-
dvMatte alternatives
I work for a studio that does distance learning videos. We use a green screen and a SD Sony camera. In the past I’ve always used the chroma key built in to FCP and it never renders very likable results. I started looking into a higher quality plugin, assuming my problem is with the FCP plugin.. and I found that really the SD format isn’t great for keying. However, I also found that dvMatte Pro from dvGarage.com produced good results.
1) Am I doing something wrong or is it wrong of me to expect decent results (clean edges) in Final Cut Pro with SD footage?
2) Also, is there an alternative to the $199 dvMatte Pro. I want to be sure before I approach my boss about this.
Thanks, Lacy
-
8 Replies
-
What format of SD? is it DV? If so, dv can be really tough to key from the lack of color information. Boris Continuum Complete has a great keyer in it, but I have no idea how well it works with DV footage.
-
DV Matte Blast for Motion is great, realtime keying!
In that price range, I don’t know anything better. You can always ask for Ultimatte Advantage, but watch out, it doesn’t yet work with current FCP 😉
Regards,
Uli
Author of “DVDs gestalten und produzieren”, a book on professional DVD-authoring in German.
-
Yeah, sorry.. It’s just DV NTSC. I thought that was analogous with SD. Stupid mistake..
can you recommend a better format for keying? Preferably the cheapest alternative to DV?
Thanks 🙂
-
DV50 has twice to color information of DV. The cheapest way to shoot DV50 at the moment is to get the Panasonic HVX200. That will also allow you to shoot HD in the future if you so desire. This will require a tapeless workflow that will be new to you though. When working in DV50 (or HD) the HVX 200 shoots to solid state media cards instead of tape.
Other than that, getting yourself a used SDX900 would also be a great way to go, but I have no idea what your budget is. If you do a lot of keying, getting out of DV will be your best bet.
Jeremy
-
https://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/chroma_key_fcp_hd_monahan.html
This link may help you get better results using your current set-up.
-
With DV footage you need to use a plug in from Nattress ($100) in front of whatever
chroma keyer you use (except Ultimatte which already has a DV color smoother).
The filter is called G Nicer 411. It’s in his film effects filters package.
It smoothes out the DV chroma information and makes a much nicer key when
using DV footage. I also recommend Boris Continuum as a great chroma keyer.Dan
-
While Graeme’s filters are great, you don
-
Thanks a lot.. that kenstone.net link is amazing. I guess we really learn more every day.
.. colordeaf.net
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up