Problems importing .mov video from a zoom q3HD shot at 1280x720, H.264

Question

Level 1

14 points

Problems importing .mov video from a zoom q3HD shot at 1280x720, H.264

FCP wont allow me to import my file. I use the zoom q3HD and shot @ 1280 x 720.
The codecs are h.264, Linear PCM.

Can anyone help me.

I was told first I have to convert to PRO RES to edit as h.264 is bad for this...

any help would be huge!

Its a wedding.

Thanks

macbook pro 15inch 2006, Mac OS X (10.6.6)

Posted on Apr 3, 2011 1:36 PM

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Answer 1

Nick Holmes

Level 7

30,018 points

Apr 3, 2011 1:43 PM in response to drumface

Connect the camera to your Mac and use Log and Transfer (in FCP's File menu bar item).
Transcode to ProRes LT.

[Link: Working with AVCHD in Final Cut Pro|http://documentation.apple.com/en/finalcutpro/professionalformatsandworkflo ws/#chapter=6%26section=0].

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Answer 2

drumface Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 3, 2011 8:09 PM in response to Nick Holmes

when I connect the zoom q3 hd it mounts on desktop. I opened log and transfer and nothing happens. I try to drag the file from the folder in the mounted camera folder and it does not accept it.

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Answer 3

Meg The Dog

Level 6

13,561 points

Apr 3, 2011 8:31 PM in response to drumface

Open Log and Transfer and use the Add Volume button to navigate to the camera storage mounted on the desktop.

Navigate only to the top level of the storage - L&T will need to see the entire card structure to work properly.

MtD

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Answer 4

drumface Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 3, 2011 8:56 PM in response to Meg The Dog

tried that. log and transfer remained blank. The 2 .mov files stay grey when looking right into the card.
The camera mounted on desktop is q3hd_sd. Inside are 2 folders similiar to a digital picture camera. DCIM and MISC. The 2 files in DCIM are .mov files. My camera connects via usb.

Not sure what else to try? ?

Open it in compressor and change somehow??? I dont know. Would love some help as it is a wedding.

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Answer 5

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

150,980 points

Apr 3, 2011 9:09 PM in response to drumface

Log and transfer is for specific formats supported by Final Cut. The zoom camera doesn't shoot one of those. The media needs to be converted into a supported format. How you convert depends on the exact specs of the original media.

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Answer 6

drumface Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 3, 2011 9:34 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Specifically, the file is 1280 x 720- Dimensions
Codecs: H.264, Linear PCM
2 audio channels
60 Frames per second
.MOV

I was able to load directly from the same camera without a problem :
1920 x 1080
H.2c4, Linear PCM
2 audio channels
30 frames per second.
.MOV

So, i guess the camera is supported but just not at 60 frames per second settings? ? ?

any good conversion ideas? and why the highest hd setting imports ok?

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Answer 7

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

150,980 points

Apr 3, 2011 9:52 PM in response to drumface

H.264 is not supported for editing in FCP. Please search the formum. Compressor can convert your media.

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Answer 8

drumface Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 3, 2011 10:28 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

sorry man,
Im searching the forum and having trouble finding the right answers. Can you help point me in the right direction as far as converting in compression and also why FCP can handle my cameras 1920 x 1080 file and not the 1280 x 720?

As I said trying desperately to finish a wedding for a friend and cant even start. . .

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Answer 9

Apr 3, 2011 11:25 PM in response to drumface

Hi Lukasik,
It's your 60fps that is the problem, log and transfer will work with 30fps but doesn't like 60fps. I have the same problem here in PAL land with 50fps so I think you have the same problem.
I think you'll have to convert to pro res with another program, Compressor, MPEG Streamclip or Toast will do it.
DM

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Answer 10

drumface Author

Level 1

14 points

Apr 4, 2011 2:02 AM in response to David Mclaine

thanks david!

when converting to pro res, do you have the option to drop the frame rate to 30? will that affect the time of the video? ?

thanks for your help!

how did you make out with conversion?

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Answer 11

Apr 4, 2011 3:49 AM in response to drumface

Hi Lukasik,
No, I leave the frame rate at 50fps and it plays at 25fps in a 25fps timebase. Go figure! So it will probably be the same for you with 60fps.
DM

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