I just recently noticed that when I import footage from Clip Browser that I shot 1080 24p, the actual frame size of the source footage is 1920 x 1080, but when I bring it in FCP, edit it, then export it either with Quick Time or Compressor using the same XDCam EX 1080 24p codec the frame shrinks slightly to 1888 x 1062... why does it do this, and is there any way to keep it from doing this? When I export with ProRes 422 it gives me the full 1920 x 1080 frame.

Well you perked my interest, so I tried this and posted my results below to ensure that we are on the same page. I used the QuickTime Inspector window to determine the frame sizes. They are all the same full/current frame size of 1920x1080. Do you get the same results when comparing to my clips & various exports?

Here's how mine looks after I export it with QuickTime conversion

It's an archaic thing called "clean aperture". You just have to turn it off in the movie-properties of your clip in the quicktime-player to see the whole frame.

That did the trick... thanks for the help guys!

It's an archaic thing called "clean aperture". You just have to turn it off in the movie-properties of your clip in the quicktime-player to see the whole frame.

Dominik,did not find where I can turn that off in my QT player (German).
Care to give me a hint. Thx.

Peter, go to Window -> Show Movie Properties, then click the Presentation tab