HDV to SD to Mini DV in Final Cut Pro

[Perrone Ford]

Originally Posted by Eric Sorensen

Now, I know HD workflow is much better with final cut (excluding blueray) but are there any other shortcomings I can expect with my workflow process when I start working to sell my product? I thought MACs were easier?
(End rant)

Everything I've read on these forums and others, and every time I've worked with FCP users shows me different. FCP's workflow at times is the most convoluted, royal PITA I've ever seen.

Once you get everything perfect, it works well, but it really makes you work for it. I remember sorting out a workflow for my friend with his new MBPro and FCS this summer. He had just bought an HF-S10. Once we got him going he was happy. Then he watched me whip out my laptop with Sony Vegas Pro, drop his native file on the timeline, and start cutting. His jaw dropped. Then I dropped on some footage from my EX1 with a different frame size and frame rate, cut the two together and made an .mp4 on the spot.

Again, not knocking Apple or FCP. But anyone who claims it's "easier" than other stuff out there is probably selling something.

[Pete Cofrancesco]

Originally Posted by Eric Sorensen

I

I thought I was going crazy but either the mac or the camera is temperamental. If I do not follow the above listed steps, when I select the "Edit to Tape" option, all I get is a blank screen on the camera and it doesn't record anything. It shows the record light and actually runs, but nothing is recorded to tape, it plays back blank.

You don't need to restart your computer and your camera isn't being temperamental. Just understand this rule: external devices such as video cameras should be plugged in and turned on before starting FCP.

[Eric Sorensen]

Originally Posted by Perrone Ford

Again, not knocking Apple or FCP. But anyone who claims it's "easier" than other stuff out there is probably selling something.

I hear you Perrone. I am coming from a PC myself using Premiere and never had any problems with the workflow. But now that I have this issue addressed, things are going well for this project, even though it's just a one minute movie.

I just used Motion for a little effect and it was pretty clumsy working with both applications but the end result worked out well. When I tried to open/send a clip to Motion, it would say it couldn't locate the source file. I ended up having to export the clip as a QuickTime Movie and then import into Motion and vise versa to send it back.

I’m keeping an open mind and trying to stay positive with Apple. Working with the Mac is a little counterintuitive for me for now, but I see the logic of it. I am just used to the PC. I have to use the tools that are predominant in the industry I am trying to become a part of.

Originally Posted by Pete Cofrancesco

You don't need to restart your computer and your camera isn't being temperamental. Just understand this rule: external devices such as video cameras should be plugged in and turned on before starting FCP.

Thanks Pete! I'm pretty sure I always plug the video camera in and then turn it on, but I will give it a try.

[Perrone Ford]

I have to use the tools that are predominant in the industry I am trying to become a part of.

So buy an Avid.


(running for cover!) ;)

[Eric Sorensen]

Originally Posted by Perrone Ford

So buy an Avid.


(running for cover!) ;)

I think I hear the big guns being pointed your way! (smirk)

My college only teaches Final Cut... Go figure. I know I could pick up Avid pretty quickly if needed. I may take a class or two on Avid eventually. Probably best to know all the tools of the trade ea?!

[Brett OBourke]

I'm trying to print a sequence back to mini DV from HD.

I made my HD sequence and then cut and paste it into an SD timeline and rendered.

I have the deck attached with blank mini dv tape.

I clicked on edit to tape. Now where is the record button?

I used to do this all time with SD footage and now have completely forgotten the flow for dumping back to tape.

Your advice is appreciated.

B

[Shaun Roemich]

Originally Posted by Brett OBourke

I clicked on edit to tape. Now where is the record button?

On your deck.

[Brett OBourke]

Yea, tried that. For some reason that's not working. I know I'm missing something very simple. Some setting somewhere not set properly. Either in FCP or on the deck or both.

[Shaun Roemich]

I've been having issues with Print to Tape since upgrading to FCP6 so I just play back the timeline now. Works a lOT easier for me.