Work Flow Query

Hi - this is my first time to edit anything longer than a minute on FCPX and I wanted some advice on some really basic technical settings. I've shot with a 5DmkII (on PAL 1920 x 1080). Which settings should I use to import the footage?

In terms of quality needs: the video will be primarily watched on laptops with a DVD, or online. But it will also be screened once or twice with a small projector. Keeping the exported file down to a reasonable size would be great, but not essential.

I also have a few shots from an iPhone 6. I'm aware it's not stylistically ideal to mix the footage, but that's just what I have to work with. How should I import this footage to make sure the aspect ratio and other settings all match the 5DmkII footage?

Thank you so much for your help!

iPhone 6 takes really nice video. Don't sweat that.

What are your hardware specs. Normally you'll ingest and edit with native clips (normally don't optimize) and not bother with DVD until export. Edit native HD. Then for SD DVD create an SD Project. Copy/paste from the HD to the SD timeline. Adjust anything that may need it. Burn a DVD. Pretty straight forward.

Thanks! So I'm just importing the media using the default import settings and allowing the Project to copy the settings of the first clip (from the 5dmkii - so it will be 1920 x 1080 at 23.98p) and then when I add the iPhone footage in it will adjust automatically to match?

I'm using a 1TB Thunderbolt external hard drive.

Is there any particular reason why you suggest copying the sequence into an SD timeline before exporting to DVD? I've not seen a need to do it, and if anything it adds complexity.

while not necessary, the extra step forces everyone involved in the production to realize the show is now going to 4x3 at standard definition and to make the necessary creative choices and changes for letter boxing, pillar boxing, scaling. It also diminishes the number of "Why does our lovely HD look so bad?" questions.

Ah, I think I understand my confusion now. The DVDs that I've been making are all 16:9 anamarophic, so there is no
Need to reformat for 4:3

If you don't mind the letterboxing, don't bother. But if you want to fill the screen standard SD svreen, titles and such may be outside of acceptable boundaries. I'd prefer you do 16:9 SD, don't bother. Quality Assuance.