Today we will be learning how to ingest footage from a Mini-DV into Final Cut Pro. The goal is to be able to transfer your video into Final Cut and save it to its proper place without getting frustrated.
First, open up Final Cut Pro. In the top row, click on Final Cut Pro. Click System Settings. In the Scratch Disk window, click set to change where you want the scratch footage to go. Choose your person hard drive.
Next, place your Mini-DV tape into the tape deck. In the options row click on “File” and scroll down to “Log and Capture.” A new screen should take over the middle “preview” screen. It will have an option to capture your footage. Use the rewind and fast forward buttons to cue your tape to where you want to start capturing the footage.
Once your tape is cued, press the play button. You must IMMEDIATELY press “NOW” under the capture options. Your footage will not start transferring until you press that button.
The video will capture in real time so now you’ll play the waiting game. Make sure you have a book, or homework, or some form of entertainment handy.
Once the you log the footage you need, press the escape button to end the capturing. Give Final Cut a minute to process your footage. If all goes well your video should appear in the far left bin, ready for you to edit!
Things to remember…#1 Make sure your scratch disk is set to your personal hard drive. #2 Press the “Now” button as soon as you press play once you have your footage cued. #3 Remember the video will log in real time so bring something to do while you wait.