Chroma Keyer comparisons

First time poster here.

I use the (chroma) keyer in FCPX and I also have the PHYX Keyer suite. Typically, I find the FCPX keyer to be very good although sometimes the PHYX keyer allows a little more flexibility in extracting a good matte from iffy or poorly-lit green screen shots. As we know, the success of green screen shots in post begins in the photography and lighting stage.

I know that there are several keying options out there (Boris, etc.) so does anyone have any thoughts/opinions or experience about using FCPX built-in keyer vs. the other plugins out there?

It really depends on what your goals are.

If you just want a clean key to put a spokesperson in front of a graphic background (and the footage was shot properly) then FCPX or similar programs should be just fine. If you are doing VFX (i.e. digital set extension, 3D motion tracked background), have problem footage or are really trying to make the subject be in the background environment (i.e. background light wrap, etc) then you'll be better off with true compositing software like Nuke, Shake, Fusion, and the like. After Effects (with plug ins) is a really good middle ground but can be more tricky in some cases than the node-based compositors.

---> Jarrod

Thanks for the kind reply, Jarrod. Yes, of course any of the dedicated VFX tools you mentioned (Nuke, etc.) are designed to accomplish those more sophisticated keying tasks better than an NLE could - FCPX included. I was just wondering if there was any consensus among users about which FCPX-specific (internal or plugin) keyers they liked.

Hi thinkfilm, welcome to the forums.
I am very impressed by the keyer in FCPX. YMMV but I rarely use anything else.
Lots of internet help out there to get the most out of FCPX like this by Steve Martin…
Like to be able to stay in the same program. Pretty powerful green screen built in.
Hope this helps, Greg

Thanks, Greg. I've seen that keying video - those Ripple folks are very helpful.

And I agree with you - it's pretty cool what FCPX offers in keying internally and with plugins like TrackX/SliceX, etc.) for composting work. As Jarrod mentioned there is VFX work on my films that requires other tools with more firepower - but it's still kinda nice to stay inside FCPX when you can.

Yep mileage may vary. Just wanted to make sure you knew about the power hidden in FCPX, not just simple default effect.

There are some areas of FCPX that can use improvement. Motion tracking and 3D come to mind.
For those reasons and interests in CGI, I'm learning to use Blender. Amazing program. Will take some time to get proficient in it.

Happy editing, Greg

I've thought about taking Blender out for a spin - your email and example may just be my motivation to do that.
Look like they have enough tutorials on their site to help get started.

Thanks again, Greg.

Look in to mObject from MotionVFX, I use it almost daily now. I do some small 3D work in Modo, and mObject is awesome.

For motion tracking, there's SliceX and TrackX, which can't be beat.

Thanks, BenB. As you said, SliceX/TrackX are the best - and looks like CoreMelt will be updating them shortly too. I have a bunch of MotionVFX templates and a few of their plugins - I was thinking about picking up mObject too. Have you have any experience with the 3-D tools from Pixel Film Studios?

I don't touch their stuff, I'm very happy with the quality, originality, and support I get from MotionVFX.