Syncing Dual System Audio in Final Cut Pro from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

The main problem with today’s HDSLR cameras is the poor quality audio they capture. This is a small obstacle to overcome with the super-affordable, high quality-audio-capturing Zoom H1
. The problem then becomes syncing the two sources in post production.

Assuming you’ve used a slate or hand clap to give a solid point to align the two audio waveforms, the method I describe here is basically broken into three parts:

1. Mark an In point on the precise subframe for both audio only and video by shift dragging and releasing the playhead to achieve subframe editing.
2. Align all video and audio In points in separate tracks in the Timeline then delete the unwanted audio tracks and link the remaining video and audio (Command-L or Modify > Link).
3. Drag the newly linked video and audio into an organized bin in the Browser to create a new master clip that will keep the linkage you’ve just defined.

I find it to be a relatively fast process -- as long as I’m not making a screencast about it while I’m doing it. ;-) Eventually I might find myself syncing dual system audio enough to justify the purchase of PluralEyes. As it is now, I kind of enjoy the marking, linking, and organizing process.

Tags: fcp, audio, Zoom H1, editing, screencast

Browser Basics - Final Cut Pro Screencast from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

The least exciting area of the Final Cut Pro interface is the lowly Browser. Everyone knows the basics, but did you know ⌘4 is the keyboard shortcut to make it the active window?

Did you know you can cycle through view options with ⇧H and you can copy a clip from one bin to another by Option-dragging or by using the keyboard shortcut ⌥D?More...

Tags: fcp, apple, software, screencast

I’m still trying to find the perfect workflow that fits the bulk of the editing I do on a regular basis. As unexciting as it is to admit, that editing job is simply taking footage from my Canon T2i and turning it into, well...a home movie.

A perfect workflow scenario for me would look something like this:More...

Tags: fcp, video, audio, apple

My impressions of the Zoom H1: I like the size, but it does feel a little flimsy. It’s 100% plastic, which doesn’t bode well for its durability. I discuss that and more, with some audio samples included at the end. Visit the Vimeo page for more information. Overall impression: if you need a portable recorder, and you can take care of this, it’s probably the best bang for your buck. Go ahead and get it.

A Look at the Zoom H1 Recorder from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

Tags: T2i, Zoom H1, canon, hdslr, fcp, audio

I was excited to pick up the Canon T2i over the summer. It immediately became a favorite toy and must-have item whenever I was out and about with the family.

Just before our family vacation, I ordered and received the LCDVF 3:2, a device touted by many HDSLR video shooters as the first accessory one should add to your camera to improve ease of focus.

I made a video giving some first impressions and offering some advice on how to get the perfect fit for the mounting frame. While I wait patiently for the Zoom H1 Handy Recorder -- my next must-have item (because, the must-have items never stop) -- I’ll post a link to the LCDVF video here, and plan to make one for the H1 when it comes in later this week.

First Thoughts on LCDVF for T2i from Shawn Harrel on Vimeo.

Tags: fcp, T2i, 550d, canon, LCDVF, vimeo