If you are shooting in widescreen:

Open up Final Cut Pro. Click on FINAL CUT PRO and from that drop down menu click "Easy Setup". A window will appear with options. It says "Setup For:" and on the right of that is a drop down tab. You may need to check the box on the right of that to display all the settings. Click the drop down box, and change it to DV NTSC Anamorphic (If you are using NTSC and not PAL?;)?). Then click the button that reads "Setup". The window will go away. Click File>New Project. A new project will come up with the anamorphic setting configured. Click File>Log and Capture. The capture window will come up. Make sure your camcorder is connected to your computer and is turned on in VTR mode. Cue your tape to the moment right before you would like to record. Hit "Recored Now". Press play on your camcorder, and let it capture your video. When you want to stop your capture, press ESC on your Apple keyboard. Your captured video will be displayed in the project bin. But wait! Don't go dragging it into the timeline just yet. First select the file. Click Edit>Item Properties. A window will be displayed with many options. On the column that reads "Anamorphic", click the column next to it, so a check mark is displayed ( ) Click OK. Now, drag your video into the timeline and you are ready to edit your widescreen footage. If you have any questions, just ask.

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When the script writing is done, the work has just begun. When the filming is done, the work has just begun. When post-production is done, the work has just begun. When the distribution is done, you decide if the work is done.

that didnt work. something about not being able to find the movie deck or something. i tried NTSC and PAL

The greatest use for life is working for something that outlasts it. -Old Union Reminder

disregard last post. i have figured it out. thank you.

The greatest use for life is working for something that outlasts it. -Old Union Reminder

okay. i got the log and capture preview to work and i got it to start capturing video. but then i keep getting this error.

you can find a picture of the error here:
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=4v45jt1

here is a screenshot:
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=4lil8i9

if you know what may be causing this or how i can prevent this please help me out.

The greatest use for life is working for something that outlasts it. -Old Union Reminder

When does the problem occur? At the end of the capture?

If you are capturing from a camcorder, is it on the list of compatible camcorder for FCP?

If you could answer these questions for me, I may be able to better understand your problem with FCP.

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When the script writing is done, the work has just begun. When the filming is done, the work has just begun. When post-production is done, the work has just begun. When the distribution is done, you decide if the work is done.

this problem occurs while capturing video from my mini DV camcorder.

where can i find a list of compatible camcorders?

The greatest use for life is working for something that outlasts it. -Old Union Reminder

One more question: When during the capture? Just during a randomn spot? Is it the same randomn spot everytime?

You can see the list on Apple's website under Final Cut Studio. If you are using a different version of Final Cut Studio other than the one they have displayed there, you may have to contact apple or ask a question on their forums.

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When the script writing is done, the work has just begun. When the filming is done, the work has just begun. When post-production is done, the work has just begun. When the distribution is done, you decide if the work is done.

no it does it every couple seconds in random spots.

however, i do not see my camera on the list of the apple website. why would that be a problem if it supports my camera if it supports the camera's format type?

however, since it is not listed as compatible with my camera what other programs can i try to capture the video with that will let me capture it in widescreen withouth letterboxing it?

The greatest use for life is working for something that outlasts it. -Old Union Reminder

For a Mac, I really don't know, but I think Premiere can do it on a PC. Or you can wait for Premiere Pro CS3 to come out for the Mac, if it isn't out already.

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When the script writing is done, the work has just begun. When the filming is done, the work has just begun. When post-production is done, the work has just begun. When the distribution is done, you decide if the work is done.