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Best/most efficient Capture Tools with seamless integration with FCP?
Hello Everyone,
I look forward to your advise on how to approach a 250+ hr mini DV tape capture process. Primarily I need to decide on a Capture Tool (software) based upon understanding the pros/cons of workflow options/scenarios. “Your Wisdom is My Command!”
I’ve provided every detail that came to mind, and I will respond promptly to any/all of your questions and suggestions.
BEST CAPTURE TOOL – workflow?:
iMovie 09 vs FCE vs FCP vs iDive vs FootTrack
– What makes the most sense from a workflow perspective (considering MY specific duties)?– Does FCEP manage time codes and log data to match up with FCP?
– OR do I need to purchase FCP for this process to be seamless?What I’ve listed for your reference:
1. equipment list and my current setup
2. immediate capture, log, & edit goals
3. final uses of edited ContentEquipment List:
– both systems arrived last week, 10.6.3 w/Snow Leopard (iMovie incl.) otherwise no editing software purchased yet (i.e., FCP, FCE, etc.)1 ea – Mac Mini 2.53/ 4GB/ 320 (dedicated to the video project)
1 ea – Mac Book Pro 2.53/ 4GB/ 250 (admin/day2day biz) may use for simultaneous video capture
1 ea – Drobo DR04 w/ 2 ea – 1TB, and 1 ea – 1.5 TB WD Caviar Green drives
(currently have 1.8GB free – soon to add another 1.5 GB drive to gain 3.0GB free)
1 ea – 24″ LCD Monitor (shared) connected via mini display port to DVI, and VGA
1 ea – Tripp Lite 1000 VA / 500 watt UPS
2 ea – Standard def. mini DV video cameras, BOTH w/Firewire 400 ports (currently do not own a DV player/deck)2 ea – Dell Laptops (general biz applications – to become secondary systems to new Macs)
1 ea – Fantom Green Drive Quad 1TB (for dedicated PC system backup)Immediate Goals:
a) retain quality through most efficient and “organized” method of capture to allow seamless transfer files/log/EDL data (most likely into FCP)
b) make sure I am purchasing the right accessories (not over or under purchasing drives/cables/software)
c) determine best use setup for highest transfer rates in any/all configurationsMy Duties:
1. capture footage to harddrives (to archive and make ready for scrubb)
2. scrubb through to LOG, create EDL for a professional video editor/storyteller (yet to be determined)
3. I may prefer to hand-off less material “the rough-cut” to editor
– Does this require anything more than additional storage drives?
– From a process perspective, what else would this entail?NOTE: I’m planning to use the FW800 ports (1 ea on Mini and Mac Book) for camera(s)/deck(s) capture to internal HDs, then periodically batch “dump” from each to combine onto Drobo via its FW800 port. I plan to use FW400/4pin to FW800/9pin cable between camera/deck and Mac systems.
Final Uses of Content:
a) online educational and entertainment segments (2-20 mins ea)
– some are subject matter expert interviews
b) 15 yr chronicle backstory rolling into online “docu-drama” series
c) feature and/or short form documentary film -
2 Replies
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Mac Pro with 8GB RAM is your minimum machine you should have purchased with this much material to handle. You should also have a Kona LHi in there to assist with ProRes capture. ProRes will yield a cleaner final product over DV and that will give you better quality compressed video for the web.
Software should be Final Cut Pro.
Capture to ProRes via the Kona board or one of the Matrox products.
No need wasting time with any other software / workflows. you do NOT want to capture in FCE as you are limited in your codecs.
[Chris Demi] “NOTE: I’m planning to use the FW800 ports (1 ea on Mini and Mac Book) for camera(s)/deck(s) capture to internal HDs, then periodically batch “dump” from each to combine onto Drobo via its FW800 port. I plan to use FW400/4pin to FW800/9pin cable between camera/deck and Mac systems. “
Wrong. Never EVER capture to your system drive. EVER.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Editor, Colorist, Director, Writer, Consultant, Author, Chef.
HD Post and Production
Biscardi Creative Media“Foul Water, Fiery Serpent” featuring Sigourney Weaver coming soon.
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Hi Walter,
Firstly, congratulations and best of luck with the new facility build! I especially like the addition of 1/2 court b-ball. Secondly, nice work on the Foul Water trailer. Coincidently, I met Jimmy Carter during his decent (my ascent) of Mt Kilimanjaro in 1988.
==Thanks for expert guidance here… and let me be clear about my situation.
I am not to be “the” editor or storyteller – I am the documentarian-exec producer.The creative storytelling and editing is best left to pros, and NOT best use of my talents. Therefore, my task is foundational (quality capture, log, and EDL mostly) and preliminary to the work of expert storytellers. I want to be sure my naivety does not handcuff future production value/flexibility.
Because mine is likely a one-time use, I have been advised by a local consultant (perhaps erroneously) to purchase the equipment I’ve listed. Budget plays a part. Also, an Apple FCP cust. service rep. advised that FCE would be fine… go figure!?
Regardless, if this system won’t suffice, then I have a problem. Hardware arrived 2 weeks ago and I’m in process of set-up and software decision for capture, log, & EDL now.
My goal is to complete “first pass” rough-cut to reduce hrs of footage to be transferred to pro editors:
1. initially to create a promo piece for sponsors/investors
2. depending upon funding and/or timing, I may post some interviews and “backstory” footage online (not my preference).
3. I’m also anticipating online streaming of new “live” interviews/TV and on-demand feeds
(investigating Telestream – Wirecast w/Wowza “Unified Streaming for iPhone, Web and TV”) https://www.telestream.net/pdfs/whitepapers/wp-Telestream-Wowza.pdfSome background will help:
I am an entrepreneur turned social entrepreneur (on a mission). Insights 15 yrs ago prompted complete transparency as a means to build brand trust and credibility necessary to fulfill the vision. Video a key component for educational and entertaining engagement. I’ve chronicled the journey, and expert interviews, with attention to sound quality and competency with visuals (framing/light). Content always outpaced budget/technology/production value. We intend this will change within next 4-6 months.– Shall I send these computers back to Apple, or can my set-up work?
– I must keep it as simple as possible, not too deep in tech, etc… as such, purchasing another 4GB ram, Kona LHi, ProRes, etc scares me for this one-time use. Plus, I do not currently have the budget for all of these.
– Will the camera/player/deck I use affect capture quality?Forever grateful,
Christopher[walter biscardi] “Mac Pro with 8GB RAM is your minimum machine you should have purchased with this much material to handle. You should also have a Kona LHi in there to assist with ProRes capture. ProRes will yield a cleaner final product over DV and that will give you better quality compressed video for the web.
Software should be Final Cut Pro.
Capture to ProRes via the Kona board or one of the Matrox products.
No need wasting time with any other software / workflows. you do NOT want to capture in FCE as you are limited in your codecs. “
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