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How to import videos from DVD camcorders into Final Cut?
I’m a very beginner in this Final Cut world, so my question may seem stupid.
I’m about to buy a mini DV camcorder with a FireWire connection, but before doing that the only thing I have available is my dad’s DVD camcorder.
The trouble is I’m not being able to import the video directly to my computer.
Is there a way I can import these videos from my DVD camcorder in a format suitable for Final Cut?
And if I have to use some sort of file conversion, what would be the best quality video format to work with?
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3 Replies
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Make sure that the camera DVD has been finalized in the camera. Then put it in the DVD drive on your computer. Google “MPEG Streamclip” and download and install it on your computer. It’s free. Use it to open the TS file on your DVD. There could be multiple files depending on how the Camcorder records to the disk. Streamclip may ask if you want to fix any timecode breaks. Answer yes. When it loads the DVD video into the window for review, you can see what you have to work with. You will now need to export the video in a Quicktime format. DV25 (aka DVCPro) should work for you. You can export the entire video as one big clip or you can break it up into smaller segments by using the “In” and “Out” buttons. Export “To Quicktime” and pick the DVCPro settings. Export your video. Import your newly converted Quicktime movies into Final Cut and edit. DVD cameras will not provide the best quality footage for editing, but it should work OK.
Tom -
A quick search on this forum for DVD and Mpeg streamclip will reveal a wealth of info on this topic.
Ben
Edit Out Ltd
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FCP Editor/Trainer/System Consultant
EVS/VT Supervisor for live broadcast
RED camera transfer/post
Independent Director/Producer -
[Tom Matthies] “Make sure that the camera DVD has been finalized in the camera.”
This is essential.
I just worked on a show that was supposed to use some B roll and on-camera intros on disk from a consumer Sony DVD camara (their option not mine!). Client 2K miles away and had FedEx-ed the disk. Could not use any of it because it had not been finalized, and we could not locate a similar camcorder locally in enough time to be able to finalize the disk, then transfer and use the material.
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