What is an ideal workflow, from the start to end?

Question

With a great deal of interest, I have read many threads as this is mostly new for me. I never owned a camcorder in my life. So, please bear with me about a couple of questions.
So that I would like to minimize trial and error, perhaps a little deep learning curve. I am hesitate to mention that I am Deaf as it has nothing to do the whole issue. But I am having trouble understanding the general concept related specifically to frame rate. Not to mention that I use ASL (American Sign Language) as my native language, and English is my second language.
I have a Canon VIXIA HF S21, a HD camcorder, which records at least four various frame rates: PF24, 60i, PF30 or 24F @ 24 Mbps. My camcorder is a HD CMOS and AVCHD.
I would appreciate any advice about some specific information (one of each in details) about PF24, 60i, PF30 and 24F. So, what is the purpose of those four frame rate, why is it works best under circumstance? Which one works best for all overall camcorder shoots? I am mostly enjoying to record footage of landscape... and recently record of my little pug. Soon will do some footage for videoblogging for Deaf community mostly related to self-advocacy about technology-related to promote and increasing independence and self-sufficient within Deaf community.
I also plan to ‘incorporate’ some of this and that, among some of my photos, some of footage clips and put pieces together in Final Cut Pro X, and output them to iPad, iPhone... and interactive PDF file to enhance more pleasant, unique interactive experience on iPad 2. As an example, I am in awe of former VP Al Gore’s Our Choice ebook on iPad. His ebook is truly amazing, truly a ice-breaker and eye-opener.
Plus, plan to do some project for other Deaf photographers learning about Photoshop and all techniques and stuff. Sad to say is that not many of other online videos are closed capitioned, as in CC for short.
I am mostly familiar with Quicktime concept basically. Now that I own a new camcorder and recently purchased Final Cut Pro X few weeks ago. Now it is a good time to find an ideal ‘digital’ workflow with AVCHD footage files. I see that it is recommended that all of my footage files must be converted to ProRes, since Final Cut Pro X likes to work with ProRes.
From what I had read many forums, I am unsure of any advantage NOT to convert ProRes, Final Cut Pro X automatically import and do the rest for you. But the problem is that Final Cut Pro X is not able to “see” .mts footage files (AVCHD). I think the AVCHD is really weird for some reason... or is it just me?
By the way, I still not able to import .mts files from camcorder connection... and even not able to read or understand .mts files sitting on hard drive. It must be something that I have done wrong. It was not very clear as to do the right approach, because Final Cut Pro X doesn’t have sufficient info to explain this in details. I am still confused and unsure.
By the way, I generally understand the importance of appropriate colour management concept, because it is a must to do with photography workflow, so on. I am very thorough with it and really into it. Since Final Cut Pro X and own a HD camcorder, it brings in some interesting perspective, enhance more experience and all. Anyway, I calibrate monitor with X-Rite ColorMunki Photo. I don’t know if this is going to mess up with overall video editing workflow when using/working with Final Cut Pro X. Some advice and suggestion would be deeply (yes, deeply) appreciated in advance.
What is more, I also own Adobe Creative Suite CS5.5 Master Collection. I already made a couple of photo books with InDesign and export them to PDF and have it published with service provider.
I know I put all information in here at all once. Just to help some of you as to what I would like to achieve and hope to find more efficiency and most reasonable digital video editing workflow. I also want to understand the difference between the four frame rates and understand the why and what’s not ideal to use PF24 or 60i or PF30 or 24F, so on. By the way, I also purchased Motion and Compressor from App Store.
In closing, any advice, technique or tips would be deeply, deeply appreciated. Have an amazing day, friends.
Cordially, Brian

Answer 1

I have several Canon HD cameras (two different HF models) with at least some of these frame rate options. It is important to find out what they really mean with your camera. What I found was that the 30 frame progressive option was not what it claimed to be- the camera's data sheet seemed to say it was PF30, but it was really a modified 60i clip. I think the PF24 was also wonky in that regard and actually also a 60i based file, so I discarded that option as well.
Unfortunately, the basic google search does not reveal specific info about how your camera does this stuff. I think I actually had to talk to Canon tech support to find out why it wasn't working the way my google searches indicated PF24 and PF30 should. Check it out, get specific info for your camera. These Canon's are consumer cameras and don't do things the way a "pro" HD camera does. In spite of that, I've been very pleased with the projects I've done with them.
It was my experience in the end, that with Final Cut Pro 7, it worked better just to shoot in 60i, using the same resolution and data rate settings for all clips.
It might be different with FCP X, so I'd suggest shooting 60 seconds in each format, importing them into FCP X, and seeing if you can use them and how they look. With a standardized length you can compare file size, etc. to extrapolate for a bigger project.
The MTS file thing doesn't affect your workflow if you use the "Create archive..." button when the you import from the camera. It will save the video files (and all the folders and files related) together on a specified hard drive so that FCP X can see the files as clips and import only your chosen clips into your specified event. This also allows you to immediately back up the camera archive to a second drive.
MTS files are only a problem if you drag the MTS files off the camera to a folder on your Mac, you will no longer be able to import them directly. FCP X needs the folder structures and databases included in the folders.
For my orphaned MTS files that must be converted, I use the Turbo HD.264 from El Gato. It is less than optimal for editing, but it is a tool I have in my kit. Fortunately I learned to "archive" my cameras early enough that I don't have many of the MTS files hanging around.
Best wishes. Joel.
Message was edited by: Joel Hall- clearer description of the archive import.