EX1/Vegas Workflow...

[r]Evolution wrote on 2/18/2009, 3:24 PM
I just got GreenScreen clips from an EX1 via Sony's XDCam EX Clip Browser... but every time I export anything.. the Talent looks 'squished' horizontally. (

- I have tried setting Project Properties to match the EX1 clips then outputting to NTSC DV.
- I have also tried setting Project Properties to NTSC DV and the EX1 clips to NOT Maintain Aspect Ratio.

What should the Properties & Aspect Ratio be for my Project &/or HD EX1 Clips to keep my talent from getting 'squished'?

-- The Preview During Render looks good but the Output is always 'squished'.

All help & input is greatly appreciated.

Comments

farss wrote on 2/18/2009, 5:15 PM
The EX1 is a HD only camera, it will not shoot 4:3.

You can use the Event Pan/Crop to cutout a 4:3 frame for SD 4:3. This gives you the added advantage of being able to pan the cutout to adjust your framing.

Bob.
PerroneFord wrote on 2/18/2009, 5:31 PM
You need to outline how you are exporting. Matching your project properties to the footage is just fine. If you want to output in 4:3, then render to square pixel 720x406. This will letterbox the footage, and no squishing will occur.

The previous poster is incorrect. The EX1 will output 4:3, and do it by several methods, BUT it will not record 4:3 to it's cards.
farss wrote on 2/18/2009, 5:37 PM
What part of "shoot" did you miss :)

Bob.
Serena wrote on 2/18/2009, 6:22 PM
The poster said the clips are already in Vegas, so the camera is out of the loop. Do as farss said: use pan & crop.
PerroneFord wrote on 2/18/2009, 6:41 PM
Letterboxing the footage has nothing to do with whether the footage is on the timeline or not. You don't have to use Pan and Crop unless you just WANT to.
PeterWright wrote on 2/18/2009, 6:51 PM
If you don't use Pan/Crop, how does Vegas know which part of the 16:9 frame to use as a 4:3 output?
farss wrote on 2/18/2009, 7:10 PM
Exactly!

Sync wants to produce a 4:3 DVD, not a 4:3 DVD with 16:9 letterboxed. You simply have to crop the sides off the 16:9 frame to get to 4:3.

The other issue that would be significant for chroma keying is workflow. From what I can determine Vegas weaves it's magic at the project settings. Therefore doing the CK in a 16:9 HD project might yield significantly better data to the chroma keyer than if done in a 4:3 SD project.

Bob.
Serena wrote on 2/18/2009, 7:10 PM
It seems logical to assume that if the output is required in 4:3, then the intention is that the image is 4:3. However if one wants a letterboxed image then of course that can be rendered. But then the original poster would have done that if that had been the requirement.
PerroneFord wrote on 2/18/2009, 7:18 PM
Ok,

Well I didn't want to assume that because I didn't read that letterbox was unacceptable. But if it HAS to be full-screen, then yes Pan/Crop is the way.
[r]Evolution wrote on 2/19/2009, 3:31 PM
I do NOT want Letterbox! - I need to deliver 4:3 video.

summary
- Project = NTSC DV
- Pan/Crop EX1 footage to 4:3 to match Project

observation
- This was my original workflow and he kept coming out 'Squished/Skinny' after Render.

question(s)
- Should I keep the EX1 footage 'Maintain Aspect Ratio'?
farss wrote on 2/19/2009, 11:31 PM
I just tested this for you and it works fine using your workflow.
Yes, you should keep the source footage at the correct Aspect Ratio. When you open the Event Pan/Crop window you should see 16:9 with the crop selection as 4:3.
If not check that Vegas is seeing the correct AR for the source footage by RClick the media and checking the aspect ratio.

Bob.