Videocamera w/iMac and Final Cut

(csswake3) · (csswake3) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 01-15-2008, 2:09 PM

So I am thinking about getting a videocamrea for this summer, I was thinking either a hard drive camera or a DVD camera, but my question is which is the best compatible for editing on a mac with Final Cut, I have heard that sometimes transferring the files from Hard drive cameras to Mac computers can be difficult, let me know what you guys think.

(richd) · (richd) **Join Date: Oct 2003** 01-15-2008, 5:31 PM

Neither. FCP doesn't support the AVCHD codec yet which is currently used by all fixed media camcorders so you would need to digitize an analog signal out of those.

(csswake3) · (csswake3) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 01-15-2008, 5:36 PM

What about MiniDV tapes?

(richd) · (richd) **Join Date: Oct 2003** 01-15-2008, 6:57 PM

Anything recorded to miniDV tape can be digitized and then edited natively in Final Cut.

(cali_rider) · (cali_rider) **Join Date: Feb 2004** 01-15-2008, 6:59 PM

I second Rich's opinion. The HVX is always nice

(richd) · (richd) **Join Date: Oct 2003** 01-15-2008, 7:11 PM

I assumed he wasn't ready to drop 5 G's on the camcorder when I mentioned that!

The HDV data rate isn't all that much higher then AVCHD. It's too bad they had to come up with that stupid format, it's like they didn't want anyone to edit it!

(homedawg678) · (homedawg678) **Join Date: Jan 2007** 01-16-2008, 3:24 PM

I thought the latest version of final cut express was compatible with like all 3 types.

(richd) · (richd) **Join Date: Oct 2003** 01-16-2008, 7:40 PM

It may very well be, I haven't been keeping up on the latest codec support in FCP since the cam I own is already supported. Better verify that though if you're counting on FCP or FCE to edit stuff from any new camera you might be considering. Apple has a list of supported camcorders somewhere on their website.

(csswake3) · (csswake3) **Join Date: Mar 2007** 01-19-2008, 8:23 AM

I think if I am reading it right I just need to have leopard in order to import from DVD according to apple?