Final Cut and P2 question
 

For whatever reason, I can't Copy to HDD in 1394 Host Mode, so I was able to do a 1394 Device Connect mode and I have the two cards as NO NAME on my Apple desktop. I decided to just copy the files to my hard drive, but how do I import them into Apple?

Barry, et al, any thoughts?

Thanks,

Heath

"host mode" is for using a dedicated hard disk, not copying to a computer.

For copying to a computer, "device mode" is the right way to go.

Copy the contents of one of the cards (the "contents" folder and the "lastclip.txt" file) into a folder on the Mac hard disk. Each card gets its own folder, don't mix 'em all into one folder.
Then run FCP 5.0.4 (make SURE it's 5.0.4!) and use the appropriate "easy setup" to start a new project, then just go to file->import->Panasonic P2. Point to the folder where you copied the cards to, and the clips should show up. Choose which clips to import, or "import all".

View my tutorial at www.proapptips.com/shane

It is called P2 INTRODUCTION.

Shane and Barry,

I followed your instructions, esp. Shane's tutorial, but when I select my folder that contains the contents and the .txt file, it tells me "Selected Path Does Not Contain a P2 Volume". Any thoughts?

heath

ps-I did download and install the plug-in on Shane's site, and re-started, but no luck.

hwm

That plugin is so your computer will recognize the P2 card when mounted on a Powerbook, or via the camera. If all this is on a hard drive, you don't need that software.

Hmm...running FCP 5.0.4 and QT 7.0.3?
\

FCP 5.0.4 and QT Pro 7.0.4.

heath

Go to the actual CONTENTS folder and open it. Verify that there are five other folders including PROXY, VIDEO, VOICE, ICON, AUDIO, VIDEO.

Then open the VIDEO folder. Anything in there?

There are six folder, including VOICE (which is empty). VIDEO is not empty.

hwm

Create a new project. Use the Easy Setup that matches the setting you shot as.

Then try the import again.

And make sure you haven't changed the name of the contents folder or the lastclip.txt file either...

If I shot 1080i 24p, what should I set it up to? 1080i60?

Thanks!

heath

I had re-named the folders and changed the name back and bingo, I got it up! Now, is 1080i60 okay?

heath

RENAMED THE FOLDERS! Ahhhh.

Never ever do that. Now you know. Now hopefully others will know. YOu can name the folder you drop the CONTENTS folder into, but you cannot rename that folder or things won't work. Glad you got that working.

1080i 24p? Uhm...interlaced AND progressive? No no no. it is either 1080i60, or 1080p24. Try a 1080p60 timeline and see what happens. I haven't used that format (since the camera is a 720p native camera, I don't see any reason to go 1080p).

Well, the camera isn't exactly 1080p24--it's 1080i with a 3:2 (or is it 2:3) pulldown that does the 24p "thing," for lack of a better word.

However, 720p 24pn is something interesting: true 24p, not 24p in a 29.97 fps signal a la the DVX100a, etc. Not that I don't like the DVX100--it's my favorite minidv camera and I've shot or been a part of nearly 70 short films shot with it.

heath