Exporting sequences in FCP 7.0.1 - driving me crazy

For H.264 mov, transcoding is necessary because:

1. Timecode: It adds timecode which other plug-ins also promise to do. I do know that Canon is working adding timecode from metadata like GLuetools intended to. (As an aside, Canon is releasing the beta in Mar, not the the golden master.)

2. Computer power: Pro Res works well with lesser computers, like the Core2Duo of the MBP. You can do more with about 3x the size of your master file. The H.264 files are CPU intensive. At 40+ Mbps, it will drag most computers down to have to render to display multitracks etc.

My suggestion is to use MPEG Streamclip to transcode your "working .mov files". A slightly different way is to make a first cut then transcode those clips into Pro Res via Media Manager, recompressing into Pro Res. That'll be much slower than using MPEG Streamclip but you'd be ready to roll once it's done. Overnight transcoding is perfect for that.

Compressor works too but is slower. However, it does a good job of conforming 30fps to 24 or 25fps. I suggest you do that to your output file and not bother with that unless you don't know what it'll look like.

Shawn is right that Pro Res is not X-platform and thus not a delivery option. Formats like HDCAM, HDCAM SR are always accepted, except for smaller production houses.

From what I can see in Eric's question, I think he wants to export the sequence and the associated trimmed clips, at least that's what he says in his question.

This is a common procedure, it allows you to trim down a project to exactly the clips you have cut in your timeline. It copies the project file and creates a new folder with different standalone QT movies, each movie representing a clip in the timeline. This is often done to slim down a project considerably by throwing away any captured footage that is useless to the final edit, or to export standalone clips from captured footage in native resolution for archiving or stock footage.

The mistake he is making is that he includes the master clips that are outside the selection, i.e. footage that has not been used in the sequence. 99% of all problems with the media manager are related to operator errors or not understanding how the media manager really works.

I believe a FCP plugin from Canon is due out shortly that will solve the transcode and timecode issues. Personally, I transcode everything to Pro Res SQ, while it creates larger files it is easier to work with especiallly when any compositing is necessary.

Steve

Canon EOS MOVIE Plugin- E1 for Final Cut Pro is now available (albeit the beta version)! 

Click here and select under software!

- Mary Lynn

Flying visit here!

HDV and XDCAM EX I edit natively without transcoding. My machine can handle it and it saves all the buggering around for not much more of a benefit (if any). Footage from the Canon 7D I transcode to ProRes as there's no way you can edit the H264 files from the camera if you don't want to go insane!

Seriously don't do it, it really is bad for your mental health!!

Hope this helps.