I know this is a 'newbie' questions except that is what I am in terms of the HD workflow, a 'newbie'. I was wondering if anyone could give me a step-by-step guide to importing HD footage from either HD200 or 250 into final cut pro, including the supported frame rates i.e. 24p 25p 30p 60p etc. Do I need a deck? Do I need specific software? Specific Cords? Are there any existing guides?

Im editing on a quad core Mac Pro with Final Cut Studio, and i was need some guidance before I bought into the camera.

Sorry for the ridiculous question but you have to start somewhere.

If you are using Final Cut Pro 5.1.2, 24, 25, and 30p all have easy presets and can be captured straight from the camera. There is no direct support for 60P yet. The only cord you need is a 6-6 pin Firewire 400 cable.

For 60P, you have to download DVHSCap and MPEG Streamclip. With DVHSCap, you can capture a raw .m2t from the camera and then in MPEG Streamclip it can be converted to the editing codec of your choice. Once done, in FCP, you can create a squence with an editing timebase of 59.94 and it should work fine until Apple releases an update for direct support.

Having said all of this, if you use your camera straight as a capture deck, you will wear the heads out quicker. JVC sells a deck, the BR-HD50. It is pricy though:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=389736&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
You could also buy a DR-HD100:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=Search&A=details&Q=&sku=401417&is=REG&addedTroughType=search
which captures directly into the editing codec of your choice, and currently 30P goes right into FCP. 24P is coming very soon.

How well does MPEG streamclip convert to say- DVC Pro HD? or is this not an option?

Does this workflow maintain timecode?

I ask because I'd like to be able to use the M2T files right off the firestore HD100 and convert to DVC Pro HD for editing with Kona LH. This would be an awsome workflow because I wouldn't have to purchase the JVC deck and could avoid shooting on tape altogether.

I checked out the MPEG Streamclip website and couldn't find any answers as their website is not too helpful.

Justin

Mpegsteamclip does export QT Apple DVC Pro HD in various sizes and rates. On my dual 2.0 G5, it's about realtime.

Justin

Mpegsteamclip does export QT Apple DVC Pro HD in various sizes and rates. On my dual 2.0 G5, it's about realtime.

Does it keep the timecode intact?

Does it keep the timecode intact?

Not it doesn't, I use it in my system (QC G5 2.5 FCS 5.0) DVHSCap to capture in 24p and them transcode to Uncompressed 10-bit for editing, I think you need to organize your material capturing each clip that you are gonna use.

Sorry for the ridiculous question but you have to start somewhere.

You might start with a good book. :)

i can highly recommend steve mullen's book about HDV and the JVC HD100. I bought it and it's proven invaluable.

Is there a planned update to this book for the HD200 and 250?

If there was id be very interested in buying it.