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5DMKII Pro Res Footage, RT Extreme dropping frames “slow disks”
Hi!
I am shooting with a Canon 5DMKII. Initially, I shot in SD, but I recently began shooting in HD. I followed the same process to convert the MKII’s unworkable H264 footage into Pro Res footage, which I then import into Final Cut Pro 6.0. When I did this with the SD footage, I didn’t have many problems, but now the file size of each Pro Res clip is huge (for example, 152 MB to 2 GB!)
I can’t really do anything in FCP, as every moment I get a message that says “RT Extreme has determined these dropped frames were caused by slow disks.”
Some info about my operating system:
I’m using a Macbook with OS X, version 10.5.8
Final Cut Pro Academic Version 6.0
All the media is connected to an external drive (but not a Firewire 800 HD.) It is connected to a 300GB My Passport drive.
I have 15.97 GB free on my Macbook (out of a capacity of 148 GB)Does anyone know what’s going on?
The biggest difficulty right now is I’m living abroad in a country where it is hard to find technical help for these things. So I am relying solely on the advice of the wise on the internet. I would really appreciate your help! I have a big documentary project and am stuck as to why I’m having these difficulties.
Thank you very much!!!
Elissa -
15 Replies
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The error message is telling you that the drive isn’t fast enough… it likely isn’t. You need something like a CalDigit or iStorage Pro 2 drive array.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski.
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX Cinema Displays
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Hi Jerry,
Thanks for your quick response. Purchasing an external drive like iStorage 2 would be the best option? is this better than purchasing a new, faster computer? I wonder if there are Macs designed to work better with HD footage.
Thank you!!
Elissa -
I believe a lacie HD is a good option too if your budget is limited, As I understand any HD that runs at 7200 rpm’s and works with Firewire 400/800 should be good. At least to get out of the woods.
Rodrigo
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The faster the machine, the faster it renders, but your immediate problem is stemming from hard drives that just can’t keep up…
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski.
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX Cinema Displays
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Hi Rodrigo,
Thank you for your response. I will look into the Lacie HD. Do you know, though, if that can work with a Macbook? I have a USB port, but I don’t know if that’s the same as the firewire port? is the firewire port the smaller port next to the USB ? How would I find out if this is 400 or 800?
thank you!!!
Elissa -
I will say grab your macbook (I hope macbookpro?) get to the store and check which jacks do you have on it. Is hard with mac laptops to say what it is, changes with each generation, model,etc.
Hope this helps, I’ve been stuck myself for a while with a laptop that wasnt exactly what I need it and now im stuck with an Imac that isn’t either what I would like to have but lets me work on my Videographer to be projects.
By the way, Jerry I love your signature.
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[Elissa Bogos] “Do you know, though, if that can work with a Macbook? I have a USB port, but I don’t know if that’s the same as the firewire port?”
You need at least a MacBook Pro with FW 800 to work efficiently with ProRes.
USB is not an option.
Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group -
Thanks, I do love skiing… Hey, I arguably have the finest on the planet here in Colorado.
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Hi Steve, Thanks for your response. You guys have all been so helpful.
Well, that probably answers it best–I should upgrade to a MacBook Pro because this Macbook does not have a firewire port at all.
It’s such a relief to know there are people out there who can help with really specific questions. Thank you all. 🙂
Life is worth living.
https://www.vimeo.com/user2792832 -
Rodrigo,
thank you again–I have only a Macbook, which is perhaps where the issue lies.
When I bought the computer two years ago, I was mainly shooting photographs but I think a Macbook pro would be a lot better for video?Life is worth living.
https://www.vimeo.com/user2792832
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