Re: Question about a feature shot on XH A1...

[tony ladesich] "So is it true that if I capture in a different way that I will get better results? "

The test here is to hook your A1 up to a decent TV and compare the quality to what you've already captured. If it's the same, well.........

The HDV compression scheme came into existence to allow users to get into HD without much difference in hardware cost compared Mini DV. HDV was also designed right out of the gate to enable easy firewire capture, so if everything is set up correctly you won't see a quality difference between a firewire capture and any other way. I'm sure you already know from your years in this business that you can never get a better picture than what's already on the tape.

So, my question to you is what does the source footage look like compared to the captured footage? Once that's determined perhaps we can move forward with more recommendations.

[tony ladesich] "Now the real question� can I edit the film using the existing captures as an off-line and then Batch Capture only the clips I am using in the film for my final online (including color correction). "

Yes. Once the rough edit is complete you can make the media in the FCP sequence timeline offline and just re-capture what you need. This is a pretty basic answer I've given you but, in essence, what you're asking for can be done.

- Don