[Neil Weaver]

Canon XH A1 camcorder, recording HDV at 1080i50 PAL
FCP 6.0.5, running on a MacBook Pro, 2.6GHz Intel Core Duo, 4Gb memory

FCP settings:
Sequence Preset: DVPAL 48KHz Anamorphic
Capture Preset: DVPAL 48KHz
Device Control: Firewire PAL

I can’t find any settings on the camera to do with iLink, there’s just a firewire port on the back. Tried turning HDV downconvert off and it’s just given me a different error message – unable to control video deck. Won’t capture.

[Neil Weaver]

Switching off HDV downconvert has made no difference…

[Neil Weaver]

Thanks for responding.

I’m using a Canon XH A1 camcorder, into FCP 6.0.5, running on a MacBook Pro with 2.6 GHz Intel Core Duo, 4Gb memory.

I’m just switched off the HDV downconvert setting on the camera, see if that makes a difference

[Neil Weaver]

Not my intention to start a flame war. It’s just having worked on PCs for many years before making the switch to Mac, there is a world of difference. Ok, maybe not in terms of what the software can achieve, but the reliability is just in a different league. Working for my last employer, we were putting up with PCs falling over all the time – and this was a major broadcaster, not some backroom operation. You just don’t get it those sort of annoyances happening with Macs.

Anyway, s’just an opinion…

[Neil Weaver]

I quickly found out when I first set up that a camera and editing system are only the beginning. You’ll need a decent mic set-up – preferably shotgun and radio, lights, although we can hire a 3x redhead set up here in the UK for well under the equivalent of 100 bucks a day, and not forgetting a GOOD tripod – either Vinten or Manfrotto.

As for the camera, my Canon XH-A1 shoots in both SD and HDV, has a better lens than the Z1 and feels more robust too. It took a couple of knocks on the last shoot and is still working!

Editing wise, go with Apple. Can’t understand why anyone in their right mind would trust professional production work to a PC!

As the last guy said, there’s plenty of good kit on the 2nd hand market, so get yourself on ebay and see what you can find.

Happy hunting and good luck!

[Neil Weaver]

Thanks Chris. Kinda took me a while to realise it could be that simple!
Will report back next year and let everyone know how it went…

[Neil Weaver]

Very Zen Bill. And possibly the right way to look at it.
Just had a call from the client. Turns out another dept has commissioned someone else to produce them a short piece of internal comms that they want to use my footage in. I’ve told them that’s fine. I will only charge a fee for compiling and transferring the material, and they can use it free of charge, upon written agreement that it doesn’t end up in this other person’s/company’s archive.

For all the debates about the ‘value’ of raw footage – and there are good points on all sides – I don’t think any of us are in business to give our competitors a leg up, nor are we there to be treated like punks by our clients.

Thanks for the help all!

[Neil Weaver]

Thanks for the response Bob. Let me set you straight about a couple of things.
I’ve worked in broadcast television for a decade now – since graduating in fact. My work for my previous employer was nominated for a Royal Television Society Award, (highly prestigious in the UK) and a BAFTA – our equivalent of the Emmys.

In 2007 I quit my job to set up an independent production company. Despite this being at the onset of an economic downturn, we have done pretty well for a first year company, gaining several clients and a number of commissions against companies that have been around a hell of a lot longer than us. Currently, I’m focusing on building the corporate side of the business up in order that in can fund the less financially rewarding, but more satisfying creative side of the business – documentaries mostly.

So basically I’m not some mook out of nowhere expecting a free ride and a free lunch. I’ve been around a bit and I actually know a thing or two about making TV, film and video. I care about what I do, and that shows in the standard of work I produce, and also explains why I get a lot of repeat business. That and the fact I also work my ass off for my clients.

I don’t claim to be the best at anything – maybe you missed the slightly ironic tone to my previous post. All I’m asking is a question about a side of the business I’m not too familiar with. That is, assuming for the sake of argument the idea is as good as I think it is, (it is), and assuming I can get it made, (I can), how do I get the right people to see it? Send em an email?

[Neil Weaver]

I think it tapped into the British sense of humour…
My point is though, what a great way to flog a concept. I’d love to know how to get mine to the right people!

[Neil Weaver]

Perhaps I should just offer them a full refund on all the work I’ve done so far just to be on the safe side then!

Thanks Mick

(Got it right that time. Damn you skim reading!)