New to FCP - Log and Transfer file size

T

TristanPR

Active member
Hi all,

I am relatively new to FCP and very new to the Log and Transfer option within the program. I have shot a couple hours worth of footage that needs to be imported/transfered from my SD card. I'm looking for the most economically friendly approach to hopefully save some disk space while maintaining good quality. I've already transfered one card and was surprised when my 16GB worth of footage turned into close to 150GB. Is there a way to recompress the already transfered footage?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
Start with what version of FCP you are using, and what camcorder as well?

If you have FCP 7 and the cam is AVCHD, then Pro Res LT is the best, most economical option.
 
I am using FCP 7 and an AVCHD cam. Thanks for the input, David. Is there a way for me to recompress the already ingested footage to save some HD space ... ? (crossing fingers)
 
Just as David stated using Pro res LT would make the most sense. By Default you are using Pro res 422 (HQ). I had this exact same issue all you have to do is click the drop down setting menu in the log and transfer window. It looks like a dark round gear, in that menu you will see preference and a bunch of different formats. Look for AVCHD and you can change the transcoding format by clicking on the name of the default format (Pro res 422) then select Pro res LT. Keep in mind though you will use up much more than the 16 gigs you used on your card as Pro res has a much higher bit rate but you should be able to save 25-35 % of HD Space by using Pro res LT.
 
Cool - thanks for your help Ram!

My main concern right now is how to recompress the footage. I'm running dangerously low on HD space and still have loads of footage left to ingest. As always, you guys are awesome for helping out!
 
You cant trash the file and just redo the log an transfer from the card? Is the footage still intact on your card?
 
A heads up on your workflow for the future.

Always retain a backup of your media cards. They are your master tapes/cards, and until your workflow is proven, keep those copies. Actually always back them up.

As to HDD space; it runs as low four cents ($ .04) a gigabyte. Always budget for that.
 
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