How to capture from P2 card

can I go straight from my camera via firewire400 to an external LaCie hard drive and bypass using > a computer and get the files/footage transferred

Yes, thats what I do on the move. Just make sure the drive is self powered as the HVX won't supply bus power.

I understand that I need to make sure I have Panasonic Mac P2 driver installed on my Mac computer >and then transfer info via the firewire

Correct!

Will the information transfer as a Quick Time

PLEASE, PLEASE and PRETTY PLEASE do NOT allow Apple anywhere near your HVX files. The best way to transfer and index all your clips is by using the free utility provided by Panasonic called P2CMS google it for the download location. For reasons known only unto Apple FCS will PERMANENTLY delete all of your clip metadata.... as I said don't use Apple anything when it comes to transferring clips. FCS will work natively with .MXF so there's absolutely no reason what so ever to use Apple.

Will I have problems getting FCP to recognise this camera

Nope... been using it since almost day 1 and had no problems.

I may have more questions later on as to what settings to use, that is 720p 24/30?

Dude, with all due respect if your asking that sort of question then do you really think that you should be using the HVX???
Cheers

HVXuser.....

I have very limited knowledge as far as P2 cards are concerned but here is something that i can share.

I shot some stuff on P2 card and then captured the files through a mac book which had the card reader installed in it. These files have a very unique extension name (which i can't remember now).

Then i imported these files in Final Cut. You have to select the P2 card option in the import files menu. The clips will pop up on their own in the following window.

I hope this will help u atleast a little.

Hey Mary.

My workflow that I wrote about a few years ago I still use. I offload the cards the same way...with a laptop. Just the interface changed. Did you see the old tutorial or the new one? P2 Workflow with FCP 6

I still prefer to offload with the computer, but it is very possible to do it directly from the camera. Since I don't own the camera yet (I am the editor, not the shooter), I don't know the exact menu options. But the manual will have that. Firewire or USB drives will work. And it will transfer the CONTENTS and LASTCLIP.txt file. The only way to get Quicktimes when shooting with that camera is with the Firestore. But I never recommend that....I recommend getting the CONTENTS folder...never know what system you will need to use this footage on.

Shane

PLEASE, PLEASE and PRETTY PLEASE do NOT allow Apple anywhere near your HVX files.

Sheesh...settle down. I use the Log and Transfer all the time.

The best way to transfer and index all your clips is by using the free utility provided by Panasonic called P2CMS

A pretty complicated application that basically moves EVERY CLIP into a separate CONTENTS folder. I do not like this application, nor recommend it's use. If you MUST retain all the metadata, look at Raylight or P2 Log.

For reasons known only unto Apple FCS will PERMANENTLY delete all of your clip metadata....

For clarification, FCP will IGNORE the metadata when it imports the footage. Meaning that it won't transfer it. It doesn't destroy anything...that metadata is still on your original clips. And if you need it, there are alternatives to get this. Personally, I don't need it. Reel name (original folder), and timecode are all I need. HOWEVER, if I did set up scene files and shot names in the camera, and you want to retain these, use P2CMS or P2 Log. Personally, I don't use that, so it doesn't matter to me. I log AFTER I shoot, not before.

It is good to know those options are out there, but for pete's sake, lets not resort to scare tactics. Many people don't set up scene files beforehand, nor do they use or need that metadata. But if you do...listen to HVXUser...

FCS will work natively with .MXF so there's absolutely no reason what so ever to use Apple.

If you have P2CMS installed, and then want to marry your audio and video manually. Again, I and many others don't have issues at all with Log and Transfer. Good to share alternatives, but no need to scream foul about one option as the worse thing under the sun.

Dude, with all due respect if your asking that sort of question then do you really think that you should be using the HVX???

Cripes man! What is wrong with you today? I mean, you are grumpy to begin with, but this is downright RUDE! I'm sure YOU knew exactly what you wanted when you first started shooting...but many people, myself included, didn't. Asking simple questions about what to use in what circumstances is perfectly acceptable.

Get a grip or get lost. I know I can be elitist at times, but this goes a a bit far.

Shane

A pretty complicated application that basically moves EVERY CLIP into a separate CONTENTS folder.

Behind the scenes yes, but so what? look at the huge number of benefits 🙂

I do not like this application

Thats cool!

nor recommend it's use

Why?

If you MUST retain all the metadata, look at Raylight or P2 Log.

I have and use Raylight a fantastic application that I use in conjunction with P2CMS hence I don't have to manually marry video and audio. As for P2 Log <FX:spit> don't even go there 😟

FCP will IGNORE the metadata when it imports the footage.

WHY!!!! Does Aperture ignore camera Metadata if not why not?

Good to share alternatives, but no need to scream foul about one option as the worse thing under >the sun.

Agreed.... but why (by definition) delete all your metadata which takes up all of what a few 10's of K. P2CMS isn't just about transferring clips its also about indexing those clips. If you want to say find all of your 1080 25p clips in FCP your going to have a nightmare doing it... with P2CMS its a breeze! Again think Aperture without metadata.... Yuck!

Cripes man! What is wrong with you today?

Nothing! sorry if its come out in a negative way it wasn't meant to.

HVXuser....

Look in the EASY SETUPS...you will see DVCPRO HD 720p60, 720p30 and 720p24...and a few 1080 setups. Choose the one that matches the footage you shot.

Shane

*Is there a thread I can read for the correct way to "Setup" FCP using the Panasonic HVX200?*

Setting up FCP with any cam is as simple as matching the easy set up or sequence settings with the cam's capture setting.

For most 720 and 1080 HVX200 capture settings, an easy set up is available.

The remaining task is to use the log and transfer function and maneuver to your p2 volume and ingest.