Advanced Use of Final Cut Express HD

I was wondering if Tom Wolsky's book, "Final Cut Express Editing Workshop", covers more advanced techniques like chroma keyer, etc? If not, is there a DVD tutorial or book that would help?

Or try this tutorial:-
http://www.kenstone.net/fcphomepage/chroma_key_fcp_hdmonahan.html
Ian.
P.S. Yes, Tom's books do deal with fairly advanced editing topics but not at any tremendous length. A page or so on chromakey to get you started.

Similar Messages

How doI Import HD clips from HTC Desire HD for use in Final Cut Express?

Before anyone says it I know it's dead easy with and iPhone but how difficult is it to import video from the HTC Desire HD to use with Final Cut Express? I am looking at purchasing this phone and would be interested in people's thoughts.

Hi Tom,
Pleased to make your acquaintance, having recently used your FCE4 editing workshop as a bible I'd like to thank you for making an understandable read! Re my comments: This was early days with the application and I have a lot of work to catch up on before I get to work with it properly. In a test I set it up using the 720p25 apple intermediate codec and it needed rendering. the phone uses 3gp to record. I haven't gone into any detail with it yet, still busy trying to migrate from windows mid project from adobe premiere before even attempting to provide any focus to my camera on my phone. I will report back when I get there if anyone is interested!

Photos used in Final Cut Express

WHen I include photos from iPhoto in my Final Cut Express movie and put the movie to DVD; some of the photos displayed on the TV are good while others are distorted and jump or flicker while displaying. It appears that the ones that are 800K or less display good while those that are about 2GB are the problem. Apple care told me that the photo resolution when taken photos to use in Final Cut Express HD should be set at 720x480 or there abouts.. No where in any documentation can I find this information. Even when I put in a call to the Final Cut Express technical help they could give me an answer. Can anyone help with this... MY DV camcoreder clips display perfectly.. Ken Landgraf

(I'll assume you meant 2MB, not 2GB, Ken.)
I also expect you are talking about distortions when you zoom and pan the photos. 720x480 is okay for still photos and it resolves to about the resolution of a TV screen. If you want to zoom in, you should guess the magnification and approximate the dimensions so that the zoomed portion resolves at about 720x480. A 2MB photos is likely to be from a 4megapixel camera (highest resolution setting) and 2300x1700 pixels.
Note that a 'still' photo in FCE will usually look sharper than on a TV because of the whole chain of 1950s technology that produces a TV image.
If you are commenting on distortions you see when watching your video in FCE, you really need to 'render' the video and watch it on a TV monitor. 'Jumpiness' can be an artifact of the RT rendering or (lack of) TV interlacing.
If you are zooming in/out of images and you're seeing lots of sparkly artifacts, like shimmering on water ripples, try adding a 'gaussian blur' and/or 'flicker' filter to a clip. Either will soften artifacts without much blurring of either the zooming image.

Can Motion be used with Final Cut Express?

I am needing to add a little more advanced graphics and I am wondering if I bought Motion, would it be able to work with final cut express HD or would I have to upgrade to the final cut studio pro suite?
Any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!

Hi(Bonjour)!
Be careful with used copy, Motion 1 and 2 were sold as single product in the past, not from a editing suite like Final Cut Studio 2 or 3. There was an upgrade from Apple: Final Cut Studio 5.1 that gave the intel support for those applications included in studo bundle. So, used earlier version of Motion may be not usable on your intel mac without the FCS 5.1 upgrade.
The graphic processor card compatibility must be checked too.
I would go with a used copy of Adobe After effects, may be 6.5 or 7.
Michel Boissonneault

How do I import an AVI file for use with FInal Cut Express

How do I import or use an AVI file with Final Cut Express?
Thank you. Do I need to convert my AVI file and what is the
easiest way to do that? Thank you.

You should convert the media to QuickTime. Without knowing any specifics most likely the simplest way is to use MPEG Streamclip.

Convert MTS files for use in Final Cut Express

Having just bought a Canon Legria HF R16 (which in America would be the Vixia) I was struggling the past hours to get my video files from the camera to my mac. Canon doesn't provide much help in this. But I finally got the files in iMovie. Is there a site somewhere where I can find more information about organizing those videos and how best to transfer them from camera with this setup?
So far the procedure seems to be: import in iMovie then import the mov files into Final Cut Express. But maybe there is a more efficient way.
Thanks.

Yes, it's an AVCHD camcorder. Just tried the log & transfer and it imported in Final Cut Express alright. I checked the info about the imported video clips and it looks fine too, at least it says that it's Apple Intermediate Codec. So that would allow me to import my stuff into FCE directly without converting anything. Touch wood.
I am right now trying everything out on my camera, got it today. The size is 1440x1080 if I saw correctly in FCE. Have to check on that om my camcorder. Yes, I had it on SP (standard), changed that to FXP (full size).
I guess I'll manage from here on. Thanks, Martin.
The first moments can be so confusing.
So I guess there is no need to convert the movies in iMovie first, unless I wanted to use iMovie for editing.
I'm still studying the FCE manual as well.

Converting .MTS for use in Final Cut Express, without loosing quality

I have an external hard drive full of .MTS files from my JVC camcorder that I cannot open with Final Cut Express.
I bought a piece of conversion software, iSkySoft Video Converter, to convert them into a more accessible format such as .mov or .avi, but they lose their HD quality during the conversion. I have also tried software available through Mac, Voltaic, but this also seems to dilute picture quality.
In a previous post, I was recommended Clip Wrap, but having downloaded it, it will not let me open my .MTS files to convert in the first place. I have contacted Clip Wrap Support about this, but am yet to hear back.
I would like suggestions as to how to open these .MTS files in Final Cut, or a piece of conversion software that retains full high definition quality when converting.
I am not very computer savvy, Im afraid, so can any technical jargon be explained as best as possible please! Just for reference, in case it helps, my camcorder is a JVC GZ-HD10.
Thank you.

MarkTrif, if iskysoft isn't working, use mpeg streamclip to try again, it is free. or get another good third party MTS converter like HD Video Converter for Mac, specially designed to convert HD video formats like AVCHD (mts, m2ts), H.264/AVC, MPEG-2 (ts), DivX, HD WMV, MPEG-4 to SD videos like AVI, MPEG, WMV, MP4, DivX, MOV, my friends recommend it to me, it's safe and works pretty well for me. keep the video image quality. If you are interested in it, here is a step by step guide about how to use it
http://www.flash-video-soft.com/blog/?p=459
I wish you haven't any problem too!

What is the easiest way to convert .MTS files for use in Final Cut Express

I initially downloaded my Sony Alpha7 files into iMovie. As the production requires a little more professional software I then tried to import files into Final Cut Express. As these are now .MTS files what is the easiest way of converting them?

Hey Martin et al,
Related question...
After you convert files from M2TS or MP4 into something usable in FCE can you trash the original M2ts/mp4 files ?
I recently used Mpeg Streamclip to convert Mp4 into AIC for FCE for example..
Is there a general rule of when you have to save original files so everything works in FCE?
I'm running out of HD space.
Thanks a lot,
Al

Best program to use with Final Cut Express to make DVDs

Im using FCE 3.5 HD and I want to create nice DVDs. I know how to edit and create good picture videos, but iDVD just doesnt cut it. It compresses my image WAY too much and it makes everything look bad. I had a 4.2 GB HD video that I dropped into iDVD and it downsized it to about 2.7 GBs Anyone know why exactly? Is it because iDVD makes everything SD? If so, then whats the best way to grab my full HD video and drop it into iDVD (for the mean time) so that it fits it exactly into a 4.7 DVD and doesnt compress it sooo much like from 4.2 GB down to 2.7 GB (thats a really BIG down conversion). So more like, what can I do to make perhaps a 10 GB full HD video drop down to fit into the 4.7 GB on the DVD? <---Thats actually question 2. For question 1: I would LOVE to have DVD Studio Pro, but it only comes with Final Cut Pro and I dont know all that as of right now. Any way of getting DVD Studio standalone or what other programs can you refer that is as good, better, or almost as good as DVD Studio?? Thanks!
GC

noloc45 wrote:
.. Anyone know why exactly? ...
FCE works with dv (=13GB/h) or AIC (=~40-60GB/h).
videoDVD contains files in mpeg2; the standards allow a max. bitrate of ~9MB/sec ... = 1h=4GB ...
so, the encoding from FCE to iDVD HAS to drop the file size.
iDVD is a consumer tool, so no manual settings of bitrates.. it has some 'automatic' benchmarks= project length <60min = max. bitrate, <90min=6MB/sec, <120min=4MB/sec.
iDVD allows import of HiDef projects, but does not support creation of HDDVD(=dead format) nor BR-disk.. Toast9 + Roxios plug-in + an ext. BR-burner allow creation of BR-disks.
you find older versions of DVDSP sold single at eBay.. but those versiosn are not for Intel-Macs, will run under Rosetta=slow..

Best Tools to use w/Final Cut Express HD

Hello. I am considering purchasing FCE-HD and am wondering if anybody can give me some pointers on what equipment would work best when importing videos from older formats like VHS & Beta. I currently have an ADS Pyro - but it doesn't work half of the time in iMovie, so I am not going to kid myself into thinking it might work any better with Final Cut!
The reason I am considering FCE is the creative things that I will be able to do with it versus iMovie.
Any input would be appreciated!

I use the DAC 100. It is quite cheap and seems to work well.
Read a test review of it here:-
http://sol4.net/multimedia/dac100.shtml
Ian.

How to convert a DVD disc for use in Final Cut Express 3.5

I have a DVD disc of a conference which I would like to edit in FCE 3.5.
I would like to be able to import it into my FCE project, ad use it without having to the render it in FCE.
Is it possible to rip or import the disc (with Handbrake?) and then export the resulting file so it can be used in FCE. I am especially keen that when the file is imported, it doesn't have to then be rendered. I have had a number of problems with QuickTime files being imported to FCE where they then need to be rendered in the timeline before I can use them.
If anyone can suggest the following I would be very appreciative:
1/ how to import the DVD disc- Handbrake?- what settings are best to use? MPEG4, H.264...
2/ once imported to my Mac Pro, how do I convert it for easy use in FCE.
Just to show you that I did try this before posting to this forum, I tried the following:
1/ imported as a h.264 file with Handbrake (2hr video created a 2GB file)
2/ opened this file in an app called "MPEG Streamclip" and exported the file as a QuickTime file, and set as "Apple DV".
3/ BUT... the resulting file reached 17GB and then when imported to FCE, it couldn't be played in the timeline until I rendered it first- I didn't start this as it would have taken hours and hours!!
Any help or tips would be great
Thanks,
Simon

DVDs are in a socalled delivery format (mpeg2), which isn't meant and made for any processing as editing...
in recommended order, choose one of the following tools/workarounds:
DVDxDV (free trial, 25$, Pro: 90$)
Apple mpeg2 plugin (19$) + Streamclip (free)
VisualHub (23.32$)
Drop2DV (free)
Cinematize >60$
Mpeg2Works >25$ + Apple plug-in
Toast 6/7/8 allows converting to dv/insert dvd, hit apple-k
connect a miniDV Camcorder with analogue input to a DVD-player and transfer disk to tape/use as converter
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6010.shtml
http://danslagle.com/mac/iMovie/tips_tricks/6018.shtml
http://karsten.schluter.googlepages.com/convertdvdstodvs
(advice is for imports to iM... )
none of these methods or tools override copy protection/DRM mechanisms.. advice on 'ripping' is a violation of the ToU of this board ..
+be nice to copy rights ...+

Finding a GOOD Studio Mic to use with Final cut Express

Hi,
I need to get a good quality...not expensive mic to record narrations for my videos. I've been reading abut the Marshall Electronics MXL Desktop recording mics and kits are a good quality desktop recording mic that would work with my mac to do record GOOD quality narrations for my videos. Anyone have any thoughts on this mic or any other mics I could use to record quality narrations for my videos using a mic that is no more than about $200.
Thanks
Matt

Matthew, there are lots of good mics out there and you don't have to spend a fortune to get them. If you prefer buying new, you could hardly go wrong with a Shure SM58, industry workhorse, for under $100. Check out eBay, too - I recently got some mint condition Audio Technica Pro 4L's for under $20.
I would suggest that for sound quality, go with a good balanced mic rather than a cheap unbalanced one. The telltale is the connector - balanced mics use XLR connectors. Keep in mind, however that if you use balanced mics you will need an adapter or mixer to go from the XLR connector to the 1/8" connector you will need to plug into your Mac. Use a balanced cable from the mic to your Mac, then the adapter where you plug into your Mac. You can get an adapter for less than $10 at B&H or Sam Ash. Mixers, of course, cost more but they also give you much more control.
And if you plan to record in front of your Mac, choose a cardioid or unidirectional mic, not omnidirectional. That will go a long way toward reducing noise pickup from your Mac (which I assume would be behind your mic).

Purchasing music online to use in Final Cut Express

Is there a way to purchase music online either through i Tunes or another vendor such as Amazon that can be used in a FCE project?

FCE will import any Aiff file. so you can use your own, just be careful of copy rights. if you need some back ground stuff check out free play music on the web. Read the rights and use correctly.

How can I use Final Cut Express in a Mac Pro

I want to know how could I use my Final Cut Express HD programm (Version 3) in my new Mac Pro.

FCE 3.0 was not designed to work with Intel based Macs when they were introduced years ago so you have no chance with a modern Mac.
You must upgrade to FCE 4 unless you want to move onto Final Cut Pro X which is designed to be used with the latest technology.
Final Cut Studio 3 will also work OK.

Can you use the Logickeyboard Final Cut Pro X Shortcut Keyboard with Final Cut Express 4?

I'm just wondering if the Logickeyboard Final Cut Pro X Shortcut Keyboard can be used with Final Cut Express 4???

If you mean are the shortcuts the same:
No they are not.
Al

Advanced Use of Final Cut Express HD

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for