iMovie 09 and telecine captures?

[KeithPratt]

Blend in JES should look just as Blend does in VLC — it's the same process. Would you say that's the case?

I don't know where the pixellation is coming from. Do you have a small file (that shows the flicker and pixellation) you can upload to SendSpace or RapidShare or somewhere? As I'm such a nice guy I'll download it and take a look.

 

[eggplant72]

Eureka - by trial and error I've discovered that by going to Project > Deinterlace > Blend and ticking all three boxes "Adaptive", "Local" and "Filter Chroma" I get a JES output file free from flicker and distortion. (By default only "Adaptive" is ticked.)

The only hitch is that the output file has a slightly soft-focus look and there's a bit of "combing" here and there. But I think we're definitely on the right track now.

Thanks for the help folks, especially KeithPratt!

 

[OrganMusic]

1. Upgrade to Final Cut Express which I understand has built-in controls for flicker removal and deinterlacing.

Hmm I have FCE and I don't recall any such things -- is this true anyone? That could be useful to me if so.

 

[eggplant72]

Hmm I have FCE and I don't recall any such things -- is this true anyone? That could be useful to me if so.

I went into my local Mac store and had a look at a demonstration model with FCE installed. There was definitely an option to Deinterlace and Deflicker hidden deep in the menu, although I didn't test these functions. (Unless I was actually looking at a copy of Final Cut STUDIO, perhaps.)

 

[eggplant72]

Camcorder recommendation?

Changing my own subject slightly now that my original problem has been resolved ... I've had to give the Sony mini-DVD camcorder back to the owner I borrowed it from. However, I still haven't finished capturing my old 8mm movies and will now have to buy my own camcorder.

This leads to my next question - what is a good camcorder for telecine purposes? I've read one opinion that mini-DV is the best format for archival reasons, but my new MacBook doesn't have a Firewire port. Or are there mini-DV cams that support USB? Or is there another format that would do just as well? I am on a budget and can't afford an expensive HD camcorder.

 

[xStep]

"Or are there mini-DV cams that support USB?"

No Apple software supports miniDV USB connections for video.

 

[eggplant72]

Meaning I can't use mini-DV with my non-Firewire MacBook at all? Oh great.

 

[Flynnstone]

miniDV will be a problem without Firewire.

What about using a service? I saw something about Sniper pro for $20 for 50 feet. Perhaps a bulk discount?

Just throwing out ideas (good or bad, not sure which)

what about a 720p30 camcorder. Run projector at 15 fps (slightly slow)
This is NTSC. Then convert to PAL?

 

[eggplant72]

I have a quite a lot of 8mm films, it will be too expensive to have them professionally copied.

If DV/Firewire is out of the question, which is the next best format for a camcorder: mini-DVD, HDD, or memory card?

 

[xStep]

If the camera has RCA or S-Video out, and audio, then you could use something like a Elgato TV Hybrid. It is USB and and can be used with your Macs USB port. Different tech, so it works.