[0157988944]

I know Final Cut Pro 6 can handle all the big HD SD filetypes, but can it also handle AVIs or MPEGs from my little digital camera?

[MRTrauffer]

Depends on the codec inside of the AVI. As for MPEGs, you'll most likely need to use MPEG Streamclip to get it to an editable Quicktime format before bringing it into FCP 6.

[0157988944]

Do you know if Final Cut Express is any different?

[MRTrauffer]

I haven't used FC Express in years. But my understanding is that it can handle SD just fine, but can only edit HDV, even then it transcodes to Apple Intermediate Codec.

MPEGs are delivery codecs and aren't the best to edit with, which is why Final Cut doesn't support MPEGs natively on the timeline. Even with Express, you'll need to demux any mpegs. MPEG Streamclip can do this.

[0157988944]

So basically, if I bring in some 320x240 AVIs there's no guarantee that they will work.

Actually, back in the Windows days, I briefly used Sony Vegas. I could bring in the AVIs, but I couldn't see them, only hear them... it'll probably be the same here.

[MRTrauffer]

If you want to, you could send me a test clip and I could give it a try. My AIM info is in my profile.

[0157988944]

PM'd you.

[MRTrauffer]

Got the clip in the email.

FCP 6 will import the clip, however, playback is not realtime on the timeline. iMovie on the other hand worked really well.

[0157988944]

What do you mean "not realtime"? Is it still editable?