What codec should I use when editing in FCP & how do I know what codec the

Question

Level 1

8 points

What codec should I use when editing in FCP & how do I know what codec the

footage is in...

Hi

I am a newbie to all this and trying not to be seriously confused with all the different codecs. I have just purchased a Sony HVR V1E and I have just shot my sisters wedding on it. I captured it into my FCP via a firewire and have been editing but I have been reading about different codecs and that I should be converting everything to Apple Prores, I have a few questions if anyone can answer them for me, all of the footage I edit I shall then be putting onto DVD...

1. Should I be converting all my footage to Prores before I start editing?
2. I did convert everything to prores and it takes up a lot more disc space, is there a different codec I can use thats just as good but doesn't take up as much space?
3. How do I know what codec my camera has shot in?
4. If I upload a dvd onto my imac using Handbreak and then drop it into FCP should I be converting it first and if so what should I convert it to or are there options in handbreak to pick what to convert it to ?

I use FCP7 and I have a new imac

Thanks for any help

Mich

imac, Mac OS X (10.6.5), FCP7, Motion, i3

Posted on Mar 8, 2011 8:50 AM

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Answer 1

Jim Cookman

Level 7

23,447 points

Mar 8, 2011 8:56 AM in response to MissMich79

Welcome to the forum.

1. Yes.
2. You could use prores LT-- it's a bit smaller. But big file sizes are something you're going to have to get used to. Drives are CHEAP these days. Go get some.
3. What does the camera manual say?
4. Yes you should convert any footage on a dvd first. Use mpeg streamclip and not handbrake. Streamclip will not work with commercial dvds, and it's against the terms of use here to discuss how to steal copyrighted material.

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Answer 2

Studio X

Level 7

27,229 points

Mar 8, 2011 9:02 AM in response to MissMich79

1. You don't have to. Either convert before you start or set the sequence compressor to ProRes LT. All your renders will then be in ProResLT as will your output.

2. No. HDV is a HUGELY compressed format. ProResLT is a good editing compromise. If file storage space is an issue, purchase another hard drive.

3. You read the manual, look at the settings, use the get INFO window in QT.

4. Handbrake is the wrong tool. Look into Mpeg Streamclip to convert VOB files to an editable format.
since DVDs are Standard definition ONLY, you'll be looking at DV/PAL as the closest size. ProRes does support SD file sizes as well if you wish to go there.

x

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Answer 3

MissMich79 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2011 9:09 AM in response to Jim Cookman

Hi Jim

Thanks so much for your reply and I agree, I would never try and steal a commercial DVD, I have been given a dvd of a wedding and she want's me to change it but doesn't have the original footage so I used handbreak to get it onto my mac but should I use mpeg streamclip then?

The camera records in 3 different formats:
HDV 1080i
DVCAM
DVSP

I have looked at the properties of something I just filmed and captured and it says:

Kind: Quicktime Movie
Dimensions: 720x576
Codecs: DVC-PAL, Linear PCM, Timecode
Color Profile: PAL (6-1-6)
Total bitrate: 30,336

I don't understand what the dimension is or what the codec means?

Thanks, these are probably really stupid question 🙂

Mich

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Answer 4

MissMich79 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 8, 2011 9:27 AM in response to Studio X

Thanks x, I'm going to give MPEG a go, if I chose DV-PAL what framesize should I use?
Mich

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Answer 5

Studio X

Level 7

27,229 points

Mar 8, 2011 9:46 AM in response to MissMich79

DV/PAL is always 720x576. It can be either 4:3 or 16:9 (anamorphic)

Is the DV/PAL material you recorded 4:3 or 16:9?

If the material you get from the DVD and your taped material are the same aspect ratio, simply use that for your sequence settings.

x

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