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Level 1

4 points

Cannon GL1 import mini-dv to external drive or FCP imac

Trying to determine correct firewire or usb import of my mini-dv footage directly to FCP 6 on iMac hardrive or external drive first to capture video. Was advised to import to extenal drive FIRST, then to iMac FCP 6 hardrive. Purchased 9pin to 4pin firewire and need to know correct external drive to buy. One with 800 plug-in (1tb) or regular external drive. What cable is needed to connect to iMac from external drive? Is this called daisychain? Can't I import directly to FCP 6 on iMac, then back to external drive for backup, or other way around? Specs are: iMac OS X 10.6.8 Any advise helpful.

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), External drive port

Posted on Jul 19, 2012 3:09 AM

28 replies

RatVega™

Level 4

2,005 points

Jul 21, 2012 9:44 AM in response to Michael Grenadier

Phillip (Hodgetts, the creator of 7toX) demonstrated the product at LAFCPUG a couple of months ago and it does indeed work. Yes, there are limitations, but mostly I suspect that you may have tried it on an early copy of FCP X. I got the impression that there were several hurdles to overcome in earlier versions.

If I was committed to FCP X (which I gratefully am not) I'm certain I would find it useful, but simply opening the project in FCS3 and being "backwards compatible" via XML has me spoiled.

Jul 21, 2012 11:31 AM in response to RatVega™

I tried it maybe 3 or 4 months ago. Don't think there have been any updates to it since then and since the problem seemed to be with the conversion process not fcpx... I studied whatever documentation was available for any hints on what might be causing the problem in the original fcp7 project, but couldn't find anything that was useful.

I can't imagine depending on it on a complex project.

tvdude007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 21, 2012 1:33 PM in response to RatVega™

*** are you dudes fencing for? I ask a question which relates to my ability to effectively cut a documentary film on "old media' like Cannon GL1, and you guys digress into technological babble about ports, usb's, firewires and RR. I'm trying create interesting, captivating film noir style doc's, and I've got a socal surfer trying to one-up Manchester U? Why... do you have that much time? The sprinting on freeway line is funny, but I wish your efforts were more on point with my dilema as a filmmaker than trying to outdue one another on a chat. Now go have your tea and crumpets.

Jul 21, 2012 1:43 PM in response to tvdude007

any excuse not to do the work I should be doing. And these kind of digressions are pretty common here and elsewhere. Someone makes a point and you think it recommends risky behavior, I think it's important to speak up. And we are all just trying to help. You really need to understand a lot of these points to make your own educated decision or you may suffer the consequences down the road.

Pretty much all your original questions are answered. Confused about anything? Post back.

tvdude007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 21, 2012 2:13 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

Yes, ur right. I'm frustrated and angry I don't have the tech support working in tandem with me, and must suffer, instead of embracing the 'smart bet'... which means keeping my claims adjuster job and taking my boy to Little League. But alas, I'm drowning in a sea of complex chemistry, where my creative talents are no match for mindblowing speed of changing technology. Yeah, questions are answered, but left to execute in Portland rain without a safety net.

RatVega™

Level 4

2,005 points

Jul 21, 2012 4:04 PM in response to tvdude007

tvdude007:

Relax, my friend... you had the good fortune to latch onto two of the sharpest knives in the technical drawer in Michael and Ian.

Me? I'm just an old hack who's been fooling around with computers since '71, Macs since '88 and Final Cut Pro since version 3 came out. But here's the bonus: I just happen to be quite familiar with "old media like Canon GL1" (I have 3 GL-2s) and since I'm semi-retired I have the time and inclination to aide a selected few soles-in-need with technical and editing problems. Send a contact number and time to ratvega@mac.com and we'll see just how bad the problem is.

Two other things:Michael is exactly right about embracing the techno-babble... it's where you acquire the "sense" that keeps your little ship upright and sailing; and secondly, I'm not a surfer. I was an übergeek on the Portland west side long before I landed down here in SoCal.

Push the send button, let's get this fixed.

Jul 21, 2012 8:32 PM in response to tvdude007

we are your safety net (you poor sucker). Seriously, think things thru, test your workflow from ingest to output. If you have a problem, post back. The collective wisdom of the people who post here (even when we don't agree) is awesom. I've never faced an fcp problem I couldn't solve (sometimes with help from people here) and I've got RatVega beat as I've been working in fcp since version 1.

tvdude007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 23, 2012 2:17 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

Thanks for reaching out guys... ok, so installing FCP 6 today, and external (1tb) drive with firewire 800 on the way via internet. My background: WSU broadcast major, 10-years producing videos and doc's in 90's, then 10-years as weathercaster, sports in Texas/LA. Back in N. Portland to produce more edgy films, so don't abandon me yet. Collaboration is hard to find, just a couple of assistants for now. Type in "Findlay" on youtube or google to see some work if u want. Used to be #1 on editing, now mediocre, after using FCP 4 three years ago (with help) in sports. I'll keep you posted. Thanks for giving me a net.

Jul 23, 2012 2:20 PM in response to tvdude007

good luck. As I mentioned in a previous post, first thing I'd do is test my workflow. Capture a couple of clipls, edit into a timeline, output as desired. Does everything work?

RatVega™

Level 4

2,005 points

Jul 23, 2012 3:09 PM in response to tvdude007

...and I meant it about sending me a number and discussing issues. I usually have the time and it's something I do. And I still have FCP6 up on several systerms!

tvdude007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 23, 2012 11:51 PM in response to RatVega™

OK Rat... I will take you up on that. I'm uploading (capturing) all my b-roll and interviews from mini-dv onto FCP 6 tomorrow... so I'll keep you posted. Really appreciate your support.

tvdude007 Author

Level 1

4 points

Jul 30, 2012 6:27 PM in response to Michael Grenadier

Problem installing FCP6 on iMac OS X 10.6.8 This should not be a problem, but has the Genius Bar stumped. Opened up new thread...

Jul 31, 2012 12:58 AM in response to tvdude007

Are you installing it from the DVD as you can't just copy it across from one computer to another as you can with FCP X?

Cannon GL1 import mini-dv to external drive or FCP imac