FCP7 workflow HD to SD scaling with zoom

[zcream]

I have to make a showreel for some dancers. I filmed them in 1080p25. I converted it to cineform using Remaster (I'm working on OSx Snow Leopard). I can use Prores using MPEG streamclip if needed. I setup a project with custom 854x480 (for youtube 480p). I deselected User Preferences -> Editing -> Always scale clips to project size I used the wireframe to resize the clips and move them so the dancers were filling up the frame (that was requested of me). Now I hit the various problems that FCP has with scaling - aliasing artifacts. People have posted that its better to use the scaling algorithms from MPEG Streamclip and other tools. Unfortunately as I am doing a zoom and move in the same frame, I am stuck using FCP as an editor - unless someone shows me another tool where this could be done. So how do I avoid FCPs crappy downscaling algorithms and manage to finish this frustratingly long project ?

 

[RGBaker]

As I read your description, you are doing the downsizing on the timeline, in a project that is the downsized dimensions ..? Have I got that right?

Maybe if you complete the project on the timeline in HD, making careful choices for titling and such (i.e. choose large fonts, avoid delicate serifs, etc.) and export as an HD master file -- then try downsizing the finished export, instead of downsizing on the timeline. This would also allow you to experiment with other tools to perform the downsizing.

HTH

GB

 

[zcream]

If there is no zoom or moving involved, there is no problem.
However, I have to reframe the footage using the extra HD resolution. Hence a certain amount of resizing in inevitable.

How would I zoom in or reframe footage without FCP resizing it ?

 

[bgundu]

select the first clip in timeline and change scale to 100 percent. Copy the clip. select all other clips in timeline. then use copy attributes function.