HD/AVC-Intra 100/ 720/24p, the P2 HD transfer speed is 3.2x which allows you to transfer 166 minutes of recorded video in eight minutes.

4.) What is the cost of microP2 cards? The current suggested list price for a 32GB microP2 card is $250 The current suggested list price for a 64GB microP2 card is $380

5.) What is the microP2 adaptor? The AJ-P2AD1G is a microP2 adaptor. It looks like a full size P2 card, with a

slot in the bottom where you insert the microP2 card. Using this adaptor, older camcorders and recorders that have full size P2 card slots can now use microP2 cards. See next question for list of compatible camcorders and recorders.

6.) Are the microP2 cards compatible with all camcorders and recorders The new microP2 cards are designed to work with any P2 camcorder or recorder that currently records AVC-Intra. The following camcorders can use microP2: AG-HPX250, AG-HPX255, AG-HPX600, AG-HPX5000, Aj- HPX3100, AG-HPX370, AJ-HPX2000. The following recorders can use microP2: AG-HPD24 deck, and AJ-PCD20, AJ-PCD35, AJ-PCD30, AJ-PCD2 drives, AG-HPG20, AJ-HPM200 and AJ-HPD2500 recorders. Older camcorders cannot use microP2. A free, downloadable microP2 firmware upgrade is required .

To download free microP2 hardware upgrade, or find out more about microP2, please visit the new microP2 site: http://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/proav/support/content/download/EN/micro_p2.html

7.) What is the microP2 drive? The AJ-MPD1G is a compact, lightweight, low Cost USB Bus Powered microP2 Card Drive with USB 3.0 Support and Two Card Slots. The USB 3.0 interface and compliance with the UHS-II SD memory card standard allows high-speed reading up to 2.0 Gbps. Connection is also possible to a conventional USB 2.0 device. Easy "Plug & Play" connection with a PC or Mac. Latest Windows and Mac OS supported.

8.) What is the content protection system and how does it work? microP2 cards support a security function known as “content protection system”. It allows for encryption formatting of the card to prevent data leak to third parties. To use this CPS function, set a password and enable the microP2 card authentication and encryption formatting functions. An encrypted microP2 card will be automatically recognized on a device where the same CPS password is set and recording and playback of the microP2 card will ensue.

9.) Do I need to download new updates? Yes. To download free microP2 hardware upgrade, or find out more about microP2, please visit the new microP2 site: http://eww.pass.panasonic.co.jp/proav/support/content/download/EN/micro_p2.html

10.) Can I use a regular SD card in place of a microP2 card? Yes. SD cards rated at Class 10 or higher are recommended. However, remember when using an SD card, you can only record DV, DVCPRO, DVCPRO50, and AVC-Intra50 recording formats . Please note that DVCPRO HD and AVC-intra100 cannot be used. When using an SD card the capacity must be 4 GB or more and 128 GB or less. Interval Rec, One-Shot Rec, Loop Rec, or One-Clip Rec cannot be used.

11.) Are the microP2 cards reliable? Yes. Reliability is defined by Proof7 strength. That is, resistance to: water/dust, static electricity, bending and twisting, magnets, X-ray, wide temperature range, and a safety built-in-fuse. microP2 cards also have a flash memory error correction system, equivalent to a RAID system, to greatly strengthen data retention reliability. microP2 cards have and a High bending and twisting strength (200% that of the SD standard).

12.) Are the microP2 cards compatible with non-linear editing and server solutions?

Yes. As always, please contact your non-linear editing or server provider with any specific questions.

13.) Will the new microP2 cards require an upgrade to my computer driver? Yes.

14.) Is the computer driver upgrade available on MAC and Windows computers? Yes.

15.) My laptop has an SD card slot, can I just insert microP2 card into that slot? Note unless the laptop supports UHS-II cards.If your laptop only supports SD cards then you should use the microP2 drive as mentioned above.