Final Cut: tape capture and file import
Once you have created a new project file, it is time to begin capturing video into Final Cut. There are several ways to bring a clip into your project.
- Capture from a DV tape.
- Clip
- Now
- Batch (FCP only)
- 2. Import from a pre-existing file.
Part 1: Tape Capture
A/V Setup
To capture footage from a miniDV tape using the dedicated JVC deck at each of the LRC Media Stations, press the power button and insert the DV tape you would like to use.Open your project in Final Cut, and select File >Capture... (in FCP this feature is called Log & Capture). The keyboard shortcut is the Apple (CMD) key and the number 8.
This opens a separate Capture window. This is the area of Final Cut that will allow the user to import specific segments of the DV tape.
Once you have your deck turned on and a tape inserted, you should see VTR OK at the bottom of the Capture window (File > Capture). If you see No Communication turn on the miniDV deck. If it's on and you see Not threaded put in a tape.
Reviewing the tape
Final Cut imports video in very large files. Since there is only a finite amount of space on a computer, it is important to evaluate footage before importing. This will make editing easier as well as save space on the computer.
The television monitor can be set to "video 1" and the DV clip can be viewed on the computer monitor and the television simultaneously. If a project is intended to be viewed on a television, it is helpful to use the monitor to evaluate footage before capture, and this is the only way to hear the audio during capture.
If capturing from a Hi8/Digital8 tape you have to set the Final Cut capture prefs to Non-controlled device or FC won't detect the camera as a valid input device, as Hi8 doesn't really use timecode.
Capture Clip
The capture clip option allows the user to select "in" and "out" points for the program to import. To use this feature, press "play" in the "Capture" window and then press the Mark In button or the letter I on the keyboard to set the "in" point. When the desired clip is over, similarly set the "out" point by pressing the Mark Out button or the "O" key. Once the "in" and "out" points are properly set for a clip, the user may select the "Capture Clip" button and the computer will rewind to the preselected points and bring the clip onto the hard drive.Give yourself a little cushion before your inpoint and after your outpoint. You will need these "media handles" when you want to apply transitions, or use any number of editing tools, like the Roll tool. Never start your inpoint at the exact moment of interest, let the tape roll for at least a few seconds first.
You will have the opportunity to mark in and out points again, with more precision, when you are working in the Timeline.
Capture Now
A heavy-handed approach to use only when Capture Clip isn't working.What are the disadvantages? People tend to dump way more data than they need onto the HD, and the clip has a single name in the Timeline, no matter how many iterations you bring in. This will get confusing on long elaborate projects, which is why Clip is so much cleaner a method
Initate Capture Now, and FC will grab whatever stream is coming across the firewire at that moment. Hit ESC to terminate stream and capture. Check the maximum length in Preferences
Capture Project
this is a last-ditch tool for recovering a lost project. Don't confuse this with FCP's batch capture. Ignore Capture Project. Look at my watch, you are getting sleepy ...Part 2: Import from a pre-existing computer file
still images, audio clips, etc.Three methods:
- File > Import > File or File > Import > Folder (which will import all the files of a given folder, and create a Bin for them in the FC Browser
- CTRL click in the Browser, and select Import File from popup menu
- keyboard shortcut: CMD (apple key) I
For more online help check out Apple's Final Cut support page
Edited on Apr 16 2005 08:03AM by Zach Chandler
