-
Time is running out! Should I get a new camera or just upgrade my software?
Hi all,
I’m in a real pickle and would love some help.
I am an English student looking to shoot a short documentary film for a university interview as soon as possible.
I have kindly been given a MacBook Pro from my uncle, which has FCP 5 on it.
I then bought a camcorder with full HD1080p capacity very cheap, (at that point) not knowing that FCP 5 doesn’t support that format.
I can return the camera any time before Thursday, but I think it was a very good deal considering I got it for less than £200 (it compromises on things like zoom, but it still seemed like quite a bargain).
My question is: Since I want to get started filming as soon as possible, should I return the camera and buy an SD camcorder with a format supported by FCP 5? Or should I hold on to the camera and seek out a way of upgrading my software to FCP 6?
ANY advice would be really appreciated.
Thanks (in advance),
Zoe.
-
22 Replies
-
You didn’t say what camera. If it is an HDV camera, then you can have the camera down convert to DV and edit in SD on FCP5.
So to help us help you, we need to know the camera model and also the version of FCP. There are many variants of vers5 and the differences may be really important for you.
-
Oops, sorry.
Well…
This is the camera model: https://www.amazon.co.uk/HD-8Z-DIGITAL-1080P-DEFINITION-CAMERA/dp/B001IVN9XK/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1227477027&sr=8-2It’s an HD-8Z Digital 1080P HD Camcorder. 1080p @ 30fps and 720p @ 60fps. Uses an SDHC card.
My version of FCP is 5.0, as far as I can see.
Hope that helps.
Zoe.
-
Hi Zoe,
With this camera you won’t be able to do much even upgrading to FCS2.
Here are the specs:
https://www.alibaba.com/product-tp/101501254/HD_8Z_Full_HD_1080p_Digital.html
It records in H264. Very nice picture and small files but almost impossible to edit.
Also Mac OX is not supported so you won’t be able to download the files to your Mac.
If you start learning filming and editing, just buy a SD camcorder with FW. With your lap-top and FC 5 you have everything you need.
BTW if you are with FC 5, don’t update QT. I don’t know which version you have, but something like QT 7.0 or 7.1 will work better.
Cheers,
Rafael -
Rafael- thank you SO MUCH!!
I can’t tell you how great it is to have a straight answer to this question, especially since money is so tight and I’m really trying to just get going with the filming etc.
I will post that camera back straight away today.
Regarding: “just buy a SD camcorder with FW.” -Does FW mean ‘Fire Wire’ or ‘Firmware’ (I’m sorry, I’m so completely a newbie at this…. Also, do you have any particular recommendations at all? What should I be looking for?
THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU. 🙂
Zoe.
-
Hi Zoe,
With FW I meant FireWire.
Any of the most popular(SONY, PANASONIC, Canon, JVC,..) brand will goes well.
You need a DV camcorder with FireWire and Video/Audio IN/OUT, so you can capture to your computer and print back to your camcorder. Also with A/V IN/OUT you will be able to use any TV for monitoring.
Don’t worry too much about sound or picture quality. Get something easy to use, so you can concentrate in learning.
I think that now may be many offers of SD second hand camcorders because people are buying HD.
If you find something and you are not sure if will fits you, just post.
Cheers,
Rafael -
Ok, have had a quick look before I shoot off to work. Here are 3 potential options. It’d be great if you could take a REAL quick look and tell me if I’m going to put my foot in it again.
https://www.testfreaks.co.uk/digital-camcorders/jvc-gz-mg330/
https://www.simplydv.co.uk/reviews/camcorders/canon/sd/canon-fs100-sd-review.html
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-DCR-HC35-Handycam-camcorder-optical/dp/B000E3UV7U
Once again, Rafael, thankyou so much. It’s a scary old world for the beginner out there; it seems like everyone is trying to dupe you into parting with as much money as possible, regardless of your complete technological ineptitude! So thanks for being so honest.
Zoe.
-
P.S) Fret not- I have lessons booked with someone who can actually teach me how to use FCP in a couple of weeks (as in, a professional) …I promise I wont even be attempting to learn that one DIY-style! 🙂
-
Hi
Go for the last one – the Mini-DV Sony, which uses tape and is simplicity itself to use.
With FireWire In/Out you can view your FCP editing using the camera to pass the video out to a TV or video monitor.
The cheaper Sony DCR-HC51E doesn’t have the FW In mode, so can’t be used for monitoring during the edit.If you have a MacBook Pro then you need at least FCP 5.1 (FCP 5.0 isn’t compatible), and this can be upgraded to 5.1.4 online using Software Update.
For simple DV editing an up-to-date version of QuickTime isn’t a problem once you have upgraded to FCP 5.1.4.. -
Hi Zoe,
I agree with Paul. Go for the SONY.
Without pretending being a Pro camera its got many of the features that you will find in a more Pro camera regarding format and connectivity.
The others models are more holiday-videos oriented.
Enjoy it.
Cheers,
rafael -
Thanks guys,
One last question: Amazon informs me there is a newer version of this model. Should I go for the newer one? (Bizarrely, it’s cheaper).
Here are the links (top=old/ bottom=new):
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sony-DCR-HC35-Handycam-camcorder-optical/dp/B000E3UV7U
…..
Thanks again for all your help. The best advice I’ve had yet.
Zoe.
Reply to this Discussion! Login or Sign Up