Final Cut Express vs. Final Cut Express HD

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Level 2

215 points

Final Cut Express vs. Final Cut Express HD

Hello everyone, I am buying a new camera to go with a new Mac G5 bought for community tv show editing.( iMovie and it's stuttering export problem drove me to this expensive,but hopefully effective upgrade.) The concern I have is that tho the FCE HD comes installed, doesn't that lock me into only shooting HD? The only compatible Sony camera is also an HD,the new FX1.

My question is, if I don't use the Final Cut Ex HD,but buy just FCE, does that give me more flexibility in camera choice as well a production? Thanks,kate

Posted on Oct 13, 2005 2:38 PM

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Answer 1

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Oct 13, 2005 2:40 PM in response to Kate Porter

final cut hd does not lock you into hd, it simply supports it.

uber

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Answer 2

Kate Porter Author

Level 2

215 points

Oct 13, 2005 2:55 PM in response to ubernaut

Ahh,interesting. Thank you, Uber.

Hmmm,now I wonder why the page of recommended video cameras had only the Sony FX1,also HiDef will do? Anybody know if that is carved in stone or just suggested? Thanks,kate

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Oct 13, 2005 3:01 PM in response to Kate Porter

It help if you told us what page you're talking about.

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Answer 4

Kate Porter Author

Level 2

215 points

Oct 13, 2005 3:39 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Oh,I'm sorry Tom. On the product page for Final Cut Express, at the bottom,there is a link to a list of compatible hardware.

My question now is if I get the Sony HD-DX1 which shoots everything in hi-def, when it is played on regular tv,will it look less than the rest of what is on the same station? This is so confusing. Thanks,Kate

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Answer 5

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Oct 13, 2005 4:02 PM in response to Kate Porter

that camera can shoot in hd and sd (both dv versions of course). if you shoot in high def the output setting is done through imovie or final cut which is where you set sd or hd. there is no drawback to shooting hd even when your destination is sd (other then if you have diferent frame rates which you shouldnt). they probably only listed this camera because there are trying to pump up hd i can assure final cut hd works fine (actually better then it does with hd) with sd

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Answer 6

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Oct 13, 2005 4:56 PM in response to Kate Porter

In the list of compatible devices there are no fewer than 80 NTSC cameras listed, almost none of them HDV cameras. I don't understand what the problem is.

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Answer 7

Kate Porter Author

Level 2

215 points

Oct 13, 2005 6:36 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

I'm a Sony fan and there are only 3 listed and only one of those is considered professional. Sorry the concern is obtuse. Thanks tho,kate

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Answer 8

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Oct 13, 2005 7:13 PM in response to Kate Porter

There's the one HDV camera listed HDR-FX1, though the Z1 will work as well. In Sony's there's THE DCR-PC100, DCR-PC109, DCR-PC110, DCR-VX1000, DSR-PD100A, DSR-PD150, DSR-PD170. If you want a high-end Sony prosumer camera, those are pretty all there are. Of these only the 150 and 170 are really used extensively by professionals any longer. For HDV cameras most professionals would choose the Z1 if they had to pick a Sony HDV camera. The PC110 is also used by pros who need an ultrasmall DV camcorder.

Because FCE is skewed more towards prosumers it's not tested with real pro cameras. You'll see more cameras tested in the FCP qualification list, including the DSR-500 series cameras. That pretty much covers the whole range of high end Sony DV cameras and HDV cameras. I don't know what else there is.

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Answer 9

Kate Porter Author

Level 2

215 points

Oct 13, 2005 9:51 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom, you're amazing. I did not expect you to answer and am very grateful you did. This has been VERY helpful.Thanks! Kate

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Answer 10

Oct 13, 2005 11:46 PM in response to Kate Porter

kate, I LOVE my fx1. I just shot some special events with mine and it's terrific even under low light. However, no HDV production with it yet.

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Answer 11

Kate Porter Author

Level 2

215 points

Oct 14, 2005 9:40 AM in response to M.A. Hauck

Ohhh,good to hear! I'm still a bit confused tho. As simply put as I can make it (out of the miasma of my thinking...) if I shoot with the FX and get wonderful HD resolution, must it only be viewed on HD TV's? And if it is seen on a regular TV is it muddy?? Duh! Thanks,Kate

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Answer 12

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Oct 14, 2005 10:07 AM in response to Kate Porter

First, HDV is not HD, and it's not that wonderful. It's a compressed format in HD resolution size.

Do you have a standard definition TV set? Do you watch TV? In prime time you're watching material made in HD and broadcast in SD. Does it look muddy to you?

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Answer 13

Kate Porter Author

Level 2

215 points

Oct 14, 2005 12:31 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Interesting...and no,it does not look "muddy".Thank you for clarifying that.

Tom,I wanted you and the forum to know what a delight it was to leave my computer last night to do some reading and to find that I had bought two of your books just that afternoon! "Video Production Workshop" and "Final Cit Express 2".I was stunned at the "coincidence" and thank you so much for being the educator and writer you are. For some of us, the joys of production can be dimmed by the confusion,until,that is, someone like you cares enough to explain for us. Please don't stop.You are making a huge positive difference for too many. Kate

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Answer 14

Kate Porter Author

Level 2

215 points

Oct 14, 2005 12:33 PM in response to Kate Porter

Sorry for the typo..that is of course "Final Cut Express 2" NOT "cit"..lol!

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Answer 15

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,815 points

Oct 14, 2005 12:40 PM in response to Kate Porter

Thanks. I hope you enjoy them, though VPW is really intended for classroom students and teachers.

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