• Compression Techniques

  Will this camera be adequate for a DVD

  Posted by Olly Lawer on May 8, 2011 at 4:49 pm

  Hi,

  I have been asked to edit a 10 minute video for a charity. They cannot afford for us to film the events and thus thought about using their own camera which is a Samsung DX200.

  They have asked whether this is going to be adequate for the purpose of interviews and filming the event.

  My guy feel is ‘yes’ but expect the quality to be that of a home movie. I presume I can simply run it through FCP in its raw format and then compress to MPEG2 using compressor and the quality will be ‘OK’?

  Kind regards,

  Olly Lawer

  Olly Lawer replied 15 years ago 3 Members · 4 Replies
• 4 Replies

• 

  Michael Kammes

  May 8, 2011 at 10:49 pm

  The DX200 records SD to a DVD, yes? Thus, it’s already in an MPEG2 format. To edit decently in FCP, you’ll have to rip the DVD, or record it from an output on a DVD player into your FCP system. Either way, this is yet another step in compression.

  I can’t say that’s great quality – then again, if you plan on doing some color work, some sound work, etc…that will certainly improve the finished product.

  It’s almost impossible to give you a “yes, this is ‘good enough'”, because that’s subjective. However, from a technical perspective, I’d say you’re on the low end of the spectrum. If possible, I’d recommend something that can shoot HD, or a nicer SD camera.

  ~Michael

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• 

  Craig Seeman

  May 8, 2011 at 11:30 pm

  If they’re on a budget I’d recommend this. The Canon Vixia/Legria in Europe) is AVCHD HD camera so it’ll probably be much better quality and Final Cut Pro will import from the SDHC card and convert to Apple ProRes.
  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/671652-REG/Canon_4388B001_VIXIA_HF_R10_Dual.html
• 

  Olly Lawer

  May 9, 2011 at 3:10 am

  Thanks. I’ll will let them know.

  Craig, managed to find a second hand version of that camera for £150. Thanks for the tip.

  Olly Lawer
• 

  Olly Lawer

  May 11, 2011 at 12:03 pm

  Thanks. A quick note though, they are having trouble finding it in a UK shop as they need to buy it cash!

  Are there other brands/models you’d recommend and it would be useful maybe to know how I can tell if a model will worth well with prores?

  Olly Lawer

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