Cameras and FCP - 2

I'm back again ---- the Sony Webbie HD camera is a great little camera for certain purposes but I have now, after 2-3 weeks with it, found it to be unforgiving in too many ways to be a suitable family camera.
So - I am look at three additional Sony cameras, links below. If anyone has comments on them or experiences with them I would love to hear about them. I will be using this camera with FCP and DVDSP for burning DVDs, so any related comments are more than welcome. I am learning a lot, and appreciate all the help!
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=1055 1&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665291520
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=1055 1&storeId=10151&productId=8198552921665094482&langId=-1
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=1055 1&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=8198552921665737600
The last one is not available until March 1st, but any comments on the specs vs. FCP or DVDSp would also be helpful.
Thanks,
Jason

I'm more than happy to consider something other than Sony. But I have a Panasonic 601 I am replacing and I was never all that impressed with that, or with Panassonic's service unit. From my 'former life' in video production I learned to stay away from JVC. I owned a Canon XL1 for a couple of years and I was impressed with it, so Canon offers some options.
Athough I now have a pair of 8GB Sony Duo Cards which will go to waste should I go non-Sony. Cie la Vie. Viva la eBay, I guess!
If you have some affordable Canon recommendations, that would be great. Any particular model you think stands above the rest for a consumer model? Must be HD and you know the rest.
Thanks!

Similar Messages

JVC Hard Drive Camera and FCP

Is there anyone out there using a JVC Hard Drive Camera and FCP. Would like to hear what you have to say about file types, conversion, etc. Was hoping for a quicker download, but converting is taking about as much time as download tape. Any suggestions?

I "might" be able to help.
I, too have a JVC hard drive camera. Not the same model as you, and not HD, but still the same idea. One big difference between our cameras is that your camera creates a "TOD" file, and mine creates an "MOD" file. The difference between the two may void my advice, but I doubt it.
I had similar problems converting to a file useable by FCP. I finally called JVC, and they told me to get "Capty MPEG Edit EX". I dropped the fifty bucks and it works great. A little slow, but it works. I still think it's better than capturing tape.
I HAVE learned though that buying a hard drive camera was somewhat of a mistake. By compressing the video to be saved on the drive, we've already lost something. My needs don't require super high quality 3 CCD video, so it really doesn't matter that much for me. I don't know about your needs.
Secondly, I've downloaded a free program called MPEG Streamclip. It works great. It's a little quicker than Capty and it was free. Also, I took one of my MOD files and changed it to TOD, and it opened just fine. Also, when exporting with MPEG Streamclip, if you choose "Export To Quicktime", use the default "Apple Motion JPEG A" setting and choose "unscaled" for your video and 100% quality on your sound, there is no need to render in FCP. BIG time saver for me. Now, somebody that knows way more about this than I do could probably flame me and say I'm "converting crap to crappier" or something, but it looks pretty good to me, and it works for what I'm doing.

Sony HDV cameras and FCP - any problems?

Hello.
I'm looking at buying either a Sony HVR-V1U or HVR-Z7U. Just thought I'd check and see if anybody has had any problems with these cameras and FCP when used in either their DV SP or HDV modes. Any problems with the HDV format for that matter?
Thanks.
Canada John

I'll second that; I have a V1-U also, and I've had no problems capturing, and using Print to Video back to tape in the camera.
As for the HDV format in general, the hassle is the long rendering/conforming time required to finish your sequences.
With FCP 6.0.2, though, you can capture with the V1-U via FireWire to Apple ProRes; this eliminates the long render times, but your captured files will be roughly 5 times as large.

Red camera and FCP 5

is there any way to shoot using the RED camera and import the footage or transform the footage into QT then import, into FCP 5?

Not FCP 5.
You need FCP 6.
Might check:
http://reduser.net/forum/index.php
Specifically:
http://reduser.net/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=18
and a post similar to yours:
http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=22911

AVCHD camera and FCP

I currently have a G5 Dual 2Hhz with no immediate plans to upgrade hardware
I also have FCP Studio 1 (FCP v5) and may be upgrading to Studio 2 in the near future.
I am considering buying a consumer grade HD camcorder, probably a Canon VIXIA HV20 (tape based) or a Sony sr-11 (HD based).
Already searched the forum and read some info. Still confused.
Here are some questions...
- I know the Sony SR-11 will work with FCP. Will the Canon (Canon has a firewire connection)?
- I know the Sony, and believe the Canon both use the AVCHD format. My understanding is that you cannot work directly (i.e. Log & capture) on a G5 (intel required, along with FCP6). Can I still work with this format on a G5 by converting to another format using Toast 9?
- If I convert with Toast 9, what would I convert to to use in FCP5? To use with FCP 6?
- Is there much/any quality loss in this format conversion?
- Easy enough to convert the file copied from the Sony HD. How do you get the file off the Canon tape to work with it?
- Are there better camcorder options in that same price range for working with FCP5 or 6?
- Anything else I should know of be aware of in this situation?
Thanks in advance,
--Joe

I know the Sony SR-11 will work with FCP. Will the Canon (Canon has a firewire connection)?
Yes. The Canon is a tape based HDV camera, not AVCHD.
I know the Sony, and believe the Canon both use the AVCHD format. My understanding is that you cannot work directly (i.e. Log & capture) on a G5 (intel required, along with FCP6). Can I still work with this format on a G5 by converting to another format using Toast 9?
The Sony shoots AVCHD in HD mode and MPEG2 in SD mode. All clips are captured to the built-in HDD. On an G5 you can use Toast to transcode the AVCHD files to a better supported codec for FCP (such as AIC or maybe DVCProHD). For the SD files you can use a freeware app such as MPEG Streamclip to transcode to DV or similar. The Canon, as noted above, is a tape based HDV camera ie in HD mode it shoots HDV to tape and in SD mode it shoots DV to tape. You would capture this via Firewire through the traditional Log and Capture interface.
If I convert with Toast 9, what would I convert to to use in FCP5? To use with FCP 6?
For FCP5 you might transcode the AVCH clips to AIC or DVCProHD
For FCP6, most feel ProRes 422 is the best intermediate.
Is there much/any quality loss in this format conversion?
No.
Easy enough to convert the file copied from the Sony HD. How do you get the file off the Canon tape to work with it?
As noted above. Log and Capture via Firewire.
Anything else I should know of be aware of in this situation?
Usually best not to mix colored items of clothing in with your whites

Sony Hard Disk Camera and FCP

Just got a Sony Hard Disk camera. It appears to be formatting the movie files in mpeg2. FCP will not allow me to import the files into the browser. Quick Time also gives me an error saying that the files are not recognizable. Any suggestions?

Sue:
If your camera just save video as MPEG2, you cannot use those files directly into FCP. You can use i.e. MPEG Streamclip to convert them to i.e. DV NTSC and import those files into FCP.
You didn't mention your camera model but probably it has only USB connection.
You must think about changing it for a camera with Firewire communication (as DV tape cameras) to get your footage directly into FCP without re-encoding.
Hope it helps !
Alberto

Latest consumer HD cameras and FCP

Does anyone know if some of the latest HD consumer cameras will work well (as in no extra steps to capture) with latest FCP?
I'm thinking Panasonic HDC-SD1 and HDC-DX1 and Sony HC5 and HC7 (most of these aren't quite out yet).
How long does Apple usually take to qualify cameras?
Thanks.

I think there was a post on here a couple of days ago speaking of the issue. Pretty much someone had found out the hard way that if the camera is not listed in Apple's supported cameras list, it is not likely to work. In other words, Apple keeps a very up-to-date list of compatible cameras.
Do a search for HD camera compatibility and you are sure to find something on the topic.
Josh

I am new to FCP. I have a canon 60d camera and purchased fcpX. I was recommended to download mgep streamline and convert my files to prores422. I do not have an option for prores 422 in my download. How can I fix the problem.

I am new to FCP. I have a canon 60d camera and purchased fcpX. I was recommended to download mgep streamline and convert my files to prores422. I do not have an option for prores 422 in my download. How can I fix the problem.Please help. There was another suggestion by vimeo.com to use applexdcam ex 1080p30. I do not have that either in my mpeg download.

For future reference, you will most likely get more knowledgeable answers if you post in the FCP forum where the folks who use the product regularly hang out:
https://discussions.apple.com/community/professional_applications/final_cut_pro_ x

It is possible to capture 1920x1080 instead of 1440x1080 from a HDV camera in fcp ? If do, plz also says the pros and cons.

It is possible to capture 1920x1080 instead of 1440x1080 from a HDV camera in fcp ? If do, plz also says the pros and cons.

And it's easy enough to change to square pixels within the editing application.
Russ

Shoot both 50 Hz and 60 Hz HD, which camera w FCP?

Hi again, Guys.
In a prior discussion I started, asking about a good modest priced HD camera that would output files that would work well with FCP, the consensus was that the Panasonic HMC-40 was a good choice at a modest price for shooting HD material that would be cut on FCP 7. Sadly, I neglected to say, when I started the discussion, that ideally I need to shoot both in the US and the UK. i.e. at 60 Hz and at 50 Hz respectively. When I researched the Panasonic HMC-40 I was told that it could not switch between 60 and 50 Hz. But that the next camera up COULD switch. That camera is the AG HMC 151 E. I was told this by a Panasonic rep in the UK. But the problem is that I would like to puchase the camera in the US. The US model is the AG HMC 150. And that model it seems DOESN'T switch between 60 and 50 Hz. It only shoots 60. (Why Panasonic has done this is a mystery to me.)
On a tech discussion group about HD shooting, one person said that the problem with shooting 60 Hz in the UK is mainly lighting, e.g. if you are shooting with florescent light in the UK, you might get flicker if you use a 60Hz camera in the UK. So my questions are:
1) If I am shooting in the UK with a 60 Hz camera (i.e. a camera I have purchsed in the US that is not switchable) what are the biggest problems?
Is it only if I were shooting in florescent light, or is the quality overall a big problem.
2) If I shoot 60 Hz but am shooting in the UK, can I use FCP to convert the 60 Hz materail to 50 Hz and will that solve any image problems?
3) Now that I have mentioned that I would like to be able to shoot in the UK and US with the same camera, but that I want to buy the camera in the US, does anyone have another recommendation of a camera that is in the $2,000. range that would serve this purpose and still create files that would work well in FCP 7?
Do Sony or Canon address this switchable 60/50 Hz issue more effectively than Panasonic? In the earlier discussion, it was noted that Panasonic cameras created files that were easiest to use with FCP.
I am sure I have said things here that reveal how unknowledgeable I am about shooting HD. But this will be my first camera purchase after having been an editor for over 10 years. Any advice most welcome, and thanks in advance.

Thanks for this very helpful info. In a separate discussion Shane did share that tutorial. Obviously that is crucial.
Reading reviews of the XF100 recently, I saw several comments stating that it did not perform too well in low light. Much of my work is in natural light. I don't even own a light kit. So that was a concern. Do you feel otherwise? After reading about this I started looking at Sony cameras because of the Exmor sensors.
I was also concerned about using the Canon plug in for log and transfer. I am always wary of third party elements in the mix with FCP, where if something goes wrong there is a lot of finger pointing, Apple saying it's the third party element, the third party says it's FCP. In your experience, is the Canon plug in a very reliable tool?
I asked myself why doesn't Final Cut allow for imports from this Canon camera using its own log and transfer tool? Why are all of the other cameras I am looking at in this price range creating AVC HD files that FCP's log and transfer tool handles without a third party plug in.
Perhaps I am wrong in these concerns. Would love to hear that I am!
I am now looking at the Sony HXR-NX70, but sadly, this camera is not switchable 50 / 60 Hz. Yet. It is a new camera and Sony is considering whether it should allow for customers to send the camera in to make it usable worldwide. The Sony HXR NX5E, which is switchable, is beyond my budget. At least the NX70 comes with two XLR inputs and has full control of the audio.
So now I am trying to determine: If I have a camera that only shoots 25 fps / 50 hz, can I in fact use that camera to create content for a US client that will only use that content on the web (i.e. it will not be viewed as broadcast television)
You mention that the The .mxf files the MX100 creates are XDCAM at to 50mbps. I have been trying to understand how the 50 mbps aspect impacts final results. Is there a quick answer to what the concerns are re this aspect on cameras. Appologies for my novice level of knowledge on these things. This is the first camera purchase...
Thanks in advance for any other thoughts you care to share, and thanks again for all of the detailed info you have already provided.

HD cam with FCP 5.1.4 ?

Hi everybody, as I encounter big problems with my DV Canon XM1, I plan to buy a new one maybe HD cam.
I saw that most of those cams have USB connection and no more FW, will I be able to capture an HD cam from FCP ?
I doubt of it but can you tell me how could I do, would be very nice.
Thanx
Steve
Message was edited by: bullit_steve

Most if not all of these camcorders record AVCHD. You can import these files through USB to ProRes or the AIC.
Depending on what you shoot though, I'd consider HDV tape cameras if you shoot with a lot of motion... the AIC codec isn't very clean, and ProRes is fine if there's not tons of movement in the shots. HDV will transcode to ProRes HQ which takes care of that, and it is supported natively in FCP (no transcoding works much like DV captures).
Also if budget allows, there are other choices here which are better video formats than HDV or AVCHD... P2 comes to mind, and just around the corner (say at NAB in April '09) there will very likely be a watershed of new cameras... RED is planning a whopper for example. Will just BLOW away anything in the price range. These cameras are shooting RAW photography... better than HD, can be transcoded to HD for delivery, but look like 35mm film. I gotta say, there are very big changes on the horizon in this area. Course, they will be likely in the 3-5k range in price though probably. Check out http://www.red.com for more if you're interested.
Jerry

I have a lumix GH3 camera and I am trying to edit but I get poor playback when effects added?

I am using a Lumix GH3 camera and recording in .mov at 50fps progressive and 50mbps. My computer is a macbook pro two years old with 2.2ghz intel core i7 and 8gb of ram (1333 MHz DDR3).
The footage plays fine in the editing suite until I add an effect then the playback is extremely slow and jerky even after render. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong? I am new to PPCC and I've just moved from FCP 7 as it didn't recognise the footage at all.
Cheers for any advice

There is a list of approved graphics cards for Premiere Pro. http://www.adobe.com/products/premiere/tech-specs.html
Your card is on the list as an OpenCL compatible card. You need to make sure that your card is recognized by Premiere Pro and that you have your settings right in order to take advantage of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3LwNT1QUPQ

FCP 7 and FCP-X on same partition: what problems are caused?

I'm trying to figure out if the performance issues I'm having with FCP-X can be remedied, or if the problem is just buggy software. Apparently, even a newer, faster, more powerful Mac is not the answer, as I read complaints from people with new, suped-up Mac Pros who say the software slows to a crawl. Sounds familiar to me, but I'm on iMacs and a MacBook Pro -- all my Macs are 3-4 years old, and are from that Core 2 Duo era, not Quad Core processors. All my Macs are maxed out at 4 GB or RAM. So I'm certain new machines are in my future. But judging from what some people say about their newer, faster machines, I'm not entirely convinced that it would solve the problem I'm having with FCP-X.
There are numerous threads here reporting sluggish performance (perpetual spinning beach balls) relating to a memory leak or a problem relating to FCP-X's usage of memory (some say it happens worse in Lion). Is that the problem? And if it is, why hasn't Apple addressed it?
Then there is this matter of having FCP-7 (FCP Studio) and FCP-X installed on the same partition. Apple's "Best Practices" article clearly states that it's best to have the two applications installed on separate partitions. Only problem (for me) is, I already had FCP-7 installed on the primary partition. When I purchased FCP-X (the day it first became available), I hadn't read that article, so naturally, the software got installed...you guessed it...on the primary partition. And yes, I could uninstall FCP-7 (FCP Studio), create a new partition, and then re-install it. But I remember how long it took to install FCP Studio (about 4 hours, as I recall), so I've put off the ordeal of heading down that road.
So I'm wondering.......
What problems are known to occur as a result of having FCP-7 and FCP-X installed on the same partition? Would my sluggish performance be related to this? Or would going to the trouble of uninstalling FCP-7, re-partitioning, then re-installing FCP-7 (FCP Studio) into its own play space, only be a waste of time?
What evidence is there that this co-install is the culprit causing sluggish performance?
What ARE the problems that the co-install causes? I've never heard anyone address this specifically.

When FCP X first came out, Apple recommended keeping FCS 3 on a separate partition, so I did that.
Recently I did a clean reinstall or Lion and installed FCS 3 as normal, followed by FCP X 10.0.3.
During the FCP X install, FCP 7 was moved to a new folder called Final Cut Studio.
'Studio' and FCP X now work happily on the same partition - but I have not tried opening both at the same time!
Just now, both applications are the most stable they have ever been.
These are my standard tips for improving performance:
First, check the spec of your iMac against the system requirements:
http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/specs/
Particularly your graphics card. If it's listed here, it's not suitable:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4664
If you are getting crashes, there is some conflict on the OS. Create a new (admin) user account on your system and use FCP X from there - if it runs a lot better, there's a conflict and a clean install would be recommended.
Other ways to improve performance:
Keep projects to 20 mins or less. If you have a long project, work on 20 min sections then paste these into a final project for export.
Create Optimised media - most camera native files are highly compressed and need a great deal of processor power to play back - particularly if you add titles, filters or effects. ProRes 422 takes up much more hard drive space but is very lightly compressed. It edits and plays back superbly.
Hide Waveforms at all times when you don't need them (both in Browser and Storyline / Timeline). They take up a lot of processor power.
Create folders in the Project and Events libraries and put any projects you are not working on currently, in those folders. This will help a lot.
Move your Projects and Events to an external HD (make sure it's formatted OS Extended - with journaled on or off) and run from there.
Contrary to what Ian said above, the biggest single improvement I saw in performance was when I upgraded the RAM from 8 GB to 16.
Andy

Pro Res and FCP X

Will encoding my clips to Pro Res and then importing them into FCP X speed things up instead of importing the clips straight from my camera to FCP X?

Sorry, this is footage taken from a Canon 7D. 24fps 1920x1080. FCP gets bogged down sometimes. I have a dual quad core Mac Pro with 16 gigs of ram.
Thanks,
Shawn

I have a 1 Hour shoot with 3 cameras and I

I have a 1 Hour shoot with 3 cameras and I need to make a dvd with chapters.
What is my best work flow?
1. Do I edit the whole thing at once and then save to file using compressor?
After that how do I burn a DVD with chapter marks?
2. Edit each section induvidually? Then save through compressor?
Then Compile and burn DVD?
Also what setting is best for DVD through compressor?
Sorry for all the questions but most of the stuff I do is online media.
Thank you,
Lego

If you can live with a very basic DVD menu, you can send your project to Compressor from FCP X, add chapter marks in Compressor, and burn a DVD right from Compressor.
Choose Share...DVD, then click on the Advanced tab and select Send to Compressor. In Compressor you can add markers in the Preview window and customize the DVD menu slightly (add a background image and a Title) using the Inspector settings.
If you need a fancier DVD menu, you'll need to use one of the other DVD authoring tools that Tom mentioned.

Cameras and FCP - 2

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