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How to Edit 16:9 SD & 4:3 SD Together in the Same Timeline
I need some help. I have to edit a project that was shot on a 4:3 standard-definition mini-dv camera and I have to edit that footage with footage shot 16:9 standard-definition mini-dv (on the Sony Z1).
Is it possible to edit these together in the same timeline? If yes, how do I go about it?
We use the Kona II card w/our Final Cut suite. Does that address something like this? Thank you.
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5 Replies
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I think when you start using Final Cut, you’ll see that this is a simple thing to do.
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Sean, We’ve had the suite for a year and a half and work night and day on it!
We’ve got two important projects that are being edited right now, so I can’t load this one. I thought I’d ask for advice while waiting for the suite so it goes quickly when we get to it. It’s simply the first time we’ve had to do this.
Any guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
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[Thomas Hughes] ”
We’ve got two important projects that are being edited right now, so I can’t load this one. I thought I’d ask for advice while waiting for the suite so it goes quickly when we get to it. It’s simply the first time we’ve had to do this.”Shane’s link didn’t seem to work.
The reason I didn’t get into it is because while there are numerous options (do you want anamorphic, letterbox, center cut, or pan and scan?), it’s all pretty simple and common sense how to do it.
For example, when you drag a 16:9 clip (must have the anamorphic checked) into a 4:3 sequence, FCP automatically scales it to make it letterbox by adjusting the properties in the Motion tab. You want center cut? Just open the motion tab and zoom in. Pan and Scan? Zoom in and change the X offset in the Motion Tab. If the output is 16:9 but the footage is 4:3 – same thing. Make sure the sequence itself is checked off for anamorphic. FCP will add a pillarbox (black bars on the sides) to any 4:3 clips you drag into it. Again, you want to manually zoom in to fill the frame, do it in the Motion Tab.
Point is, FCP is not stupid. As long as your clips are properly flagged for anamorphic, just drag them into the sequence. If you’ve already screwed up and dragged clips in that didn’t have the anamorphic check, you can easily copy one proper clip and paste “Basic Motion” and “Distort” attributes to the other clips. You’ll figure it out in 5 minutes. I promise.
Sean
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Thanks Sean and Shane. I had my editor watch the link that Shane gave me. She took notes and said that she should have no problem. And Sean, I’m going to print your post and give it to her. Thanks again.
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