[See also: Add Panasonic P2 support on Adobe CS3]

Since this semester we have seen the prevalence of thesis-takers using Canon 5D and 7D SLR’s for film production, there are a few things you need to know about editing film clips from here:

• FALSE: These files can only be opened on Apple computers. Though editing is more often than not an advantage on Apple units, these can be opened, viewed, and edited on PC’s as well.
• By default, Canon uses an H.264 codec (somewhat the same standard on your iPod and PSP videos) under a .MOV container. Its not the most edit-friendly format in the world, but its workable.
• Take note of your video settings, since Canon has different video modes ranging from 720p to full 1080p, among different frame rates. If unsure, consult your cinematographer.

Importing clips to Adobe CS3
Unfortunately, there aren’t video presets for Canon 7D in both CS3 and CS4, so you’ll have to make one yourself. Its easy if you know the technical specifications of the footage. If not, go to VLC (download the latest version here) and play your video. While the clip is playing, go to Tools>Media Information and check the codec details tab. You’ll see information there such as your resolution, the codec, and the frame rate.

If while playing the clip in VLC you notice that the video stutters, it might be because you don’t have Quicktime installed. Quicktime (actually the H.264 codec) is needed to view your clips well, and you can download it here.

Now, the pretty-hard part (the instructions are for CS3 but will work at CS4 as well, with a few differences on where to find the stuff):

• Launch Adobe Premiere
• At the New Project window, go to the Custom Settings tab
• In General, input the following settings:
  • Editing Mode: Desktop
  • Timebase (check your settings at VLC: either 23.976, 29.97, 59.94)
  • Frame size: (either 640×480, 1280×720, or 1920×1080)
  • Pixel Aspect Ratio: Square Pixels 1.0
  • Fields: No Fields (Progressive Scan)
  • Display Format (24 fps timecode – actually, your choice)
  • Audio: 48,000 Hz
• Browse for the location in where your project will be saved
• Type in the name of your project
• Click OK

At this point you should be able to ingest .MOV files in your project already. Remember if you drag it in the timeline and you still see black bands around it (or the image seems to be too big) even if the zoom level is in “fit”, that means you have most likely the wrong resolution.

Other editing tips:

• Use Save As. Its always good to have a new edition of the project every editing session, just in case your director wants/needs yesterday’s version and you find yourself undoing everything you’ve done. Also useful in preventing mistakes you can never revert to, or to prevent corrupted .pproj files.
• As much as possible, do not convert your raw clips to other formats. Use the given format that came with the clip. Converting/encoding reduces quality as there are certain data loss when converting to over formats.
• If your computer cannot handle HD (stuttering, bad playback, Premiere threatening to crash itself), you can opt to re-render your clips to a lower resolution (ex. DV NTSC) but your quality might suffer in exchange for speedier edits.