To capture video footage from a DV camcorder or deck into Final Cut Pro 5, you need to properly connect the device to your computer and turn it on. Once you do, FireWire device control allows Final Cut Pro to control the video device, allowing you to control playback from within the application instead of using the controls on your camcorder or deck.
Here are basic instructions on how to connect a device for video capture using Final Cut Pro. For detailed information, see the documentation that came with your video equipment and your computer. (If you want to output your movie to DV tape after you're finished editing, you'll need to connect the device in the same manner.)
What you need
- A computer and display
- A DV device, such as a DV camcorder or deck
- A 6-pin to 4-pin FireWire cable, available at electronics stores or an Apple Authorized Reseller
Connecting your DV camcorder or deck
- Turn off your DV camcorder or deck.
- Connect one end of the FireWire cable to the FireWire port on your computer. Your computer can be turned on during this setup process.
- Connect the other end of the FireWire cable to the FireWire port on the camcorder or deck.
Note: On some devices, the FireWire port may be labeled IEEE 1394 or i.LINK. Make sure that you align the connector and port properly by matching the indentation on the connector to the indentation on the port. Do not force the two together.
- Turn on your camcorder or deck.
- If you are using a DV camcorder, switch it to VTR (playback) mode.
- Open Final Cut Pro, then choose File > Log and Capture. The Log and Capture window appears. If your device is properly connected, Final Cut Pro displays "VTR OK" at the bottom of this window.
- To view your video on an external monitor, use an appropriate cable to connect the analog video output (S-Video or Composite) on your DV camcorder or deck to your NTSC or PAL video monitor's input.
- To listen to the audio through speakers or an amplifier, use an appropriate cable to connect the analog audio output (stereo RCA) on your DV camcorder or deck to the input of self-powered speakers, an amplifier connected to speakers, or an audio mixer. If your mixer or amplifier has a headphone output, you can also monitor audio through headphones.
- If you prefer to listen to the incoming audio signal through your computer speakers, click the Clip Settings tab in the Log and Capture window and select the Preview checkbox to enable it. This option sends the incoming audio signal to the audio output specified in the Output section of the Sound pane in System Preferences.
- You're now ready to capture.
For more information about capturing video in Final Cut Pro 5, choose Getting Started.pdf from the Help menu in Final Cut Pro 5.
Related document
302337: "Final Cut Pro: Troubleshooting Basics"