Annoyed with JVC/FCP import problem; will they ever fix this?

[Chris Paul]

If you have a capture card with component analog inputs and perhaps a JVC deck you can capture to a different codec (I like DVCProHD) without the timecode break issue. I find myself working this way a lot, especially if the video came in several formats.

I am not completely enamoured of the XDcam because you cannot bring it’s media into Final Cut the usual way- you have to use Sony’s importer utility. It works but it takes some getting used to. Still better than P2, though.

Chris Paul
POV

[Tom Wolsky]

It’s pretty bad that Apple can’t be bothered to make this work properly. You can’t compare Sony and JVC. Their GOP structures are different so they work differently. You could try reducing the pre-roll on device control. Take it down to one second to see if it will shorten your loss of material. What TC format are you using BTW?

Finally, camera operators should really not be shooting 10 second shots. Ideally they should be providing three seconds pre-roll and post-roll. That leaves a four second shot area. From a producer and editor’s point of view that’s just not acceptable.

All the best,

Tom

Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop” Class on Demand “Complete Training for FCP5” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy” DVDs

[Nigel Cooper]

Thanks Tom. I’m the cameraman and always shoot just enough, never had problem with DVCAM. My tight shooting ratio dosn’t work with HDV it would seem. I’ll try adjusting pre/post roll and see if that helps.

Thanks.

[Tom Wolsky]

As an editor I rue cameramen who shoot just enough. Just enough is usually not enough. My partner describes the first time she went out on a network shoot, (I won’t tell you what it was to protect her age) came back with great footage, editor called her in and counted time on each shot. Each shot was just enough. This was in tape days with TOD TC, so just enough was not enough.

All the best,

Tom

Author: “Final Cut Pro 5 Editing Essentials” and “Final Cut Express 2 Editing Workshop” Class on Demand “Complete Training for FCP5” and “Final Cut Express Made Easy” DVDs