Optimum Codec for Editing HDV from XHA1 at DVinfo.net

Steve Lewis · July 2nd, 2008, 05:38 AM

Hey Guys!
I am getting a new mac pro soon with the FCS2 and I was wondering how I should be importing my footage from a Canon XHA1: HDV, ProRes422, AIC, etc... Right now, I am working on a final cut express computer and only have the option of AIC60i. I would like to know what the highest quality format is and what the reasoning is behind using the different codecs, thanks!
-Steve

Benjamin Hill · July 2nd, 2008, 06:08 AM

Bear in mind that if you record HDV, it won't necessarily help you to transcode to ProRes for editing, especially if hard drive space is at a premium for you or your system can't handle the much higher data rate.

Personally, I capture and edit HDV in FCP. I set the the HDV sequence to render effects and CC in ProRes 422 to take advantage of the increase in color space and then finish out to Compressor for DVD or Web, or print to HDCAM, DVCAM or Beta from FCP through the HD SDI outputs on the Kona card.

I stick with HDV because the new MacPro machines can handle it just fine. In my experience editing HDV for the last year, it is as easy as working with DV. It also takes up the same amount of space on the hard drive as DV, about 13GB/hour.

Chad Dyle · July 2nd, 2008, 08:45 AM

I'm running into the same problem. I edit with an 8 core Mac Pro, another one of my editors has a 4 core Mac Pro, but two more of my editors use 2.4 and 2.66 iMacs. Can the iMacs handle editing native HDV? Its getting confusing capturing some weddings in HDV and others in Pro Res and remembering who has what.

Thanks!

Steve Lewis · July 2nd, 2008, 02:06 PM

Thanks for your insights... I guess I should also ask (I'm embarrassed to...) but what is the difference (pros/cons) between HDV and Prores422? Which one is more computer intensive? (and which one is ideal) The mac pro i will be getting will either be 2.8 or 3.0 8-core with at least 8 gigs of ram and the 8800GT nVidia Card.
Thanks for your awesome help!
-Steve

Robert Lane · July 2nd, 2008, 02:09 PM

Steve,

All your questions can be answered very concisely by reading up on the ProRes 422 and HDV white-papers on the Apple website. Workflow suggestions (sometimes specific to the camera) can be found along with general FCP settings etc.

I don't have those links but go to the Apple support page and search for HDV/ProRes white-papers and you'll have quite a bit of material to grasp.

July 2nd, 2008, 05:38 AM	#1
Steve Lewis Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 233	Optimum Codec for Editing HDV from XHA1 Hey Guys! I am getting a new mac pro soon with the FCS2 and I was wondering how I should be importing my footage from a Canon XHA1: HDV, ProRes422, AIC, etc... Right now, I am working on a final cut express computer and only have the option of AIC60i. I would like to know what the highest quality format is and what the reasoning is behind using the different codecs, thanks! -Steve __________________ www.spreefilms.com - Give me a museum and I'll fill it!

July 2nd, 2008, 06:08 AM	#2
Benjamin Hill Major Player Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Iowa City, Iowa Posts: 670	Bear in mind that if you record HDV, it won't necessarily help you to transcode to ProRes for editing, especially if hard drive space is at a premium for you or your system can't handle the much higher data rate. Personally, I capture and edit HDV in FCP. I set the the HDV sequence to render effects and CC in ProRes 422 to take advantage of the increase in color space and then finish out to Compressor for DVD or Web, or print to HDCAM, DVCAM or Beta from FCP through the HD SDI outputs on the Kona card. I stick with HDV because the new MacPro machines can handle it just fine. In my experience editing HDV for the last year, it is as easy as working with DV. It also takes up the same amount of space on the hard drive as DV, about 13GB/hour. __________________ youtube.com/benhillmedia linkedin.com/in/benhillmedia

July 2nd, 2008, 08:45 AM	#3
Chad Dyle Major Player Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 410	I'm running into the same problem. I edit with an 8 core Mac Pro, another one of my editors has a 4 core Mac Pro, but two more of my editors use 2.4 and 2.66 iMacs. Can the iMacs handle editing native HDV? Its getting confusing capturing some weddings in HDV and others in Pro Res and remembering who has what. Thanks! __________________ www.chaddyle.com www.chaddyleproductions.com

July 2nd, 2008, 02:06 PM	#4
Steve Lewis Major Player Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Goleta, CA Posts: 233	Thanks for your insights... I guess I should also ask (I'm embarrassed to...) but what is the difference (pros/cons) between HDV and Prores422? Which one is more computer intensive? (and which one is ideal) The mac pro i will be getting will either be 2.8 or 3.0 8-core with at least 8 gigs of ram and the 8800GT nVidia Card. Thanks for your awesome help! -Steve __________________ www.spreefilms.com - Give me a museum and I'll fill it!

July 2nd, 2008, 02:09 PM	#5
Robert Lane Go Go Godzilla Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA Posts: 2,788 Images: 15	Steve, All your questions can be answered very concisely by reading up on the ProRes 422 and HDV white-papers on the Apple website. Workflow suggestions (sometimes specific to the camera) can be found along with general FCP settings etc. I don't have those links but go to the Apple support page and search for HDV/ProRes white-papers and you'll have quite a bit of material to grasp.