Can FCPX transcode in 422 HQ?

Apple Final Cut Pro

Can FCPX transcode in 422 HQ?

Posted by Mike Benson on February 15, 2012 at 2:51 pm

First time poster here.

I just updated to the latest FCPX 10.0.3, and figured with all the updates I’d give it another shot. But before I begin using it again, I wanted to know if I could transcode raw AVCHD files into ProRes 422 HQ.

I’m shooting on a Panasonic AF100, and I know FCP 7’s Log and Transfer has HQ, LT, Proxy, but I couldn’t seem to find anything other than standard 422 and proxy in FCP X.

Perhaps I’m also asking the wrong question. Maybe I should be asking: if shooting with an AF100, is it even worth editing in 422 HQ? I began to do it in FCP 7 because I felt I got better color correction results with the higher quality media, but this was only tested with my eyes, not any formal way…

Thanks in advance for any help.

Mike
https://mbedit.com

Mike Benson replied 14 years, 3 months ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
3 Replies

Olof Ekbergh
February 15, 2012 at 5:52 pm

I don’t see a need for HQ for native AF100 or even when using the NanoFlash at 100mb/s.

I use ProRes422 for all my footage. I think only real high end compositing or footage from cameras that are 10 or more bit cams call for HQ.

So in my experience 422 is just fine.

Olof Ekbergh
Geoff Addis
February 15, 2012 at 9:13 pm

My understanding is that FCP X’s file conversion is to ProRes 422, not ProRes 422LT. I totally agree with Olaf, but interestingly I have found that AVCHD from an AF101, when converted by FCP X, does not play back well on an external monitor connected via a BM Intensity Pro when the Best Quality setting in FC P X preferences is chosen – it drops frames. However, ProRes 422 originated on a Samurai recorder plays back fine under the Best Quality preference! The 422 colour of the Samurai is definately a bonus when it comes to grading and it also seems to improve perceived resolution, in practice it doesn’t.
Mike Benson
February 15, 2012 at 10:17 pm

Thanks for the input. I continued to dig around some more and found this in the FCP 7 manual describing the difference between 422 and 422 HQ: https://documentation.apple.com/en/finalcutpro/professionalformatsandworkflows/index.html#chapter=10%26section=2

I also came across this forum, which seemed to answer the question “Is 422 HQ even worth using?” https://www.lafcpug.org/phorum/read.php?1,266774,266775

For me, higher quality means that’s the one I should use. Though, it doesn’t look like FCP X transcodes in HQ, just normal 422 or 422 proxy.

Anyone else want to weigh in?

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