Most compatible Camera format to Computer?

Question

I have Final Cut Pro. I'm not familiar with this software, but want to use it when editing. I realize it may be more difficult than other types of software, but it's what I was given and I'm gonna stick with it.

Can anyone recommend a format of camera (or better. . . specific camera) that is very compatible with computers using final Cut Pro.

What i mean by this is I can't afford alot of equipment. I'm looking for a format that will directly link to my computer, allow me to edit as needed, and then burn DVD's.

Anybody got something that works well for them?

My budget is broken at $2000 (used set-ups are cool too if there's an AWESOME model just above my price range new).

THANKS!

Answer 1

Formats are standard, so no camcorder's going to be more compatible than another*, but not all formats edit equally well.  DV is the best format for editing, but high definition is becoming more popular (picture quality is awesome).  With a $2000 budget there's a lot of choice, but I'm guessing you're not looking for prosumer level,  That being the case, you could do worse than look at the Canon HV20 at less than half that price - it can record in high def but downsample to DV.  That means you can keep a high def copy of your recordings on tape, but edit in DV.

*Thinking about it, that's not true - some camcorders don't work with Macs.  The HV20's not one of them though.

Answer 2

Kodak and Canon for the stills and Sony for the Videos.:o)

Answer 3

If you are using FinalCutPro, you are using an Apple Macintosh computer.

Any miniDV tape based camcorder will work when you use the camcorder's DV port connected to the Mac's firewire400 port with a 6-pin to 4-pin firewire (IEEE1394a, i.Link) cable and the camcorder is in Play/Edit mode. You will "import" the video from FinalCut. MiniDV tape provides best available video quality because DV and HDV compress a lot less than other storage methods.

Compression = discarded data = reduced video quality.

Any hard drive or flash memory based camcorder will work when you use the camcorder's USB port connected to the Mac's USB port with a USB cable. When you connect the camcorder, the camcorder's storage will mount like any other USB connected "mass storage device". Copy the files from the camcorder to the Mac's hard drive. Depending on the format used by the camcorder, you *might* be able to use the files directly in Final Cut or you may need to convert the files into a usable format.

Got to apple.com, go to the Downloads areas, search for "streamclip" and download and install it. It is free.

Fore serious video work, I suggest only miniDV tape based camcorders. If you need a hard drive, get an external from Firestore - they save in DV and HDV format - not the highly compressed stuff the consumer internal hard drive camcorders use.

Suggested units:

Canon HV20, HV30

Sony HDR-HC7, HC9

All four of these models can record in standard definition (4:3 and 16:9) and high definition. All four also have a mic-in jack. A couple have a headphone jack... and all four have full manual audio controls in addition to manual zoom, focus and exposure settings - and all settings can be auto as well.

Once you import and edit, you can use either iDVD or DVDstudio pro to create the DVD menuing and burn the video out to DVD.

The next cameras worth consideration are closer to the $3,000+ range:

Canon XHA1

Sony HDR-FX1, FX7, HVR-V1U, Z1U

Panasonic HDX200

At this point in the lifecycle of tings, I don't think getting a non high definition camera is a good idea - especially since all hidef cams can also shoot in standard def...

Answer 4

The Casio exilim is a great camera and is very compatible with editing programs! I have the older 6 pixel version of this camera and have been veeeeery happy with it! But this new camera even has a youtube feature!

here is a link to learn more about it!

http://exilim.casio.com/browse_cameras/e...

(this is the 10 pixel one)

here is a link so you can choose which one is best 4 u!

http://exilim.casio.com/browse_cameras

i really do recommend it! I'm not totally sure how much it cost but its not a ridiculous price!