Important Notes

Before you import or capture your video into Final Cut Pro make note of the resolution and aspect ratio at which the footage was shot. A best practice is to always shoot footage at the highest quality capable by the camera. Down converting from a high quality source will provide the best picture quality, while up converting from a low quality source usually results in distortions and codec errors.

Sequence and Capture Presets

  1. Make sure your Sequence and Capture Presets are configured appropriately for your footage. Select Final Cut Pro > Easy Setup… from the menu.

  2. Next, based on the aspect ratio and resolution at which your footage was shot, select the appropriate format and codec preset.
    FOOTAGE FORMAT USE CODEC
    720×480 (4:3) NTSC DV-NTSC DV NTSC 48 kHz
    720×480 Anamorphic (16:9) NTSC DV-NTSC Anamorphic DV NTSC 48 kHz Anamorphic
    1440×1080 (16:9) HD HDV-Apple ProRes 422 Apple ProRes 422 1920×1080 60i 48 kHz
    1920×1080 (16:9) HD HDV-Apple ProRes 422 Apple ProRes 422 1920×1080 60i 48 kHz
     

  3. Next, create a new sequence by selecting File > New > Sequence. This new sequence will use all the predefined settings based on your easy setup configuration.

Log and Capture

  1. Now you can select File > Log and Capture, but be sure to verify your Device Control and Capture Input are configured for the correct tape format before clicking capture now. HDV Firewire (HDV) or Firewire NTSC (DV).

Export

  1. After you have imported your video into Final Cut Pro using the Log and Capture method, drag and drop your video clip into your new sequence timeline. You may be prompted with the message “Change sequence settings to match the clip settings?”

    This indicates that the clip does not match the sequence timeline settings. In most cases, if you captured your footage correctly and have not incorrectly modified your easy setup sequence settings, you will want to click Yes. However, if everything was configured and captured correctly you will not see this prompt.

  2. Once you are finished editing your master sequence and are ready to export the finished product click File > Export > QuickTime Movie…

  3. If you used the easy setup method correctly and your master sequence is configured correctly you can export using Current Settings. However, if you want to be extra cautious you can select the appropriate codec based on the format.
    FOOTAGE CODEC
    High Definition Apple ProRes 422 1920×1080 60i 48 kHz
    Standard Definition DV NTSC 48 kHz
    SD Anamorphic DV NTSC 48 kHz Anamorphic
     

  4. Rename your sequence with a descriptive name, select the appropriate folder location as the target destination and click Save.

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