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Still Images in FCP
Right, a shot in the dark here… I’m having problems with generated graphics imported into FCP.
Say I generate a curve in PhotoShop (a curve of green on white). Then import this into FCP. What happens is the curves edge will be pixelated.
Thats just one problem, the other problem I’m having is that when working with graphics created in PhotoShop they never seem smooth. They always appear to lose quality.
Generally when I create graphics in PhotoShop I use the PAL/DV 720 X 576 setting available, I then change the pixels to square. (If you leave it at PAL CCIR 1.06666 you get a “morray” effect)
Basically what I need to know is the following:
1) are the any protocols to which I need adhere when creating graphics in PhotoShop to be used in FCP?
2) what is the best Project setting to use in FCP to ensure smooth, high quality graphics in FCP – I generally use my default DV-PAL setting, but have been told that perhaps using an Uncompressed 10 Bit setting may get me better results. Could someone explain…
3) why is it, that graphics generated and manipulated in After Effects tend to not only look better, but seem to have more of a “fluid” feeling to their motion when keyframed and moved?
Basically I need to get graphics orientated edit looking clean and crisp, as currently they don’t and clients are starting to complain.
Any help, even a referral to someone who could help would be hugely appreciated.
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3 Replies
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These reveal some of the basics.
https://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/basic_ps.html
https://www.geniusdv.com/photoshop-for-video.php
https://www.geniusdv.com/photoshop%20final%20cut%20pro.php
And since NTSC/PAL can’t reproduce the resolution of a computer,
its easily possible to create graphics that a too complex to read well on video.Gaussian Blur can reduce “image buzz”.
Set it to a low number (between .25 to 2.5 is a good start).It is essential when attempting to monitor the QUALITY of images in FCP that you use an external NTSC VIDEO Monitor (or PAL, if that’s where you are).
Especially after you render…
the Canvas is never high-quality (by design) and should not be used to make determinations of image quality of clips or graphics.VERY IMPORTANT:
If you position the graphics, make SURE the VERTICAL setting for each KEY-FRAME (start, stop or hold) is always a EVEN INTEGER. (examples: 4, not 3 / -144, not -143.27 / 336, not 335.62)
I sometimes forget to check this and I can end up with images that look fuzzy when in-position.
This info applies to re-positioning ANYTHING on the Timeline: moving video, freeze-frames, internally-generated titles, and imported graphics.
It can be quite detrimental to the quality of your final output to not double-check this every time you reposition and/or re-size an image.
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one key thing is to make sure your “motion” settings in the preferences are set to high quality.
It defaults to low quality for some stupid reason.
This can make a huge difference. -
and you did mention that you’re working with DV material, so it’s compressed 5:1 from the get go. With DV there will always be stairstepping.
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