How can I Capture directly while shooting w/XL2 on MacBook Pro?
 

Logging & capturing in FCP or Avid Media Composer on my macbook pro takes up alot of time in post.
Is there a way to captue,record or digitize directly onto macbook pro through Avid or FCP while shooting with XL2?
Can anyone please help me out?
Thanks in advance,

Zia

I'm not using a Macbook, but it works on any windows laptop with PremierePro and a firewire (IEE1394) connection. You can even control the camera from the computer. I would be very, very astonished, if this wouldn't work on a Macbook with FCP in the same way. Just hook up your XL2 to the computer via firewire, start FCP and start capturing. It should be as simple as that. And you can even have a backup of your footage on tape at the same time.

thanks,
I'll try that, hope it works!

Zia

I have found that the best way to capture directly to my macbook pro is through DVMonitor Pro. It's designed exclusively for macs and works very well and is extremely easy to use. Of course it's not free, but I have found it to be worth the money. Check it out:

http://www.redlightningsoftware.com/DV_Monitor_Pro.html

I know for a fact it is possible to capture directly into FCP, but have never done it personally. If you still plan on using FCP and can't figure it out, let me know. I'll see if I can figure it out for you.

Ryan

Hey Thanks Ryan,
The DV/HD Monitor Pro looks nice but a bit pricey.
I was trying to figure it out in FCP5.1 but apparently I doing something wrong.
-I got XL2 connected to Macbook Pro
-FCP Log and Capture open
-With Scratch/Media drive set (Firewire), I click on capture, but no response.
What I am I dong wrong?

Zia

Hey Thanks Ryan,
The DV/HD Monitor Pro looks nice but a bit pricey.
I was trying to figure it out in FCP5.1 but apparently I doing something wrong.
-I got XL2 connected to Macbook Pro
-FCP Log and Capture open
-With Scratch/Media drive set (Firewire), I click on capture, but no response.
What I am I dong wrong?

Zia

Zia,

I am not able to run any tests at the moment, being that I am away from home, but I am pretty sure that you need to set the "Device Control Preset" to "Non-Controllable Device" for the XL2. If you are not getting any video for preview in the log and capture window, then something is not set up correctly in the FCP preferences. I will test when I get home and let you know what I come up with.

Ryan

Thanks Ryan.

Hey Zia,

I just captured a live feed directly into FCP with the XL2. My feeling that you have to set the "Device Control" under capture settings needs to be set to "Non-Controlable Device" is correct.

When you open the log and capture window, change the capture setting as described above. The video from the camera appears in the preview window. If not, make sure to unplug any device that is plugged into your firewire 800 port as it will interfere with the firewire 400 connection. Once you have video displaying in the preview window, hit the capture now button and it will start recording. After you get your shot hit escape to stop recording.

Good luck, and let me know if it works for you. Did for me.
Ryan

Thanks, I'll Try that!

Zia