Export still frame: Aspect ratio problem

mainstreetprod

mainstreetprod

Veteran
I shoot strictly 16:9 video. When I try to export a still frame from the timeline using Quick Time Conversion, the resulting frame is always 4:3. I can't find
a setting to change this in FCP or in the manuals. The files need to be downsized for use. Iphoto doesn't seem to have this capability, so I got a trial program called "Downsize" to do this. It is also unable to change the aspect ratio. Help!:crybaby:
 
This is a quirk in FCP. Save the clip out as a QT movie, Reference or Self Contained, doesn't matter. Then open that in QT Player. Then export as a still. It'll give you the proper aspect ratio.
 
Hey,

Export in FCP using quicktime conversion> instead of movie go still image>( i use jpeg instead of png) but anyway import still back into FCP and in the browser click the anamorphic collum and walla 16x9 still. Not sure about the other resizing deal as you're exporting a widesceen image to begin with.

Jim Kinsey
 
If you need to use the still inside FCP, you can skip exporting altogether.

Find the frame, do the shift+N thing to make the still in the Viewer, drag that into the Browser and re-name it.
 
Thanks Ben that will save me from the other method I have been using. Not a certified FCP editor but cut like 25 shows a year and author to DVD.

Cheers....

JK
 
Another trick I have, is to make a new Bin, name it something that makes sense, and put all your Stills from the video in that Bin. Then, when you have a ton of them done, in the Browser window, highlight that Bin, then File > Batch Export. You configure everything once, and poof, all the stills are Exported for use in Photshop or packaging or whatever.
 
Thanks for the tips, now I can export 16x9 stills as needed. Now I am trying to convert them to thumbnails that must be exactly a certain size. The progarm I am using to make the thumbnails, "Downsize", cannot seem to make the original JPEG conform to exactly 360 by 202 as required. It either makes it 358 by 202 or 360 by 203. What is the solution? Is there any standard Apple program that I am missing that can downsize and vary the aspect ratio of a Jpeg? Or some freeware?
 
Hey,

Thanks again Ben! Maybe this is off subject a little but used for FCP. If you use the automate command in Photoshop ( read on how to set this up pretty easy) you can take all your production stills that you plan on using for your video and Batch resize for NTSC. I do one for horizontal and one for verticle. Just select the folder you want with all you photos in it and let her rip. Saves a ton of time when your doing slide shows, whatever... Hope this may help someone.

Jim Kinsey
 
MSP,

Not sure if you own Photoshop but if so you can open image>Image size>type in the demensions you want @72dpi and you should be good to go.

JK
 
I tried the quicktime trick and it didn't work, and I need to export still frames of my 16:9 trailer for a publication, so I don't want to compress it at all... does anyone know how to get around this glitch?
 
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