convert H.264 to use with Final Cut Express. Streamclip problem

[robinhall]

Hi - I just bought a Kodak zi8 HD mini camcorder. It saves files in H.264. I have a mac and want to use Final Cut Express. I know I need to convert the files to another format for FCE to edit.

I read an article about converting in MPEG Streamclip exporting as Quicktime/Apple Intermediate Codec at 100% quality. This worked GREAT (very fast too) for movies that didn't have much movement. Then I tried it with a movie I shot from a moving car and the resulting converted footage was VERY choppy.

I shot the movie clip on 720/60fps setting. Has anyone any ideas on what I can do or what setting in Streamclip will help and will retain max quality. Or is there any OTHER way to convert H.264 720/60fps clips for FCE. Thanks.

[robinhall]

Hi - don't worry I found the answer. Open the H.264 clip in MPEG Streamclip. Edit>fix timecode breaks - File>Export to Other Formats. choose Quicktime Movie - then Options - Apple Intermediate Codec - Settings - frame rate 59.94 - HDV 720p. then click Adjustments in the final window if you want to edit the clip in any way. and that's it - SMOOTH video!