FCP version and 24PA

[bow]

Hi. Longtime reader, first-time poster. I've got a few feature documentaries under my belt but my secret shame is that I am a tech idiot, thus these relatively rudimentary questions. I have used this website to answer countless other questions, but this one is maybe so simple that I can't find the answer!

I am beginning a new project. I am using the HVX200, but for various reasons am shooting this project on mini-DV 24P 480i. I notice that the camera offers two different kinds of 24-frame processes -- 24P and 24PA (aka "Advanced").

From what I can understand, the choice comes down to what editing system you plan to use. In my case, I will be using Final Cut Pro. I need to update my FCP (I'm still using Version 3.0), but want to make sure I get a version that will also support my future P2 endeavors.

Here finally is the question: what version of FCP do I need to purchase? In the meantime, should I be shooting on 24P or 24PA?

Thanks gang.

[Brad Johnson]

bow,
rather than debate it or describe it, check out Adam Wilt's thorough treatment of the subject here: http://www.adamwilt.com/24p/index.html#24pRecording.

as to what to shot in the meantime, Adam has a section on that there "when to shoot 24p versus 24pa (written for DVX100 but applicable to hvx200 as well)

As to FCP: 5.0.4 gets you to the p2 support

[bow]

Thanks, Brad, that clarifies things.

To sum up what I learned: 24P Advanced is better, so use that if your editing system can deal with it.

I assume FCP 5.0.4 can deal with 24P Advanced (2:3:3:2 pulldown), right? If so, then the answer seems clear: use 24P Advanced.

Right?

[Brad Johnson]

well, better is subjective, given what you want to achieve and what your final output will be (DVD or TV or film or web or what). Also, 24pa can be disconcerting to view prior to edit (if you're say showing a client on the set)....so you have to manage expectations, etc. But, if you're editing 23.98, 24pa is nice to shoot and FCP handles it nicely--it'll remove the pulldown on capture if you choose it, or, if not, it'll remove it in the tools->remove advanced pulldown.

also, check out Graeme Nattress's article: http://www.kenstone.net/fcp_homepage/24p_in_FCP_nattress.html

that'll tell you way more than I can in a short space. He'll show you exactly the FCP menus and what to do, when to do it, and the what and why of each.

[bow]

The likely outcome for this project is both TV and DVD. I can deal with disconcerting raw footage as long as it all comes out nicely in the edit.

It seems that 24PA is the way to go, since it ultimately yields a final image that looks like film, plus has a higher quality image than standard 24P. This at least is my understanding. Let me repeat: I am a tech idiot.

[Barry_Green]

If you are editing on a 24p timeline, shoot 24pA.

[bow]

But with FCP 5.0.4 I'm assuming I can choose whether or not to edit with a 24P timeline, right? So either option is available to me. I just have to choose.

Yesterday it was suggested to me by an associate to just shoot 24P Standard, because my plan for this project is very simple and consise. In short, I shoot footage on mini-DV, import it into FCP, edit, then print back the final project to mini-DV. I will not be incorporating any other footage or doing anything fancy. It is likely this project will be screened on TV and on DVD, but not film. I'm still trying to figure out why I should NOT shoot on 24P Standard. Is the image quality of 24PA so much better that I should unquestionably use it just because I can?

Maybe arguments in favor of 24PA will make more sense when I get FCP 5.0.4 (that's going to be a while yet) but I have to start shooting in a week, so I need to make a decision. I know these are relatively basic issues and not much fun to discuss. Apologies.

[Brad Johnson]

stick with 24pA on a 23.98(24p) timeline. it'll save you a decompress/image hit on the reverse telecine that 24p requires and it'll give you more Mbps to output to DVD than if you stay on a 29.97 timeline.