FCPX - Capture from MiniDV tape - errors

Question

FCPX - Capture from MiniDV tape - errors

I have a few MiniDV camcorder tapes I am trying to transfer. I've transferred 3.5 hours of footage so far and FCP X has divided into over 1000 clips.

Is this caused by drop-outs.

I've cleaned the camera heads, but still no improvement. The camera looks nothing like there oringal. If I do a direct copy to DVD via a standlone machine it just plays as normal. However, going throgh Mac Pro there are small gaps ebtween clips and makes playback very gittery. Is there a problem with my camera, Mac, hard drive or something else.

It's as if there is a problem with drop-out files?

Canera connected directly from Firewire 400 from camera to front of mac.

Any help and advice greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

Matt

Mac Pro, OS X Mavericks (10.9)

Posted on Dec 13, 2013 3:19 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

Dec 13, 2013 6:00 PM in response to AppleMacCider

Tape capture is not a strong suit; I've had it happen myself.

Try capturing with Quicktime Pro, if you have it. iMovie may be a beyyer choice as well.

MPEG Streamclip has a join file batch function. That's worked for me before in similar circumstances..

Russ

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Answer 2

Dec 13, 2013 11:44 PM in response to Russ H

Thanks Russ H

I have iMovie as well and the same happened. I don't have QT Pro but maybe worth getting.

I do have a ADVC 300, so wondering if it would be better to connect via annalogue from camera to ADVC, then digital out to Mac?

Would rather be digital all the way, but think ADVC may correct TLC issues?

Thanks

Matt

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Answer 3

Alchroma

Level 7

23,809 points

Dec 14, 2013 4:38 AM in response to AppleMacCider

Try Quicktime X.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/5048143?answerId=22052776022#22052776022

ADVC 300 would be a 2nd option re quality.

Al

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Answer 4

Russ H

Level 7

22,432 points

Dec 14, 2013 6:05 AM in response to AppleMacCider

You may be interested in this thread from the iLife discussion groups. It covers issues similar to yours with various solutions.

@Al, I learned something new from your reply. Thanks. I never know that QTX could capture from tape. According to the thread I linked to it brings it in as h.264. Good to know and I'll have to give it a try.

Russ

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