1) I'm really baffled, when I export as a Quicktime Movie --30 second clip-- (have box checked export as self containted movie), the export is very fast, yet size is large 1.2 GB, and I don't get a QT movie, I get a Final Cut Express Movie file -- which I don't want.
(for some reason I remember doing it this way and indeed getting QT file, not anymore though)

2) When export using the "use quicktime conversion" is takes hours and hours and hours to finish. I do get a QT movie, that is smaller the that Final Cut Express Movie, yet the size instead of being 1920x1080 becomes 1440 x 1080 - and data rate is different, from raw footage, if that means anything.

Is there a quick way to just do a quick edit and get a QT file same size as your raw footage. I'm wondering what had done before.

The settings you are using with the "quicktime conversion" option are likely tweaked to provide the compression and frame size you are ending up with, and will require some tweaking the adjustments,

however, your first option, using the 'export as Quicktime Movie' option is the correct one for creating the full size file you want. It is just that FCE and FCP automatically create the file pre-set to be opened by the creating application.

What you want to do is create your Quicktime Movie exported using the 'export as Quicktime Movie option" which gives you your 1.2 GB full size file, and then right-click on the file to select 'get info' (or just press command-i onthe file). You will see a tab on the info box that says "open with" and it will be set to the creating application. You can simply change this option to "Quicktime", at which point the icon of the file itself will change into your standard Quicktime icon. Double clicking on that file afterwards will open it in your Quicktime player.

-Jon

thanks Jon! Will test and report back.