[Dunwoody Lampton]

John – respect greatly appreciated.

I’ve been unemployed or grossly underemployed since June 1, and haven’t relied on freelance EFP or post-production as primary income sources since 2010.

I know eBay is always a great source for discounted hardware and software, but when the bank is currently battling to foreclose my house, I obviously have to make judicious decisions with infrequent income opportunities.

As client demand for upgrade-relevant services and products increases, I will be forced to research those discounted purchase choices. Until then, I’m trying to creatively stretch what I currently own to its maximum usefulness.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

W.S. – thanks for response. If ProRes is compatible with ancient PowerMac G5 and old F.C.E. HD 3.5.1, then awesome. If not, then it will be awhile until I can afford hardware and software upgrades.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

Yes, I have used M-peg Streamclip and it required QT component (for $20). So this will still produce a file wrapped in a QT package.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

JR – first, thanks for quick response.

The client insisted on HD acquisition AND HD end format. Not much I could do to talk them out of it.

I’m working with a PowerMac G5/Dual and F.C.E. HD 3.5.1.

The few times I’ve converted to .mp4 files they always carry a Quicktime file package, so these still won’t open on PCs without QT installed. Also, will the conversion to .mp4 maintain High Definition acquisition are will these by Standard Definition/.mp4 files I would be producing?

Also, once these final versions are uploaded to the client’s website, any PC or Mac will be able to view/play.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

For me, dragging video files off of some kind of camera internal drive or card is quicker than playing video off one of my nine MiniDV tape cameras. Again, I thought I was getting that convenience with the two, Sony DCR-SX85s I bought in the Summer, which offer internal drive or card acquisition but, as I mentioned, I didn’t do my homework prior to purchase and now have to grind everything through Squeeze en route to MC6. Again, these cameras are for educational use, which means wise and prudent expenditure decisions derived from taxpayer dollars. I’ll investigate the ones you mentioned for price points. Thanks for your help.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

I already have nine MiniDV tape cameras, which is why I bought the file-based Sony DCR-SX85, as I mentioned. But I didn’t know before purchase, as I mentioned, that the mpeg-2 files produced by the SX85 need to be converted prior to MC import. So, again, I am looking for a camera whose files can be captured/imported directly to MC6 without the need for conversion, and not from a MiniDV tape camera.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

Going through the same issues now with the 110.
And had great success with the Panasonic MX-50,
but it appears that same success won’t be repeated
with the 110.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

Though the camera does have HDV capability, I usually shoot SD.
Initially, I powered the laptop up/down with the camera several times and got the same message. Then I powered both down overnight, turned on this morning and it’s capturing fine now. Who knows. But thank you for responding.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

Tom, some day I will think of a proper way to repay you for
all of the great help you’ve given me over the years.
Until then, thanks again for your quick response and
wonderful experience.

Enjoy your weekend.

[Dunwoody Lampton]

What a difference two years makes!

PowerBook G4 or PowerMac G5 Dual PowerPC
Final Cut Express 3.5.1 HD
O.S. 10.4.11

Just inherited a P2 project via LaCie hard drive.

Is there any way to convert the P2 files already
on the drive with the above hardware and software,
or must I have Final Cut Pro and an Intel Mac?

Thanks in advance.