Possible to get 4:2:2 images from miniDV camera by capturing live into FCP?

[Bouncing Account needs new email address]

[Trevor Ward] “using a DVX100a. firewire is my only capture ability (unless I can be convinced otherwise).”

The FW signal is IDENTICAL to the tape output so THAT method will yield no improvement at all.

This “live capture” idea has been much-discussed here and on other boards.

The only way to capture an “uncompressed” (or LESS compressed) output
from a DV camcorder is to connect the ANALOG (S-Video) outputs to a capture card and capture at a “better” codec than DV.

So yes, DVCPro50 is about “twice as good” (half the compression) as DV, DVCam or DVCPro.

BUT it has also been much-discussed that many DV camcorders MAY or may NOT give you an “uncompressed” output even on the analog output.

The trick is… finding out (for sure) if a given camcorder will or won’t work well with this scheme.

If you are attempting a green-screen or similar effect in FCP, it has generally been discussed that if you where to simply capture, EVEN FROM THE DV TAPE, in 8-bit or 10-bit, that the system will “key” better at those codecs.

[Trevor Ward]

You say it has general been discussed. Does that mean that it actually does give better results?

[Bouncing Account needs new email address]

[Trevor Ward] “Does that mean that it actually does give better results?”

It means that there have been discussions as to whether it DOES or NOT actually WORK… as there are so many DV camcorders that may or may not offer a 4:2:2 analog output.

Some report that is does the job, but others see no significant improvement.

OTOH, I get good results with chroma-key in FCP with DV “as-is”.

There are also good 3rd-party keyers (DVMatte Pro, dvMatte Blast, Ultimatte DV, and others) that make DV keys look cleaner.

Google for more info.

[Jeremey @ digital innovations]

So what is the general feeling on Serious Magic’s Ultra? I have been considering picking this program up, but would like some real world responses. Also, I shoot DVCPRO 25 on a 1/2″ camera, would it do me any good to capture via firewire @ DVCPRO 50?

Jeremey @ digital innovations

[Bouncing Account needs new email address]

[Jeremey @ Digital Innovations] “I shoot DVCPRO 25 on a 1/2″ camera, would it do me any good to capture via firewire @ DVCPRO 50?”

I still don’t know exactly what you’re trying to do with the footage, so whether it will do you “any good” depends on the need.

The DV25 image itself will never get any “better-looking” no matter how you capture it, but KEYING might be a bit cleaner and added GRAPHICS will definitely render cleaner if you capture and edit in a lower-compression codec.

[Bryce Whiteside]

If you use DV, DVCAM or DVCPRO-25 apply:

1. Effects > Video Filters > Key > Color Smoothing-4:1:1

2. Effects > Video Filters > Key > Chroma Keyer

3. Effects > Video Filters > Key > Spill Suppressor–Green

Use this if you don’t get one of the 3rd Party keyers mentioned by Matte.

HTH,
Bryce

Don’t worry Mr. B. I have a cunning plan…

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