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questions concerning workflow, renders, and outputs.
Hi everyone, this looks like a great forum with a lot of information flowing around. I was wondering if anybody could answer a few questions I had. I’ve attempted to be specific as possible, but please let me know if any further information is needed. thanks! B)
Just to clarify my situation – I’m importing mini dv footage, but i’m altering that pretty much extensively with many layer composites (up to 20) , some in program effects, after effects graphics, adding in MAYBE some maya, and various plugins such as boris red, magic bullet, twixtor, natress, art studio, etc.. Would maintaining a sequence suited for dv ntsc make sense if maintaining those effects, graphics, and overlays’ vibrancy, motion, and color is key? Or should I then change my sequence settings to animation or uncompressed 8 or something other to retain graphic quality? Logically I feel it wouldn’t hurt to upcompress mini dv, while it would hurt downcompressing graphics to dv… but i’m not sure. I know if I’m working with primarily dv footage, garbage in garbage out, stick with a dv codec through and through, but in this case, where i’m altering the footage so extensively… I’m just not sure.
Then, also, I am looking at my render settings. Logically (again), I should be able to set my render to 25% res, draft quality, low-normal motion estimation, work in that, and export at high quality with equal result to as if I were rendering at the highest settings possible (while cutting). But, looking around, I’ve heard different – apparently I will lose quality by doing so (rendering at low quality, then exporting), and I should maintain a high render setting throughout. I was wondering if you had any definitive input into this? As a possible solution – could I work around it by working purely at low quality render until I achieve a polished rough cut or picture lock, AND THEN re-rendering everything out high?
Last question – what should my final export setting be to maintain highest possible quality (near lossless if not in fact lossless) with no screw ups or glitches? I want a pristine master (basically I want what I see is what I get) that I can, if necessary, then downcompress for either internet (h264) or dvd without too much headache. I guess the answer to this depends on the answer to my first question though (i.e. uncompressed 8 bit should export to uncompressed 8 bit, animation to animation), but correct me if I’m wrong.
thanks,
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1 Reply
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Eric:
GIven your situation I would work in uncompressed or ProRes. In FCP I’d avoid the animation codec, although your mileage may vary.
ProRes HQ would be my first choice
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