Format Compatibility

[flybum]

I am looking to jump from FCE 3.5 to Final Cut Studio 2. Currently I have a Canon XH-A1s which shoots in HDV on Mini DV. I have lost the ability to capture footage as I used to on an SD camera....That is taking control of the camera with the software, being able to fast forward/rewind through the footage (using J,K,L keys), setting in and outs and then hitting capture to get just the footage I want. Now I have to use the deck controls to FF or Rewind the camera and I have also lost the ability to add notes, reel info, etc....I have to do it after the capture.

At any rate, my question is simple....does the Studio 2 have compatibility with the HDV format? I have heard that other formats are not compatible.

Thanks in advance for your help!

 

[BenB]

First up, sounds like you have your capture settings wrong. Be sure you're using Firewire Basic for Canon cameras. Second, yes, FCP supports HDV totally. But you'll want to capture and work with it as AIC or Pro Res to avoid the native HDV headaches.

HDV capture, because it's Long GOP, is slightly different from SD capture, so yes, it will look a tad different. You can't specify any old frame to log and capture from. It has to be an I frame, which log and capture can't do so easily.