Need answers with 5d mark lll and fcpx

[Craig Seeman]

[Jonathan Lance] “What do you think of converting 1080 24 into 720 24? or is it just better to shoot it in 720 60 frames? will it fit onto a dual layer dvd?”

You bring up DVD again. It’s already been stated DVD doesn’t support HD. If you’re just storing files as data I mentioned Blu-ray as data disc. If you’re just burning a screener FCPX can do that now as long as you attach a Blu-ray burner.

You really need to explain whether you need a Data disc or a Video disc. Basically questions regarding both of those have already been posted.

[Jim Giberti]

Hey Lance,

Two things.

You really would do better asking this on the FCPX Techniques forum (this is a philosophical forum…not that people don’t also work around here.)

Most importantly – you simply need to tell us how people are going to view your work and why you’re distributing it.

DVD is not an option, but there are options. But first you have to be clear about how you expect people to view your work.

[Rick Lang]

Jonathan:
“What do you think of converting 1080 24 into 720 24? or is it just better to shoot it in 720 60 frames? will it fit onto a dual layer dvd?”

I would shoot in the highest quality the camera supports, (1920×1080, 24 fps) even if you eventually will only be producing DVD (720×480). You’ll get better results through edits and grades. It sounds like you’ve given up on producing Blu-Ray although that would produce the best results. Still if DVD satisfies the client, you can do that. As for the dual layer, can your client handle it or will they expect a conventional DVD to pop into the typical player and select a movie from a menu? Not all players can handle dual layer DVD.

As for size, the process of creating the DVD, includes the logic to squeeze your footage into the available space on a single layer DVD. Not sure if it can handle nearly three hours of video but it might. One or lwo hour, yes. You can test this by going through the process using a test of any scene with some motion. Just keep shooting traffic at a modest distance for example for 20 minutes (and add the clip 8 times in FCPX’s timeline to get 2.75 hours) of H.264/mpeg-4 video (full HD), then quickly edit it into one FCPX project and then create your DVD and look at the results (hopefully with the client) so you can watch it on a HDTV and decide well before the theatrical event if this is what they want. If you’re not happy with the quality, ask if they’ll consider Blu-Ray. Does this help? Any other opinions from anyone most welcome?

Rick Lang

iMac 27” 2.8GHz i7 16GB

[Bobby Mosca]

Jonathan,

You’re in for a world of hurt, my friend. However many full and dress rehearsals they run of the play, record them all. And, assuming they are running this for more than one show, start at the first show and record them all until you get it right. You will need the practice and you’ll find out quickly the limitations of doing this with 5Ds, and how to compensate. Be humble.

(BTW, I don’t blame you for coming here, since people actually respond on this forum. Just don’t tell anyone.)

As far as DVD vs Blu-ray… Figure this out NOW! With the amount of money you’ll spend on Bluray equipment, etc., make sure it has to be high definition. Because if it doesn’t, save your money and rent a tape based camera to film this in that will have the longer record times. It will make the recording process about 100 times easier.

As far as delivering this, either on DVD or Blu-ray, remember FCPX cannot create typical disc menus. It’s extremely limited and, if you ask me, most unprofessional.

If you’re sticking with the 5D, get online and research your brains out on DSLR filmmaking. (Start with learningdslrvideo.com and go to the beginning of Dave’s posts. He also links to other resources.) Again, be humble. If you’re truly a beginner, you’ve got a LOT to learn about what that camera can do. You can easily mess things up if you’re not prepared.

Best of luck!

[Viktor Kamenický]

My advice is to get a camera. If it is a play, where the actors do have mics on them it will be much more easier to get a long XLR cable and stick it in your camera. You dont have to worry about the sound. (in most scenarios). Sound is (in my opinion) important in a play. I dont think a standard 5D mkIII will give you the best sound.

So to sum up. Get a camera.

“You never want to get to get a call from the editing room”
Art Adams