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Importing Footage In iMovie VS. FCP

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If i import HD footage from my HDRSR12 Camcorder, will imovie's import result in lower quality footage than if I imported using FCP?
 
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Should be the same. Both are QuickTime based, using the same QT engines. There are some tricks you can use in FCP to maintain quality, but there's much more to learn to get to that level in FCP, compared to iMovie. But basically, in a very straight forward, simple workflow, you should have the same in both. More important question is, what is your final output going to be?
 
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If i import HD footage from my HDRSR12 Camcorder, will imovie's import result in lower quality footage than if I imported using FCP?

You will not see a difference in image quality in the import from the camcorder. It records in AVCHD format, so therefore, as long as your originating footage is 1920x1080, the import will not differ. Just remember that depending on bitrate for your original footage, it may take longer to import (at higher bitrates). It will be faster and easier to import in iMovie 08/09, as a general rule. Of course, if you want a deeper repertoire of transitions and effects, then import to iMovie 08/09, then select it all for a project (don't edit), and then export as XML (for FCE/FCP). Then when you get it into FCP, you have tons of versatility for your editing, creativity, and mastering.

Cheers!
 
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Should be the same. Both are QuickTime based, using the same QT engines.
Apple has messed up interlaced DV in iMove 08 & 09. See this Apple discussion. The point being that you can't rely that Apple is using those common tools in the same way.
 

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