Can I import and work on ProRes files in PPro on a PC?

[Tero Ahlfors]

You can import Prores. Adobe is working on native support for that and before that happens you might need this https://support.apple.com/kb/DL2?locale=en_GB

[Duke Sweden]

Thanks, Tero!

[Jeff Pulera]

Hi Duke,

I’ve been using a Ninja 2 for about 3 years or more, editing the ProRes clips with CS6 and CC on my PC and works fantastic. As noted, no ProRes export on PCs.

I use the mid-quality ProRes 422, no need for HQ unless you have a really high-end camera doing TV work. Might even get by with LT, haven’t tried it. Makes big files either way compared to in-camera formats like HDV and AVCHD.

Thanks

Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers

[Duke Sweden]

Hey Jeff! Geez, what else do we both use? You don’t use a Nikon D5500 do you? I doubt it 😉

So with the ProRes 422 output from the Ninja you’re able to color grade without breaking the video file? That was my main reason for getting this. I saw a couple of (admittedly older) articles where they said the Ninja outputs video that is too contrasty and that flat profiles don’t effect it. They were referring to firmware version 2.xx and I know it’s past 4.2x now so has that been fixed?

Sorry, I always seem to bombard you with questions. I’m trying to figure out if the guy included the usb to usb cable for transferring files to the PC. Is that what this uses to transfer files? If he didn’t include it I’ll have to go pick one up or get one on ebay which I really hate to wait another few days to use it.

Cheers!

[Duke Sweden]

Tried to install it and it said I already had a newer version installed.

[Jeff Pulera]

Hi Duke,

No Nikon, you got me there!

Latest firmware for Ninja 2 is the v4.23 and you can check on Ninja info screen to see what is installed.

Not sure what that post meant about a contrasty image. Remember that a lot of these guys are “film” makers living in a stratosphere above regular guys like us. The video I record on Ninja 2 looks great. Now that I think about it, I read a review a couple of years ago where the guy was using a DSLR and complaining about contrast/blacks…turns out later that he needed to change a menu setting inside the camera to change the HDMI output. Something about the difference between outputting 16-235 range versus 0-255…user error!

Ninja comes with a “hard drive dock” which is a little gizmo that the drive attaches to and then the dock attaches to computer with USB 3.0 cable which is part of the dock.

Now, if the used unit you got is an early model, that might have a different dock that has a Firewire connection.

However, you do NOT have to use an Atomos dock at all – the drive will have a standard SATA connector, so really you can use ANY external SATA drive dock, such as those from SIIG, StarTech, ThermalTake, etc. for like $25-35 new.

The Atomos dock has such a short cable, and my older PC only has USB 3.0 at the rear, so I have to climb under the desk and fight to connect it back there in the dark, and then it just dangles…maybe I should buy a SATA docking station myself!!!

You will find that by recording to ProRes, your keying will be cleaner since it is 4:2:2 rather than 4:2:0, plus less compression overall.

Thanks

Jeff

Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers

[Duke Sweden]

Thanks for the info, Jeff. Yeah, this guy suddenly stopped responding to my emails. If he doesn’t come clean soon he’s gonna find out just how fast I can turn ugly. I don’t want to have to go buy additional stuff. A usb to usb, fine, that’s only 5 bucks at Walmart. But you’re saying I can just disconnect a SATA connector from my second HDD and connect it to the SSD (it comes with a 240g SSD, more than enough space for my minute masterpieces)?

If not this guy is gonna feel the wrath of Duke!

[Jeff Pulera]

There’s no USB cable that will help you out, you need SATA to USB 3.0 basically. Yes you can open the computer and physically plug the drive into an available SATA connector, but am not recommending that, what a pain! Get an external SATA Docking Station with USB 3.0 interface if need be.

Thanks

Jeff

[Duke Sweden]

I ended up getting a USB to SATA connector for 4 bucks. It’s USB 2.0. I know that’s slower than 3.0 but will it work? I’m tired of playing musical chairs with West Coast dick. Just finished tearing him a new one, too. Anyway, USB 2.0 will work? This is the one I bought
https://www.ebay.com/itm/161768850094?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

[Jeff Pulera]

It should allow you to transfer the footage to the editing drive inside your computer…s..l..o..w..l..y.

Remember, ProRes makes BIG files.

As for editing directly off the Ninja drive, USB 2.0 is likely too slow for that.

Thanks

Jeff Pulera
Safe Harbor Computers