MacVideo Forums

Hi

REALLY hoping you guys can help cause I've been searching for the answer for HOURS!

First my specs:
iMac (mid 2011)
2.5Ghz Intel Core i5
Mac OS X Lion 10.7.3
4 GB 1333 MHz DDR3 Memory
Using FCP 5.14 and iMovie 6.0.3
Cameras Sony Z1 and Panasonic HDC-SD60


Earlier this year my iMac died so I had to upgrade to the one listed above. The problem in doing so was that my version of FCP would not work on the new system (at least apple weren't 'sure' it would...not reassuring). So I had to initially boot up the new iMac with my old hard drive attached and copy across all the files in order to keep it loaded at the earlier OS upon which FCP would work. I can't afford to pay £200 to upgrade my FCP and this would also cause issues on another mac I use from time to time which is a 2006 model.

I have a few different issues that I fully admit I'm probably being stupid about but I've been trying to sort it all day. These are:

1) How do I import AVCHD files to FCP 5.14. It won't let me do it automatically and there is no 'log and transfer' option on my version of FCP. I've tried using handbrake but I can't figure out what settings to use in order to maintain the highest quality and not have 3hours of rendering in FCP.

2) I have been given some Mp4 footage that imports in but will take 3 hours to render (45 mins worth of footage). Is there a way to convert this to use in FCP without rendering for so long but maintaining HD quality? I've tried compressor and iMovie but I can't figure out the settings.

3) I have a sony z1 and can import footage off the tape in log and capture on FCP. However, it only seems to want to import it at DV-PAL 720x576. What do I need to set up/change to import at HD 1080?

PLEASE help I'm so lost on this.

THANK YOU