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FCP 7: Share vs. Send vs. Export

With the release of Final Cut Pro 7, we got a new export menu option – Send. In this article, I take a first look at the differences between Share, Send, and Export; and explain which one to use.

Importing Still Images into FCP 5

With FCP 5’s support for HDV, you need to change the size of images you import. Here are new scan numbers you should use.

New Render Settings in Final Cut Pro 5

Apple changed the algorythms FCP uses for scaling and rotation for FCP 5. This explains what the changes are, how to use them and how to convert to the new settings.

Setting Final Cut Pro 5 Preferences

Preference settings have changed in FCP 5. This article shows you how to optimize your setting to get the most from your editing system.

JPEGs vs. TIFFs

JPEGs are highly compressed, which means they often show blockiness or other image artifacts. However, they tend to have smaller file sizes. TIFFs are uncompressed with great image quality. However, their file sizes tend to be lots bigger. All things being equal, I recommend using TIFFs.

Using Final Cut Pro for Live Recording

Final Cut is not, generally, used for live recording. However, in this article, discover how one reader uses it for live recording and simultaneous playback.

Exporting DVCPROHD to HDV

Here is a ten-step, tested technique to convert DVCProHD sequences into HDV. This would a good way to archive HD sequences if you don’t have a DVCProHD sequence to tape.

Equipping Your Final Cut System

Without a doubt, the question I get asked the most is “what should I buy?” This article explains all the different gear you may need for your editing sytem along with links to companies and products to consider. This isn’t a commercial, rather it’s a tutorial on what you need to know to make some good investments.

Editor's Story: There's High-Def and REALLY High-Def!

What do you do when your client requests a video that’s almost 13,000 pixels wide? (Well, after panicking a bit first…) Steve Sebban took on this task for a museum. Since then, I’ve heard from other editors who need, or use, this technique for the chasing lights around the edges of stadiums. Fortunately, Final Cut Pro makes this easy… if you ignore render times.

Capturing From a Panasonic DVX-100 Camera

Having problems capturing 24 fps video from the DVX camera? This article tells you what you need to know.

Creating a Dual-layer DVD

Creating a single layer DVD is relatively easy. But a dual-layer DVD requires that we pay attention to where the switch occurs between the two layers — called the Dual-Layer Break Point. This article explains what it is, how to find it, and what you need to know to successfully create a dual-layer DVD.

Drop-frame vs. Non-drop-frame Timecode

NTSC video, unlike PAL and HD, has two different timecode systems — drop-frame and non-drop-frame. This article describes what they are and when you need to worry about them.

Creating Distorted Image Effects in Final Cut Pro

In this technique, I want to show you how to use clip distortion to create an interesting opening title sequence. Distortion, also called “corner pinning,” allows us to change the shape of the frame from a rectangle to a parallelogram, then modify it using keyframes so it changes over time.

Setting the Default Transition

The default video transition in Final Cut Pro is a 30 frame cross-dissolve. This article shows you how to change it.

Creating Multi-Color Credit Scrolls

Final Cut’s text tools are pretty limited in the design department. But here is a simple way to make your closing credits look much more interesting without a lot of work.

Accessing a Locked-Up Computer

What do you do when you have locked yourself out of your own computer? Well, besides screaming and yelling… This short article shows you the backdoor you can use to get access to a computer you are locked out of.

Picking The Right Color Profile For Still Images

In this article Larry fields a question regarding recommended color space when importing images into FCP.

Creating A Charlie’s Angels Wipe Effect

Here’s a great technique that not only provides a interesting effect, but teaches you how to use cropping when you are creating effects.

Create DVD Menu & Button Highlights With Photoshop Layers

Want to give your DVDs a more professional look? In this detailed, step-by-step article, you’ll learn how to create menus and button highlights in Photoshop, import them into DVD Studio Pro, build a menu and add buttons, all to create a professional-grade menu. (Part 1 of 2 – the second part discusses how to create a motion menu in Final Cut Pro for a DVD.)

Commentary: Crisis du Jour — What’s Happening to Final Cut?

You know the drill. Someone at Apple coughs and suddenly the rumor mill is filled with frenzied statements that the doom of Final Cut Studio is at hand. “The Death of Final Cut” rumors have gotten to be as regular as spring floods or a plague of locusts.