Shooting Video with a Digital Still Camera (DSLR)

[ This article was first published in the April, 2009, issue of
Larry’s Final Cut Pro Newsletter. Click here to subscribe. ]

John Warner writes (I’m paraphrasing from his letter):

I own the Canon 5D digital still camera. It shoots digital video. How can I use this video in Final Cut Pro?

Larry replies: John, you can do this, but it will be a bit of work.

• Transfer the image file to your computer.
• Using Compressor, convert it from its native RAW format into ProRes 422 HQ.
• Create a ProRes 422 HQ sequence in Final Cut Pro
• Import and edit your footage.

John wrote back:

I assumed that it would require work and be a pain in the rear but I really like the idea of using my Canon glass and getting that really really shallow depth of field.

 

Folks are doing some interesting things:

 

www.usa.canon.com/dlc/controller?act=GetArticleAct&articleID=2327
www.slashgear.com/canon-eos-5d-mark-ii-sample-video-clips-1716575/

 

In my dreams, I would save for the affordable RED consumer camera which debuts later this year but the shoot for next week has been approved and I have to move quickly.

Larry replies: Thanks for writing!