Mixing Aspect Ratios in FCPX

Question

Level 1

0 points

Mixing Aspect Ratios in FCPX

hey all,

I understand dealing with different frame rates and such, but I need help with understanding mixing aspect ratios. I'm going to be shooting on my gopro and would like to use a 1440p 4:3 to shoot myself from a helmet mount, with that aspect ratio you will better see my body. The rest of my shoot will be in 1080p 16:9.

Basically I'm wondering if there is anyway to get the 1440p 4:3 up to the size dimensions of 16:9 without effecting the look or quality of the image. I dont know i if this is possible, but would like to check. Thanks so much!

Final Cut Pro X

Posted on Dec 8, 2012 10:47 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,064 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:10 PM in response to agrizer

I don't know where this 1440 media came from, but 1440 is not 4:3. It is anamorphic 16:9. 1440x1080 is the same display resolution as 1920x1080.

Reply

Answer 2

agrizer Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:15 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

The setting for this GoPro of mine is classified at 1440p video resolution with the screen resolution at 1920x1440.

Reply

Answer 3

dastoelk

Level 3

704 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:16 PM in response to agrizer

Short answer: No.

It can't be done without losing something.

With the 4:3 footage, (assuming you have your project set to 16:9) you can go to "spatial conform" in the inspector and toggle to "fill." This will have the image fill the entire 16:9 screen, but crop out a large chunk of the image on all sides.

Similarly, you can use the transform / crop tool to fill out the screen. (You essentially scale the image. But, you can lose resolution.)

Other options are to let the 4:3 image rest in the 16:9 frame with black "pillars" on either side.

Another artistic option is to have the 4:3 image fill the enter 16:9 frame, "blur" it... Then rest a clear version of the 4:3 image on top. This achieves a "smeared" effect on the left and right sides. This is done often with SD "legacy" footage. ESPN does it all the item.

Reply

Answer 4

agrizer Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:20 PM in response to dastoelk

That's what I was afraid of. Thanks so much for the help.

Reply

Answer 5

dastoelk

Level 3

704 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:20 PM in response to Tom Wolsky

Tom is onto something. Anamorphic SHOULD fill out to 16:9. I just did a DV project this way.

Reply

Answer 6

agrizer Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:22 PM in response to dastoelk

Question with the anamorphic. The dimensions he stated are different than the ones specified in the manual. Is the 1440p for my camera something different than what's being talked about with the anamorphic?

Reply

Answer 7

dastoelk

Level 3

704 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:23 PM in response to agrizer

In the "customs" setting (when you create a new project) there should be a drop down (SD, I believe) for "anamorphic." Create a new project, lay a shot in, and see if it fills the 16:9 frame

Reply

Answer 8

agrizer Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:25 PM in response to dastoelk

I'll give that a try. I work on school computers so I wont be able to until Monday. Would my entire project need to be shot at that "anamorphic" setting then?

Reply

Answer 9

dastoelk

Level 3

704 points

Dec 8, 2012 11:48 PM in response to agrizer

I believe Tom is right. 720 is a multiple of 1440. So, this selection will allow your footage to fill out the entire frame. However, it will not be in SD.

Reply

Answer 10

fox_m

Level 6

12,244 points

Dec 9, 2012 12:24 AM in response to agrizer

According to the GoPro manual -- the 1440 footage is actually 1920x1440 (4:3) aspect... not anamorphic. You could easily "Tilt & Scan" the footage within a 1920x1080 frame; no cropping or stretching necessary.

Reply

Answer 11

dastoelk

Level 3

704 points

Dec 9, 2012 12:26 AM in response to fox_m

Well, there you go!

Reply

Answer 12

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,064 points

Dec 9, 2012 6:41 AM in response to agrizer

That's the most ridiculous format created by a camera manufacturer. You should never, ever shoot that. I have absolutely no idea what their thinking. All HD is 16:9.

Reply

Answer 13

agrizer Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2012 11:23 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

I realize the specs for it are pretty weird, but what they're trying to do is give you a very large FOV so that you can attach the camera to the front of a helmet (pointed back at you) and see the majority of your body. It is pretty odd though.

Reply

Answer 14

dastoelk

Level 3

704 points

Dec 9, 2012 12:47 PM in response to agrizer

Hmmm... If they want a large field of view, seems to me that 16:9 suits that purpose! 4:3 literally shows "less." Odd.

Reply

Answer 15

agrizer Author

Level 1

0 points

Dec 9, 2012 1:32 PM in response to dastoelk

I'll post pictures comparing the two. The image box itself of the weird 4:3 is smaller, but due to a large fisheye effect you can see more of the surrounding space.

Reply