How to batch-convert photos to 720x540 px?

Question

Level 1

125 points

How to batch-convert photos to 720x540 px?

As a new user, I'm stuck trying to batch-convert DSLR photos for import into Final Cut Pro 5 at 720x540 px. The only way I've been able to convert to precisely that size is by cropping each image individually.

I’m working with 8.2 MP RAWs and 6.3 MP JPEGs in Mac OS 10.4.7 with Photoshop CS2. I do not have an NTSC monitor attached to spot-check results, only the computer display. Everything I’ve read advises resizing single-layer graphics to 720x540 so they’ll look right with 720x480 FCP frames. But when I set Image Processor to 720x540, the photos scale to 720x480 and look vertically elongated in FCP (where Preview and Canvas are set to Show As Sq. Pixels). Using Image Size with Constrain Proportions unchecked yields 810x540 images. Since I want full-screen photos -- mostly close-ups --with no camera motion, they've got to be 720x540, right? Is there an efficient way to do this?

I have been hosting and cropping the RAW images in Bridge and saving them as single-layer TIFFs. The JPEGs were opened and cropped in Photoshop and also saved as single-layer TIFFs. Eventually, I’d like to apply a little sharpening by writing an action -- or should stills for video (assuming no thin horizontal lines) remain unsharpened? -- but not until I solve the resizing.

1.67 GHz PowerBook G4, Mac OS X (10.4.7), 2G RAM, 2x300G LaCie FW, ACD-30

Posted on Jul 26, 2006 10:57 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Jul 27, 2006 7:21 AM in response to Jack Kelley1

If you leave them larger than 720X480... you can crop and resize them in FCP. You can zoom in on them to have them fill the screen (thus cropping them that way sort of automatically). I'd keep them above 1000 pixels in both directions... but lower than say 2000 pixels unless you really have to zoom way in. Do the resizing in Photoshop, but it's not necessary to make them any given size. Using Tiffs is a good idea. You'll definately need a way to view these externally if you need to sharpen them though. The behavior will be different from shot to shot too. Small horizontal lines may not sharpen very well and create a bit of buzz in video.

Jerry

Reply

Answer 2

LuckyMan

Level 2

370 points

Jul 27, 2006 7:48 AM in response to Jack Kelley1

Jack,

If you have the money, MovingPicture is an FCP plug-in which will very quickly letterbox a still for you and place it on the FCP timeline. You can start with any resolution and size. Of course you need pixel depth as big as what you want to end up with. (Genuine Fractals will get that resolution, if you do not inititally have it) You can also do pan and scan, but that does not seem to be a requirement for you.

I have a workflow posted on ProAppTips which rather explicitly shows what must be done. I have not yet had any complaints about it.

LM

Reply

Answer 3

Jul 27, 2006 9:24 AM in response to Jack Kelley1

You can automate this entire process with Photoshop's actions. First, if you have not already, you should read the Photoshop help topic on Saving images for video. Then check out the bundled actions to see if they already have a default resize aciton for video (not able to open PSD right now to check). Someone may have already provided the solution for you…if not, you can record your own steps as an action and save that to you Mac. Then you can just batch your images for video. If there is a lot of cropping and manipulation of the images you may have to do each shot by hand.

intel iMac 20", TiPB 17", Mac Mini Mac OS X (10.4.3) 2Gb Ram, Multiple high-speed HDD

Reply

Answer 4

Jack Kelley1 Author

Level 1

125 points

Jul 27, 2006 11:46 PM in response to Matthew C. Gallagher

Thanks all. After I complete this first project with no camera motion on stills, I'll move on to zooming. I expect sizing photos will go faster by then.

I'll also take a good look at MotionPicture and ProAppTips.

It turns out I can resize to 720x540 either by cropping each image or using Image Size with Constrain Proportions deselected. Even if I find a bundled action for this, I'll probably try writing a couple actions to see if it's smoother building one into the Actions panel of Image Processor or not.

And an NTSC monitor is definitely on my list. Just waiting for the new Intel desktops. Hoping August 7 brings 'em out.

Reply