Sony HDR-FX1 - trouble w/ VIDEO CAPTURE in HDV with FCP

Folks,

Worked for a few hours at the local MAC store with the tech guy. We tried capturing HDV video from our Sony HDR-FX1 camera using the 1080i selections. FCP would not recognize the camera in any HDV mode. The preview screen remained ablaze with color bars and the stoic banner "Preview Not Available". We were forced to use the NTSC Anamorphic selection so it would only capture in 720 x 480 resolution. QuickTime, OSX and FCP were all latest up-to-the-minute versions.

I realize that with this problem so stated, there are countless troubleshooting questions/variables involved...but just lobbing this problem out into the COW atmosphere, does it ring a bell ("cowbell" pun not intended) or does it jog anyone's memory regarding someone else having this problem? Is there a simple, "Oh yeah, Bernie had this problem...you just need to download the v.22 FernDock Codec." Or does this scenario raise a galaxy of questions that stretch before us an uncertain and endless highway of detective work?

Thanks for the fantastic services of CC. Where would we be without you guys?

--Bob

Make shure the camera is set to play back HDV not DV

Hi Kevin,

I sure appreciate your time in trying to help.

We still have the problem even though we...

A) Powered Up external gear prior to launching the Mac.
B) Used the Easy Setup for HDV 1080i prior to creating a new project.

There seems to be an irreconcilable difference between the Sony HDR-FX1 and Final Cut Pro. We have to slip the selection over to regular NTSC or anamorphic to even see a preview image. But if we try to go HDV on FCP capture, it's color bars and warnings that the device cannot be found. :(

Thanks,
Bob

Bob Anderson
http://www.bobanderson.biz

Thanks, ZRB,

Yes, the footage was shot in HDV and playback set to HDV.


Bob Anderson
http://www.bobanderson.biz

I use the exact same camera, but FCP 6, not sure what version you are using. Anyway, the camera cab be a little weird I guess. siny has this feature called iLink. iLink basically for the camera to convert HDV into DV, without you having to do it. So, if you are in HDV mode and iLink turned on, you are saying that you want your HDV footage to be converted into DV footage, so FCP will look for a D signal, not HDV.

I've had this problem many times.

So, make sure your camera is in HDV mode for the VCR, and make sure iLink is turned off.

For getting a good picture, I'm not sure yet. I'm still playing around with settings on capturing and getting the getting the best image possible.

Wayne (and anyone else),

I actually just captured a music video in HDV, and it captured butter smooth.

Make sure you are using these settings inside FCP. Take a look at these screen shots:

Audio/Video Settings:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4HTX10Qq77I/SPj7c_EdfAI/AAAAAAAAACY/Xo6yIPq1Jv8/s...

Note: I actually changed my Sequence Preset from "HDV 1080i60" to "Apple Intermediate Codec" - it seemed to work better for me. Also, Apple recommends that codec as it was built for HDV via Apple.

Sequence Presets:

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_4HTX10Qq77I/SPj7tjTg74I/AAAAAAAAACg/kRAqcltpyQI/s...

Also, do make sure you refresh your A/V devices in the View menu. As you will see in the Audio/Video Settings, Sony HDV Firewire is selected for the control device, as opposed to Firewire Basic or Firewire NTSC.

Also, this is what Apple says about the Apple Intermediate Codec: http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2704

If you still have issues, I suggest maybe using a different Firewire cable, making sure your Firewire port that you are capturing to is in good working condition, and that FCP is in good working condition.

These settings should work perfect for you, as they do for me.

Let me know.

Ryan

No problem, glad its working out for you.

My mistake. I went through my picture a while ago and just deleated. Basically, make sure your Sequence Preset is either AIC or Apple Pro Res at 60i and Capture Preset is either AIC or Pro Res as well.

What issues are you having?

Oh ok. This is a camera thing. Sounds like FCP is set to go though.

You'll want to turn the VCR to HDV, and then turn off iLink Conversion as well as AV to DV...all off. These settings (mainly iLink and AV to DV) tell your NLE to import SD footage, not HDV.

This should work out for you. The VCR should show HDV then.

thanks a bunch Ryan. I will try your suggestions first thing in the morning and let you know if it worked. I really appreciate your help.

I am having the same problem as Seth with FCP and my HDR-FX1. The capture interface sees the camera and can control it, but I get a black screen and no video. Any ideas?

Ok, here are some slightly different settings for HDV capture on the HDR-FX1 with FCP 6:

Camera (VCR) Settings:

- VCR HDV/DV: make sure "HDV" is selected

- i.Link Conv: Off

- A/V to DV out: Off

Refer to the picture below for FCP settings...



Note: I have found that although ProRes 422 captures files that are much larger in file size, it captures the highest possible quality that you can get from the HDR-FX1, as opped to the Apple Intermediate Codec.

So, assuming your FireWire 400 cable and port (on both the computer and camera) are working properly, this should work perfectly. I'd also make sure you have installed all updates for Final Cut Studio 2 as well.

Also, make sure that your tape actually has HDV 1080i footage on it. Some people think that just because they use a DVM63 tape that is has HDV footage on it - not true. This tape is really no different then a standard DVM60 tape. The DVM63 can also record DV footage to it as well.

No, for a live capture you'll want to change the Capture device to "Non-Controllable". When recording footage to a tape, any standard MiniDV will do. I will suggest that you use Sony brand - and/or just stay consistent with your tape brand, as they have different chemicals that could potentially damage your tape heads on your camera deck if mixed.

I've always used Quicktime to capture live - just start a new video recording and make sure the camera is the selected device.

Sorry for this question... I'm not in-front of FCP and I'm trying to make notes for when I am :)

I need to keep the file size down when capturing footage... Would you recommend capturing at 720p instead of 1080i?
If yes, would I just change the sequence presets to 720p?

Thanks for all your help so far !!!

http://www.christinarule.com

Had the same problem and what fixed it was plugging it in to the back of the computer instead of the front (which was what I was doing). Hope this helps...

When you shot this footage did you shot to tape? Or were you doing a live feed to final cut?

http://www.christinarule.com