HMC40 to Final Cut Pro

G

gordstray

New member
Another FCP settings question: I am using FCP 7.02 and HMC40. I have already transferred the footage to my hard drive using Panasonics AVCCAMViewer and understand I need to use Log and Transfer to get specific clips into the Bin.

I want to produce a 15 minute video that will be part of a DVD compilation that will be displayed on a variety of home TVs in HD format.

Specific Questions:

1. Do I need to set a scratch disk before I log and transfer since the raw footage is already on the computer? Seems redundant (I already have backed it up). Suggestions on how to do this if so (or if not).
2. In Import Settings, I have a P2 Plugin showing with P2 AVC-INtra and Native target format and the an AVCHD Plugin with AVCHD as source and Apple ProRes 422 as Target and AC-3 Audio and Matrix Stereo as Target. Any changes there?
3. Under Audio/Video Settings, the Sequence Preset is Apple Intermediate Codec 1080i60. What should this be? again, the Capture Preset is HDV-Apple Pro-Res 422. (Since it is already file based, not sure if this means anything).
4. Anything else I should do before I get started?

Thanks for answering specific questions and not referring me to previous posts!
 
Last edited:
1) Setting up a scratch disk is always the first thing you should do with a new project, especially when importing clips that must be transcoded. The targetted folder is where the video and audio will land after transcoding, and where your project render files will go. It is best to keep that consolidated and in the same folder as your project file if you have multiple edits happening at once in order to avoid confusion/misplaced clips. It is also HIGHLY recommended to use a secondary hard drive for your scratch disk, NOT the same disk as OSX and Final Cut's program files.

2) Disregard the P2 settings unless you're shooting a P2 camera. Your camera shoots AVCHD footage. I would leave it set to ProRes422 with AC-3/Matrix Stereo unless you have other specific needs.

3) Your sequence preset is largely dependent on what format you shot originally... i.e. 720p 24/30/60, or 1080p/24/30, or 1080i/60. It will be Prores422 with the appropriate framerate.

4) Back up your footage on an external drive. It should alwasy live in two separate physical places (i.e. not on the same drive) to prevent catastrophic data loss. Back up your FCP project file periodically to an external location as well. Worst case scenario (i.e. your computer getting toasted by a lightning strike), you can quickly rebuild the project. from the project file and the master AVCHD media.


Also, for delivery, export the file at the same settings as your timeline, and then use Compressor or other software to compress it for DVD or Blu-Ray delivery for the best output quality.

I hope that helps!
 
All Footage was shot in PH 108060i. So which Sequence Preset Should I use and which Capture Preset should I use? I guess the choices are Apple Pro Res 422 (HQ) 1440x1080 60i 48 khz or Apple Pro Res 422 (HQ) 1920x1080 60i 48 khz.
THANKS for responding.
 
Last edited:
1. Yes. Log and transfer transcodes the media to a format and codec that can be edited in FCP. That transcoded media will go into your capture scratch.

2. That's up to you. Many people recommend that ProRes LT is sufficient for AVC media. Use that or ProRes. Matrix audio should be set to plain stereo as FCP does not edit surround sound. p2 has nothing to do with log and transfer because you are transcoding AVCHD.

3. HDV is not correct, nor is the Apple Intermediate Codec. You need to use a sequence setting that matches your transcoded media, either ProRes or LT in whatever frame resolution you're shooting. The capture setting doesn't matter though as you're not capturing.

4. View>Audio Playback.

5. You should spend some time running through some tutorials or reading the manual to learn how this application works.
 
gordstray said:
All Footage was shot in PH 108060i. So which Sequence Preset Should I use and which Capture Preset should I use? I guess the choices are Apple Pro Res 422 (HQ) 1440x1080 60i 48 khz or Apple Pro Res 422 (HQ) 1920x1080 60i 48 khz.
THANKS for responding.
Click to expand...

If you shot it as 1080/60i, I believe you should be using 1920x1080 @ 60i 48khz.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top