Re: Canon HV30 and M2T files

I have a new Canon HV30, shooting at 30p. Final Cut will not recognize the camera under "Log and Capture". Instead, I'm using Apple's "DVHSCap" to capture the footage in 1080 HD. It creates a file called "M2T". I can open it, view it, even convert it with MPEG Streamclip, but I've determined it's lossy.

My question: how can I convert "M2T" files to a lossless, Final Cut ready format?

John

Hi John,

First: There is no reason why FCP should not recognize your camera. I know a couple of people who capture straight off this cam using Log and Capture without any issues. What version of FCP are you running ?

Second: If you really want to convert the M2T files use the Apple ProRes codec. This is a near-lossless format, surely better than M2T (HDV) and it was tailor-made to work with FCP. Don't forget: the HV30 records HDV, so that's 1440x1080 and not 1920x1080.

Best wishes,

Ronny

Thanks Ronny for the response. I'm using Final Cut 6.0.4 ... the latest version I believe. Three different Macs (Dual G5, Intel Duo Core and a Macbook Pro) won't recognize the camera under "Log and Capture". I'm not really sure why. I've even tried a different Firewire cable, thinking that might be it, no luck.

Sounds like Apple's ProRes codec will be the way to go, I just don't prefer the extra step. I wonder why the HV30 won't mount. Hmm.

As for the 1440x1080, thanks for the reminder - good to know, before I blab to my friends that I'm shooting "full 1080 HD". :)

Ronny,

Thanks for taking the time to sit there and type up a nice tutorial for me. You sir, are a genius. Your tutorial worked perfectly.

Just when you think you know what you're doing, someone comes along and reminds you how much you have to learn!


John