Dimensions for HD while compressing?

Question

I edited a 10 min sequence in Apple Pro Res 422,  1920 x 1080.  I exported it at 1280 x 720 to make a smaller file.  It's still 6.23GB, too big to send via YouSendit.  I still will have to convert it to PAL.  So I need help on how to compress this big file in HD dimensions (16.9) and maintain broadcast quality.
Thank you.

Answer 1

The determining factor for the appropriate pixel dimension of your images is determined (in FCP7) by the frame size of the Sequence you are editing in, not the final exported dimension.
If you are editing on a standard HD 1920 x 1080 timeline,  then you would want an image no smaller than 1920 pixels wide, 1080 pixels high. In FCP 7, you can use any image larger than that baseline pixel size up 4000 pixels wide by 2250 pixels high in the 16:9 aspect ratio, or in fact, any aspect image where the longest dimension does not exceed 4000 pixels.
You can also use smaller images, but if you zoom them up to fill frame, your image quality will degrade.
If you plan to zoom or reframe the images, you would want to work with the largest image size you can to be able to zoom into the image without quality loss.
Other image specs for compatibility with FCP7: Color Mode - RGB, 8 bits/channel.
FCP7 supports .jpeg, .tif, .png among other formats.
MtD