minDV 24p capture to FCP

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dmchord

Active member
I had some timecode issues the last time I shot 24p to tape on the HVX and did a batch capture. I've been looking around, and found an article that advised taking the footage into Cinema Tools before I bring it into Final Cut.

Really?

I can't just shoot 24p and bring it into a 23.98 timeline?
 
yes, you can. If you got timecode issues perhaps you tried to review the tape during shooting and did not maintain a continuous stream of footage on the tape. This happened to me before. It was suggested not to review footage, or if you do, be sure you start the next record just before the previous footage ends to ensure continuous timecode.
 
The smartest way is to black and code the complete DV tape prior to using it in the camera. That way there are no timecode breaks. FCP is able to do this I believe.
 
Stephenh said:
The smartest way is to black and code the complete DV tape prior to using it in the camera.
Click to expand...

This is one way to have a continuous timecode stream, but there are many discussions on this forum that prefer not doing that due to the additional stretching of the tape (however little that may be) even with good quality dv tapes. By shooting without reviewing, or ensuring any reviews are stopped prior to the end of the reviewed footage you can also maintain the integrity of the timecode stream. If, and when I shoot to tape, I choose the latter method.
 
Blacking tape will NOT help with timecode break issues.

When you record on your tape, whatever has been recorded will get recorded over including new timecode.

Shooting 24p on tape always shoots 480 over 60. Shoot 24pA (advanced pulldown) and FCP will remove your frames.
 
It's not a big deal to get a continuous TC. Just don't have any breaks in the footage, simple as that. If you go back and review, make sure to use the End Search feature, or just make sure to start your next clip with timecode underneath it from what is on the tape previously. The cam will continue counting up from the last TC number is sees on the tape.

Unless you have dirty heads or something you'll never have a TC break using this method.
 
Steve Eisen said:
Blacking tape will NOT help with timecode break issues.
Click to expand...

Can't the camera be set to use existing timecode from a tape, or does it absolutely always lay down new TC when recording? I thought there were some options to do this differently.
 
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