24f xh-a1 FCP macbook pro downconverting?

[Jerry Hofmann]

If the camera downconverts to DV (most of them do) then you could just capture using DV settings and device controls…

That said, downconverting will cost some quality, but if you’re delivering SD DVD’s it’s likely not much more than compressing to MPEG-2 from HDV.

That said, don’t buy an HDV camera. Buy a P2 instead. SOOOOO much better to work with… especially in postproduction.

Jerry

Apple Certified Trainer

Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here

Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D

[Aviv Vana]

Thanks for the answer!
1)Can you expand a bit on “don’t by a hdv camera buy a P2” – Thanks

2)in your answer you said to “just capture using DV settings” – does that mean the camera automatically converts it to SD if I am capture SD settings?
3)No need for special external devices or setting on the camera (say my Sony HC3 for example)?
4)can i keep my footage in 16×9 even though i am capturing in sd, if so how do i do that?

thanks again
Aviv

“it’s amazing how much time, effort, and help people are willing to give one another”

[Jerry Hofmann]

P2 records an all “i frame” format. MUCH easier for your computer to deal with. That’s why the suggestion. You also get a better color space with it over HDV. Better for compositing and color correction. Renders a LOT faster with it too.

Your current machine could handle this format natively. It’s better all round. HDV records an MPEG stream, and thus has to go through a lot of computations just to play the files, especially if you don’t edit on an ‘i” frame. (which is 1 in 15 or 1 in 8 depending on which format you’ve shot. This GOP structure is what causes all of the computational overhead that the HDV format demands.

HDV cameras can be set to down convert the HD to SD, then you capture it as DV using the stock presets that match the frame rate you’ve shot. That answers your first question… BUT it still will not be any easier to key with, add titles to, and color correct, however it will render much faster than native HDV.

Jerry

Apple Certified Trainer

Author: “Jerry Hofmann on Final Cut Pro 4” Click here

Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D

[Aviv Vana]

thanks – your quick!

“BUT it still will not be any easier to key with, add titles to, and color correct”

but it will be faster for playback, basic editing, and transitions (not filters)???
and how about if i send a clip to Motion3 to add titleing/effects and etc any faster then w/o downconverting?

p.s. sorry for the basic question but – what does the lingo mean when you say “native” . . . . . . . . . i.e “however it will render much faster then native HDV”

-Aviv