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Editing HDV with Final Cut Express HD 4.0.1

V

videoguy34

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 8, 2007
20
0
Newfoundland, Canada
I am shooting HDV 720p with a JVC Pro-HD GYHD200U Camera (or so I am led to believe). I have recorded to Mini DV tape AND an external Pro-HD DR-HD100 DTE Recorder. I was (again) led to believe that it would be as simple as dragging and dropping the clips to get them into FCE for editing. Not happening! The only option then is to capture the footage from tape into FCE. What I need to know is what settings do I select (in Easy Setup) to ensure I am getting the best possible quality going in, allowing for the best possible quality going out! Do I capture? Is Log and Transfer even an option? I have tried capturing but the playback is not the sharp, digital quality I expect. Is that normal? The picture actually has a soft, movie-look to it!

In any case, if anyone has or is encountering the same issues, I would be so grateful for any suggestions. I know upgrading to FCP is an option but I have been told there is no guarantee that it has the Codec needed to edit footage recorded with this camera ... and for the degree of editing I am doing, I do not need what FCP offers.

I am not yet enjoying the supposed 'enhancements' of HD!
 
Capture = HDV

Log and Transfer = AVCHD

Choose either "HDV-apple intermediate codec-1080i60" or "HDV-apple intermediate codec-720p30" depending on what you shoot your footage in.
 
I've captured it HDV with the 720p25 and the p30 Codecs but I am finding it still 'jittery' on playback in an iDVD project. I am understanding that it will look different on a Progressive Scan Monitor as opposed to an Interlaced tv screen but is there anyway to workaround that?

Admittedly this HD stuff is VERY new to me and I apologize for asking the simple things ... but I have to start somewhere! Any input appreciated!
 
videoguy34 said:
I've captured it HDV with the 720p25 and the p30 Codecs but I am finding it still 'jittery' on playback in an iDVD project. I am understanding that it will look different on a Progressive Scan Monitor as opposed to an Interlaced tv screen but is there anyway to workaround that?

Admittedly this HD stuff is VERY new to me and I apologize for asking the simple things ... but I have to start somewhere! Any input appreciated!
Click to expand...

How does it look when you actually burn a DVD and view it using DVD Player or a TV?

What is your desired output? DVD? web?

By "jittery" do you mean like visible lines of interlacing? (horizontal lines along edges of objects)
 
Output to DVD for consumer viewing is all we need! From a DVD player to a TV it almost has a 'slow motion' effect. Not near as severe, but to give you an idea, its analogous to media footage streaming from Iraq via a satellite feed, smoother but with a soft focus. Hope that helps.
 
NRose8989 said:
Capture = HDV

Log and Transfer = AVCHD

Choose either "HDV-apple intermediate codec-1080i60" or "HDV-apple intermediate codec-720p30" depending on what you shoot your footage in.
Click to expand...

sorry im new to mac, how do i "log and transfer" my mts-avchd files to FCE 4? thanks!
 
SchneiderMan said:
sorry im new to mac, how do i "log and transfer" my mts-avchd files to FCE 4? thanks!
Click to expand...

File ----> Log and Transfer

Be sure not to touch or rearrange the file structure on your camera because it may introduce problems.

Your best bet is to mount you camera to the desktop, then just copy the "AVCHD" folder onto the desktop, then log and transfer. Once your done you can trash the folder or archive it into a disk image.
 
What framerate did you shoot? you can't just select whatever framerate you want in the capture settings. They MUST match watch you shot. Also, you can't judge quality on just the capture window or the canvas window... both of these are just estimations.
 
NRose8989 said:
File ----> Log and Transfer

Be sure not to touch or rearrange the file structure on your camera because it may introduce problems.

Your best bet is to mount you camera to the desktop, then just copy the "AVCHD" folder onto the desktop, then log and transfer. Once your done you can trash the folder or archive it into a disk image.
Click to expand...

thanks ok but when i try to open the folder/files i get an error saying the file are unsupported??
 
SchneiderMan said:
thanks ok but when i try to open the folder/files i get an error saying the file are unsupported??
Click to expand...

If your trying to add clips straight from the camera, then your shouldn't have to open any folders. Just connect your camera and it should mount to the desktop like a drive. Then open FCE and select "log and transfer" the window should automatically display clips for preview and transfer.

Watch this: Tutorial

On the left sidebar click "transfer from AVCHD"
 
NRose8989 said:
If your trying to add clips straight from the camera, then your shouldn't have to open any folders. Just connect your camera and it should mount to the desktop like a drive. Then open FCE and select "log and transfer" the window should automatically display clips for preview and transfer.

Watch this: Tutorial

On the left sidebar click "transfer from AVCHD"
Click to expand...

no im only using the sdhc card and taking the files from the sd card or just moving them to the desktop
 
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