Using QuickTime to convert to MOV, seeing quality lost…

Apple Final Cut Pro Legacy

Using QuickTime to convert to MOV, seeing quality lost…

Posted by Candra Horton on July 18, 2011 at 4:28 pm

I did a search for this but came up empty handed, hoping someone can point me in the right direction.

I’m editing some footage shot with one of those Flip HD cameras but of course the vids are in MP4 format (720p, 60fps). I’m using QuickTime to convert them to MOV so they’ll play nice with FCP 7, but after conversion I’m noticing significant loss of color, faces and clothes are looking very washed out compared to the original footage. What settings can I use in QuickTime that will convert the files to MOV without losing too much in terms of color?

Candra Horton replied 15 years ago 4 Members · 8 Replies
8 Replies

Shane Ross
July 18, 2011 at 4:46 pm

[Candra Horton] “I’m using QuickTime to convert them to MOV so they’ll play nice with FCP 7,”

What format of .MOV? All you are saying is that you converted to Quicktime, but didn’t say what TYPE of Quicktime. Quicktime is a container that can hold one of a few dozen different codecs.

You have a can. In that can is…what? Beans? Carrots? Applesauce? Spam? Cat food?

FCP doesn’t just work with any old QT files. It wants specific formats. ProRes…not cat food.

Shane

GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def
Everest Mokaeff
July 18, 2011 at 4:47 pm

Try MPEG StreamClip.

Sony PMW-EX3, Canon Mark II 5D, FCS3 in Moscow
http://www.mokaeff.com
Paul Jay
July 18, 2011 at 5:04 pm

Open mpeg streamclip. Its free
Batch list. Drag in files
Export to quicktime
Quality 100 %
codec ProRes 422
Interlaced scaling Off
To batch
Wait.
Nice can of tasty beans.
Candra Horton
July 18, 2011 at 6:10 pm

LOL! Thanks for the assistance Paul, Everest. I’m a bit of a newbie at this, so leaning as I go.

Shane, I just needed a quicktime format in HD that will not compromise too much the initial video quality while keeping the same specs.
Everest Mokaeff
July 18, 2011 at 6:48 pm

Then stick to ProRes family codecs; 422, HQ, or 4444 – for final editing, or Proxy, LT – if you intend to get best quality afterwards.

Sony PMW-EX3, Canon Mark II 5D, FCS3 in Moscow
http://www.mokaeff.com
Candra Horton
July 18, 2011 at 6:54 pm

Thank you Everest. One more question for you. Can I convert to ProRes in FCP as well?
Shane Ross
July 18, 2011 at 7:19 pm

[Candra Horton] “Can I convert to ProRes in FCP as well?”

If you use the MEDIA MANAGER and the RECOMPRESS option. But use MPEG STREAMCLIP and do it BEFORE it comes in. Better…faster.

Shane

GETTING ORGANIZED WITH FINAL CUT PRO DVD…don’t miss it.
Read my blog, Little Frog in High Def
Candra Horton
July 18, 2011 at 9:13 pm

Thanks Shane!

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