GoPro footage in Final Cut pro

Tuesday Apr 26, 2011 | Permalink | TrackBacks (0)

GoPro cameras are a great way to get action footage, and shots tight quarters. If you are not familiar with GoPro cameras, you should check out the GoPro website. Anyone I have spoke to about their GoPro camera is beyond satisfied. These tiny cameras are able to get shots that ordinary video cameras just can't because of their size. They can get shots like point of view for example that are just great to enhance any project. GoPro cameras can aslo be easily mounted to shoot back at the subject. Recently at the NAB show in Las Vegas I saw footage from GoPro cameras that were mounted to surf boards and bicycles that were capturing incredible shots of the individual performing. GoPro also recently acquired the company Cineform which has developed the most inexpensive 3D solution I have come across.

The GoPro cameras capture media in the H264 format which can be a challenge to edit in Final Cut Pro 7, and previous versions. The most efficient workflow is to convert the files to Apple Pro Res, and edit them in that format. If you go thru the GoPro media, and name all the clips before you convert them, it will allow you to delete the Pro Res clips when you are completed with your project. By archiving the H264 media, you will save considerable storage space. The upcoming release of FCPX is going to drastically change the H264 workflow in Final Cut Pro. Using media from cameras like GoPro should become a much more efficient workflow. We at GeniusDV look forward to teaching that workflow.