High-Quality yet fast keying software
by Timothy Eng
on
Aug 25, 2008 at 7:13:10 am
Hi All,
I am looking for a keying solution within FCP that is high-quality yet fast.
I have tried primatte but am quite disappointed in the rendering times. Currently a 1 minute segment of DVC Pro HD 1080 50i footage takes 40 minutes! (This is on a dual quad core system!). Using Primatte is nice and easy, but rendering time is quite ridiculous.
Surely there are better options out there that render within reasonable times. Real-time would be nice but I'd be happy with something even 5 times real time at this stage.
Re: High-Quality yet fast keying software by Matt Larson on Aug 25, 2008 at 2:15:22 pm
Check out "Conduit". I played with the demo version a while back and it was pretty easy to use (once you get used to the nodal view). I'm not sure about render times, though. You should be able to get a free demo to check for yourself.
Re: High-Quality yet fast keying software by david bogie on Aug 25, 2008 at 2:34:04 pm
The filter may not be the problem. Could just be your pixel density. You have several possible keyers, suggest you try baselining them all with a ten second clip. See what the numbers look like.
I'm just guessing they're going to be about the same because of the codec you are using. Please let us knwo what you find out.
If so, try exporting that same clip to another codec and processing it again with Primatte.
You can also google "chromakeyers for Macintosh" that shoudl return DV Garage and several other third party publishers. After Effects ships with several superb keyers, might be cheaper to buy CS3 than acquiring more keyers for FCP.
The ultimate keyer is an Ultimatte-equipped switcher that will output a matte channel.
bogiesan
This is my standard sigfile so do not take it personally: "For crying out loud, read the freakin' manual."
Re: High-Quality yet fast keying software by Wayne Carey on Aug 25, 2008 at 3:07:14 pm
A very good option to look at is dvGarage's dvMatte Pro for FCP.
It's relatively easy to use and claims to have fast renders. I personally haven't used it. We don't do green screen here yet... but if we did I would seriously consider this program. Download the demo and see for yourself.
Re: High-Quality yet fast keying software by Timothy Eng on Aug 26, 2008 at 3:51:47 am
Hi Guys thanks for your help.
I will try a few different keyers and see what they yield. David I tried your idea and it made quite a difference. A 11 sec clip took a bout a minute yet a 60 sec clip took nearly 50 times that.
I actually already have after effects with keylight, so I may use that to composite shots first and then edit second. I wasn't really wanting to do that because it is the complete opposite of my usual workflow but I guess it must be considered as an option (Especially considering the $200-600 I'd spend on a keying option for FCP could be used for other purposes).
Once again thanks everyone for your help. This site is such a valuable tool for our industry.
