Converting 25fps HDV into a 24fps DVCPROHD File with FCP

[Noah Kadner]

Why not just edit in HDV? You’ll only be adding noise and taking up more drive space by transcoding to DVCPROHD while no adding any definition. If you want a better codec- use the Apple Intermediate Codec- it’s a preset for HDV conversion and does the best job of preserving HDV originated material.

Noah

[John Sharaf]

Avenger,

The best advice as always is to try to keep things simple! In this case the simplest solution is to do all the photography in one format, with one camera. The workaround you describe seems ill-conceived at best! The Cineframe shots will never look like the 24 progressive on the Varicam, and I fear the various conversions you describe will do nothing but deteriorate the image even further and introduce artifacts.

If you can’t afford the Varicam, use the Sony for everything; as you say this is a student project and presumably you will have many more opportunities in the future to use the Varicam, and maybe even a 35mm camera on other projects. Visual consistancy and continuity are very important in making the technique transparent and subservient to the story and performance.

On the other hand, if it’s merely a matter of renting the Varicam for a second weekend (one day rate), maybe you can somehow swing the extra dough to do so; it’s a finite amount of money and not that much at that. Another alternative is to try to find a local owner/operator who would be interested in helping you out (more of a longshot), but creativity in this aspect of production is often as important as creativity in writing the script, directing the talent and in editing the final piece. Making a film requires a combination of difficult tasks that often are invisible in the outcome.

Good luck!

JS

[Christoph Heimer]

Hello,

sometimes, there happen wonders… i just received the meesage that we are able to use the Varicam all the time!! That’s great news for us. But it is still possible that our director wants to make some litte shots on the hdv with a glidecam or something and therefore it would still be helpfull to answer my question 😉

The other important thing which is still interesting for me: What is it about that Pana Framerate converter utility? What’s is purpose?

Please, if anybody knows, tell me 😉

[John Sharaf]

Avenger,

The Varicam is called that because of its ability to shoot variable frame rates. Those supported are 4-60 fps. The recorder actually always records 60 distinct frames per second but the camera, under menu speed control determines what is actually recorded, and makes “flag” frame metadata that is recorded in the user bit to control the postproduction interpolation which is done either in the hardware FRC or in software in FCP.

For slo-motion for example either version of the FRC (hardware or software) will take your instruction and convert the 60 fps to eith 24 or 30 fps, effectively making 2x or 2.5x slomotion. This interpolated result would need to be recorded on tape (in the hardware version) or stored as a seperate master clip (in FCP) for inclusion in your final project.

JS

[Gary Adcock]

[Avenger] ”
-convert the hdv material to 720p 25fps dvcpro hd via compressor.
-conform the framerate from 25 to 24 via cinema tools.
-import the forme hdv footage to the dvcpro hd 24fps timeline and edit. “

I agree with John here, you are asking for a large problem. the very first of which is compressor will do a terrible job on the conversion because HDV and DVCPROHD use different compression blocks, and CT does not necessarily accept what compressor creates when it comes to frame rates.

I personally have gotten much better results from an up-converted DVX100 at 24p than I can get from the Sony with 25f- 24p conversion.

Gary Adcock
Studio37
HD and Film Consultation
Chicago, IL USA