[Steve Eisen]

[Shawn Speller] “In fcp it doesn’t look too different just a little darker but half the file size, is this a no no?”

In FCP, it is not recommended. Adobe Premiere handles h.264’s better.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

Not sure if your version of iMovie has it but look for Share/Export FCP XML. I know it’s in version 9

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

ProRes is your only option. You would need FCP 7 to use ProRes LT or ProRes Proxy.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

When you transcode your footage to ProRes, it will come in as 1920×1080. Drag a clip into FCP Timeline and click yes. This will create a ProRes 1080 sequence for you to edit in.

Do not use QT Conversion. Select Export QuickTime Movie and uncheck self-contained movie. Do not change any settings. Keep current settings.

Take a look at the FCP Manual (Help tab) to review these steps.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

In FCP 6, use ProRes 422. This will make your edit easy on you. The files will be huge. Export a Ref movie from FCP and convert to h.264 in Compressor. 4-6k Bit Rate for YouTube.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

Is your m2v 7.2 GB or your Self contained movie 7.2 GB. If m2v, you can make a dual layer DVD or BluRay.

If it’s a self contained movie, drop the file into Compressor and create an m2v. Use DVDSP to create your DVD. The instructions are in the manual.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

FTP
Yousendit
Depending on size, email

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

[Hypatia Porter] “Instead, it was suggested that we transcode the footage into Apple HDV (mpeg2)”

Must have been advised by another inexperienced editor. Go out and buy the book “From Still to Motion”
This book will explain everything you will need to know from pre to post production.

Even on tight budgets, you need to follow the correct workflow.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

Watch this tutorial created by David:
https://library.creativecow.net/weiss_roth_david/FCP-10-MAC-Lion/1

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group

[Steve Eisen]

Hop on a plane and get to the NAB show in Las Vegas to get your hands on the equipment then make your purchase if you are that determined. This is where you will get the best deals on equipment.

You heard it from me and Matt S. to rent the equipment. If it works for you, then buy it. Don’t be an impulse buyer.

[Matthew Abourezk] “My client will be using these videos for computer playback in small presentations, their website, and for presentations on a large screen HD tv.”
Your HVX200 is more than adequate to achieve what the client wants. That being said, an upgrade to the HPX250 is a good choice. The AVC-Intra is a great codec to record to.

Steve Eisen
Eisen Video Productions
Vice President
Chicago Final Cut Pro Users Group