Question re Final Cut Express Capabilities

I'm about to make the jump from another editing system over to Final Cut Express 4.
One of the things I want to be able to do is line up and load three different angles from three different cameras and be able to edit "on the fly" as the scenes play. I have a concert video, shot in a studio, with three cameras on tripods. Now I've got three tapes and I want to load them all into memory and then crossfade or cut between angles on-the-fly.
As well, I want to be able to shoot interviews with two cameras, each one pointing at the different people interview. Can FCE handle two different simulataneous inputs and then store the scenes in such a way that I can then cut between the two during the editing process?
Is there additional software or hardware needed for this? In my ten-year-old editing machine I've been using, this can be done ... but it's a major workaround and a major effort. And in the later versions of my same old machine, they had a feature called "Quad Cam" which showed up to four scenes on your monitor playing simultaneously, but it was expensive and needed a fast processor, which I didn't have. I suspect my new MacBook Pro will handle this, assuming FCE4 is able to do it.

Hi
The Multi Camera function in FCP is very time saving. And there are other functions
in FCP that might add to the value to take the leap.
The Color correcting tool was so much better and Color included (even more sofisticated)
DVD-Studio Pro
AND - Compressor !
Still to get more than one Camera to hard disk in live.
I tried a simpler version of this "Capture Magic HD" - only SD but
on a PowerBook G4 1.5GHz
one extra FW-port on a PSCIA (or whatever) card - to get an extra individual FW-port
and TWO Cameras in real-time download to internal hard disk.
EACH Camera Must have a true FireWire port - not a split one as on Mac 400/800
(they are one and the same)
It worked as a charm. Ready to be edited immediately after Capture.
Yours Bengt W

Similar Messages

Question about Final Cut Express 4

I'm editing videos I shot with a Sony CX100 this model only shot in AVCHD.
After I finish editing and export will not find a codex ideal for video that's perfect without being dashed
Anyone have any solutions or tips?
Or is it better if I buy Final Cut Pro once and for all.

Convert the original AVCHD files into AIC at the same settings you recorded, then import the resulting AIC files into an FCE project.
-DH

Noob Question about final Cut express

Hey I am using FCE to create a home video atm, and I am trying to create a Title Screen out of Livetype, I'm not really versed in the mac so when I was setting up the preferences for FCE I just kind of took all the defaults without reading or looking. In retrospect a terrible idea, anyway to make a long story short the Title I have created in Livetype keeps saying Unrenderd when I try and place it onto the timeline and view the clip. My best guess would be that the settings are not matching up but I don't know how to check the FCE settings, any insight is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

Regardless of whether or not your settings are correct or not the LiveType project in the timeline will have to be rendered.

Downgrading from Final Cut Pro Studio to Final Cut Express

Will Final Cut Express let me use the Boris Title 3D Video Generator effect that I now use in Final Cut Pro Studio?
Does it have an outline text video generator effect?
Since I have DVDSP 4.1.2, will I be able to drag my exported non self-contained quicktime movie into DVDSP? I have read I can use iDVD.
I see from the tutorial (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/tutorials/) it does not have the ability to log clips for batch capture later but it does have a project button. Does anyone use that and can share what it does?
I have a Canon DV20 HD camera which I use for DV also. Since I have read that FCE will not read HDV from this camera, has anyone brought DV in using this camera?
Does anyone see any other negatives to downgrading?
I have been using Final Cut Pro from version 1.5 since it did what I needed it to do. Over the years they have added a plethora of packages to it, none of which I use. So why spend 700.00 to upgrade when I can spend 200 to get what I will use?
Thanks for your input.

Lots of questions:
"Will Final Cut Express let me use the Boris Title 3D Video Generator effect that I now use in Final Cut Pro Studio?"
Yes.
"Does it have an outline text video generator effect?"
Yes, but don't use. Use Title 3D.
"Since I have DVDSP 4.1.2, will I be able to drag my exported non self-contained quicktime movie into DVDSP?"
Yes. Or you can use Compressor, which you should have, to encode your video.
"I see from the tutorial (http://www.apple.com/finalcutexpress/tutorials/) it does not have the ability to log clips for batch capture later but it does have a project button. Does anyone use that and can share what it does?"
It allows you to log your material first, selecting the pieces on the tape you want to capture and then going back and letting the machine capture the selected pieces.
"I have a Canon DV20 HD camera which I use for DV also. Since I have read that FCE will not read HDV from this camera, has anyone brought DV in using this camera?"
Never heard of camera.
"Does anyone see any other negatives to downgrading?"
What version are you using?

Treating source with 4:3 info as 16:9 possible with Final Cut Express?

I want to switch from Premiere Elements 3 + PC to iMac + Final Cut Express. But I need some help to make this decision.
The digital PAL format is with square pixels 768x576 and with rectangle pixels 720x576.
There is no difference for widescreen format, the pixel width is just only interpreted with factor 1.422.
Problem: Most HD/DVD set top recorders are not putting the widescreen information to recorded material. Unfortunately, most software for video cutting is not able to handle this source as 16:9 format and is interpreting this as 4:3.
FYI: Usually with source from DV cams having widescreen capability, there are no such problems.
Premiere Elements has the possibility to right click on source and say "Treat source pixel as PAL Widescreen 16:9 (1.422)".
I often edit material recorded with set top HD/DVD recorder.
For this reason, this function is essential to me.
Question: Has Final Cut Express (HD) also a function like decribed above implemented?
I really would appreciate any reply and help.
Regards,
Roland

OK, many many thanks.
What about Martin and you mentioned of iDVD?
May iDVD (HD) not directly produce anamorphic DVDs? Is it necessary to use third parity software as you both mentioned?
Please aware, that I am about to change from PC to Mac - due to the basic message of the current Mac ads: On a Mac fits everything - and specially multimedia work is much easier and better...
Unfortunately I have no idea, where I may test (in Liechtenstein/Switzerland) all this stuff before buying... Im am missing somthing like "30 days fully functional free demo version to download etc. etc..." (with most PC software you can do this - even with Office 2007...)
Apple makes it not easy to switch from PC to Mac...
Notebook 17" Windows XP Pro Toshiba Satellite P100-344

How do i update final cut express HD 3.0

Hi
I have a question regarding final cut express HD 3.0
I have a imac that has 2GHz Intel Core duo, that got a memory upgrade to 2GB and upgraded the OS to 10.6.8
that is as far as i can upgrade, because the processor won't accept the newer OS, but anyways I was reinstalling final cut express after upgrading
and then i tried to open a project i was working on, only to have it say that the file is newer than the application.
I tried to find update for FCE, but i don't see it available anymore, i see that FCE 4.0 is availble, but for a price.
Is there any way that i can update to 3.5, or do i have to budget for 4.0
thanks for any help

I'm not quite sure what FCE version was before the OS upgrade.
When i open the file, it goes all the way to beginning to bring the editor up, then it stops and says "File's format is too new for this version of the application"
which i am guessing that FCE needs updated, thats what i am getting from the message.
As far as i know it installed in default location, it is in the application folder. I'm beginning to learn the mac basics and programs.
I didn't install the soundtrack or live type, should i have installed those too?
how do you uninstall FCE? I will try and install it again and install everything and see if that works.
I was just trying to save hdd space in not installing everything, but if i need to i will install everything.

Final Cut Express v 1.0.1

Just a basic question is final cut Express v 1.0.1 compatible with Tiger?
After moving up from 10.2.8 I seem to be having trouble adding video transitions.
I'm getting no result after trying to apply a transition or a window appears that says "Insufficient content for Edit"
Thanks for any insight or help offered,
Kerim

You need to have "handles" on the ends of your clips.
To make "handles" you need to cut off at least half a second from the ends of your clips.
This is nothing to do with Tiger - it's the same on all OS X systems. It's the way FCE works.
Ian.

Does Final Cut Express 4 work with mac mini and other questions...?

I have a few questions I need help in answering... I would appreciate opinions on the following:
I am about to make a purchase of a new mac. I already have a mac mini PPC, but it is too slow...
Here is what I am thinking.
Mac mini, 2GB mem, 160GB hard drive. Will this new mac mini work with Final Cut Express 4?
Or should I go with the more powerful iMac?
I like to make movies on my mac but I hate iMovie 08 so I constantly use iMovie HD 06. Should I go to Final Cut Express 4 or just stick with iMovie HD 06?

There is no doubt that FCE 4 will run on an Intel mini - the GMA graphics processor is compatible. There is also no doubt that an iMac would give you somewhat better overall performance, though it's important perhaps to note that as complex as FCE is, it is actually a little less demanding on hardware than iMovie has traditionally been, so the difference between a mini with 2Gb RAM and a similarly equipped iMac will not be all that great in FCE, though it will become a little more noticeable if you continue to use iMovie 6.
The main reason for the performance difference between iMovie and FCE is that in order to provide a reasonably sophisticated video editing package that will run on very basic hardware, Apple relied heavily on caching techniques, meaning that while FCE basically spools from video and relies on CPU power, iMovie constantly moves data to and from the hard drive. The mini's hard drive is a (relatively) slow device in comparison to the iMac's - thus the iMac runs iMovie rather more seamlessly. In FCE, the difference is, as said, rather less clear unless you were to go for the top-end model.
If your budget can stretch to an iMac it makes sense to go that route simply because the extra power and overall performance (and the better graphics processor) will give you greater flexibility down the road. On the other hand, if funds are tight and you need to spend as little as reasonably possible, a mini will do fine, and is sufficient;y inexpensive that in a couple of years could be sold off and replaced without severe financial implications.
In terms of the choice between FCE or iMovie, beware that if you haven't used FCE before, the transition is not easy, and the learning curve for it is pretty steep. That said, it has far greater power and flexibility in terms of what you can achieve with it than has ever been possible with iMovie.
That said, for casual and home use, iMovie (version 6 at least) has plenty of power and tools for the majority of projects. iMovie 8 is, in many ways, deeply flawed for those who want that sort of power and workflow tools, being that it is designed for quick and easy creation of movies, not creative and considered productions. It has it's uses, but if you have experience with iMovie already, v8 is really not intended for you at all.
All that said, I've used iMovie 6 on systems will a lot less power than the current Intel minis, and have found it stable and workable, so I have no doubt it would work well on any current Mac.

Sony DCR-TRV140 w/Final Cut Express 4 - Capture format question

A big thanks to the forum for patience and direction. You all have helped me get an older digital camcorder hooked up to the Mac to date.
I'm now able to capture video from the camcorder to FinalCut Express.
So, on to today's question...
I have a Sony Digital Handycam DCR-TRV140. I know that it's NTSC (mainly because it says so right on the side of the camcorder). But I don't know what capture settings to use in Final Cut Express to get the best quality video onto the Mac, and ultimately onto DVD's or digital files I publish to my family over the net.
So when I go to the menu path Final Cut Express -> Easy Setup, I have a number of options to choose from... I (think) that I know that the best format option to choose from the dropdown is NTSC... But I don't know what to choose from the drop down list.
Here's a picture of the drop down list:
https://wu20hg.blu.livefilestore.com/y1pNUoJrOOSdf-4NJq3OjEIyrt38TEU64-Pid2LRNbw kG9grywxFV1qA2NshK8uSxl6eiTlYiq4uNbG86CJRUantQ/FinalCutExpressTim1.tiff
Specifications for the Sony camcorder can be found here:
http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=1055 1&storeId=10151&langId=-1&productId=11027762
or here
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DCRTRV140-Digital8-Camcorder-Streaming/dp/B0000634T4/ ref=cmcr_pr_producttop
Can you help me decide what is the best option to choose? If it depends, maybe you could explain what it depends on...?
Many thanks!
Tim

The differences among the Easy Setups have to do with audio sample rate, device control, and widescreen shooting.
The Anamorphic setups are for widescreen. If your camera doesn't shoot widescreen (16:9), you can ignore them.
DV media is generally recorded with audio at 48kHz or 32kHz. Choose according to the audio recorded by your camera (some offer different record options). If you capture with the wrong audio selected in your FCE Easy Seutp, you'll get a warning message at the end of the capture.
What FCE Setup are you using at present? I'm guessing it's either DV-NTSC Firewire Basic or DV-NTSC DV Converter. If that's working for you, stick with it.

Does final cut express hd 3.5 have bluesceen capabilities

does final cut express hd 3.5 have bluesceen capabilities??

Yes, it does. It has a number of filters to help do this.

Final Cut Express? Many Questions.

I'm interested in shooting a short film in the near future. I'm looking to invest in a camera that will be under $1000.00. I'm also looking to use Final Cut Express to edit the footage. I believe Imovie will not offer enough editing options, and FCP will offer more than I need. I'm looking mainly to do simple cuts, transitions, put my footage in letterbox mode with the hopes of it looking like a real film, etc.
So here are my questions:
First off: With what I've written above, am I right in thinking FCE is a better option than FCP? Keep in mind I've never really done any work in video editing, but am anxious to purchase a new camera, shoot my film, edit it myself, etc.
Second: Will a HD camcorder work well with FCE? I'm currently looking to purchase a Canon HV 20. Link to the camera itself:
http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=177&mo delid=14869
Third: I want to purchase a laptop to use FCE and edit my future film. Will a black Macbook work well (upgraded with 4 GB of RAM)? Strong enough graphics card on that macbook? Or am I forced to move up to a Macbook Pro? (My thinking is that the Macbook Pro is unnecessary unless I want to use FCP.) Correct?
Answers to these questions and any additional advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks!!!

Hi(Bonjour)!
HDV and FCE HD:
I shoot and edit in HDV with FCE HD without problem, but there are some points that need clarification.
1) HDV is converted upon capturing process within FCE to Apple Intermediate Codec movie. Regular HDV take the same amount of hard disk space as regular DV, but AIC needs aroung 49 Gig/hour of space.
2) HDV colorspace and compression sheme doesn't support well color correction or compositing (at least not as well than DV).
3) Rendering process is very very long one, and to play realtime effect you need a pretty fast CPU and many RAM.
4) A dedicated external hard drive runnig at 7200 rpm is a must to avoid drop frame on playback/capture/print.
5) Print to tape must be done overnight because it took a rule of 5 to 6 time the length of your sequence to operate.
6) HDV is astoning when viewed in a 1 to 1 pixel ratio on your computer screen, but it take at least 1920 X1080 pixel to do so. Apple Cinema HD display from 23" can do the job.
7) There is not easy/affortable way to distribute HDV on DVD right now. Your only option is to use your camcorder as VCR hooked on HD TV set, or use an Apple TV.
8) Final Cut Pro (part of Final Cut Studio 2) handles HDV natively but push hard on CPU. Compressor and DVD studio Pro allows to burn (in some forma right now, but with limitation) HD DVD disk.
9) I shoot in HDV but sometime, I downconvert from camcorder (Sony allows this) to DV upon capturing in DV NTSC in Final Cut Express. The result in a very good image (many pixels shrinked to fit the DV dimensions) in a standard def movie distributed on regular DVD or wide screen DVD.
10) HDV is still captured on tape, despite many manufacturers offer hard drive, DVD or card storing system for ohter flavor of HD like AVCHD. Tape is an affordable way to archive your material.
Final Cut Express HD 4 supports AVCHD.
Michel Boissonneault

Final Cut Express: Audio question. Please help!

Hi, I'm new to Final Cut Express and I have a random question.
I have a 2 minute video that I put into my timeline sequence. I added photos over some of the video and now I decided that I want to delete the rest of the video and audio since 2 minutes is too long. Well, now it will allow me to delete the video but not the audio. Does anyone know how to make in/out points for just the audio? and to cut it? Every time I make an in/out point, it only allows me to do it for the video. Now, I have this two minute-long audio that I need to get rid of that I just can't seem to delete/cut.
If anyone out there can help me, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks.
~Alice

You're making In and Out points in the timeline right? Make sure the autoselect buttons are black for the tracks you want to select.

Final Cut Express Output Question

Hello...
I've just started working with Final Cut Express 4. I imported my DV 4:3 ratio footage using the DV-NTSC setup. I put together some basic material and wanted to test the output quality. I exported as a Quicktime Video. This gave me a resolution or 720 x 480. When played in Quicktime at the actual size the video is very crisp. However, when I increase the size of the playback window the video quality decreases and just looks horrible.
Ultimately, I need to export my final movie to a DVD to be played on a "normal" television, "non-widescreen", with a 4:3 ratio. When I do make the final DVD in iDVD will the footage be poor video quality, or is there some other settings I should choose to have a higher quality video be produced?
I just don't want create this major project and have all the settings wrong for final output.
Thank you in advance for any and all help.
~ Jarrod

When played in Quicktime at the actual size the video is very crisp. However, when I increase the size of the playback window the video quality decreases and just looks horrible
What did you expect? That's what happens when you stretch video larger than it's native resolution. It should display fine on any standard TV.
-DH

Camcorder Question/ Final Cut Express 2

Hello All,
I am looking to buy a new camcorder as my old one (Sony DCR-PC100e) has died on me. Am thinking of the Canon. Like the look of the XM2 but notice that on this board a lot of people talking about the HV20 and HV30.
I need mini-DV, am not bothered about HD necessarily cos I don't have an HD tv or anything else that's HD. Obviously am using a Mac, and need it to be compatible with Final Cut Express ( iahve version 2.0.3...old, I know, but suits me fine for now).
Any strong opinions on which one of these is better? XM2 or HV30.
The semi-pro version that Sony has, the DCR-VX2100-E is way too expensive....looks like the Canon XM2 is around £1500 or so?
Would appreciate any feedback, Thanks.

I have got the HV20 but cannot comment in depth on how good it is as I have only shot about 5 minutes of footage!
However, it received excellent reviews last year and is available for well under £600 new.
There are some 10 huge web pages to this review but they are worth wading through. The other reviews are shorter:-
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-HV20-Camcorder-Review.htm#
http://www.pcpro.co.uk/macuser/reviews/115215/canon-hv20.html
http://www.simplydv.co.uk/reviews/camcorders/canon/hdv/canon-hv30-review.html
Ian.

Final Cut Express Question

Hello;
I want to upgrade my Final Cut express v.2 to v.4 but I cannot find my main disk. I have the serial number but I was wondering, if I get the upgrade disk to go to v.4, do I need my disk for v.2 or do I just need the serial number?
Thanks

You only need the serial number.
When installing on the upgrade disc you wil be notified that it's an upgraqde and will be prompted for a full version serial number.
Enter the numbers, the full version then the upgade numbers, and away you go.
Al

Question re Final Cut Express Capabilities

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