Panasonic DV953 and Final Cut Pro
 

Can you capture footage from the Panasonic into FCP?
Can you get device control with the Panasonic? (for batch captures)

http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/qualification.html does not list the PV-DV953 as a supported camera, but it doesn't list a lot of cameras.

I had the same question for a long long time. I checked out all the FCP and MX500/PVDV953 forums but could find no answers to this question. I ordered my camera anyway last week and should be receiving it on Tuesday. I will check it out and post immediately.
BTW, from what I heard about some other non listed CAMS is that FCP device control does work but export to tape is usually a problem. You can get around it by playing the movie in FCP and pressing REC on the CAM. Ofcourse, this way you won't be able to export the timecode back to the CAM.
Like I said, I'll check it out this week and let you know. Keep your fingers crossed until then !
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I have a Samsung camera and that works ok with FCP. I can use capture now and it'll capture.

I can sort of batch capture, except I have to use the controls on the camera to cue it up manually. It's not as cool as FCP controlling the camera and it might be a problem where you are batching many clips (never tried). By batch capture I mean right click --> capture.

Samsung recorded tapes do not interchange well when played in a Sony TRV22, which has great deck control. There's an audio glitch as scene transitions.

It took me the longest time to figure out how to record to the camera. I remembered it once but I forgot. You have to hit the red record button to record as device control does not work consistently (actually I got it to work once of out many many tries). I think iMovie will control the camera ok. My samsung camera does not report if a tape has the write-protection tab on, so that really messed me up. You hit the record button and nothing happens.

If it is MiniDV and Firewire, any software or hardware will talk. There is no need for worrying.