Low Data Rate

These are my MBP specs which I have with me for this gig as I am out of town. 250 g Seagate Freeagent (Desktop)

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.8 GHz
Number Of Processors: 1
Total Number Of Cores: 2
Memory: 4 GB
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M

I purchased a NEX VG10. It shoots at 24mbps. I have the correct settings on the camera (I have quadrupled checked that) so it shoots at 24 mbps. When I L&T off the card the data rate goes to 16, 17.2 is max. I am using FCP 7.3

You lost me right at "250 g Seagate Freeagent (Desktop)". Not recommended for anything but transport.

When life gives you dilemmas...make dilemmanade.

I know its an older drive but it can't be the reason for the problem? Can it?