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Clarification on ProRes Codec for HD project
Helly everyone
I checked the FAQ first before posting here, although I’m sure someone has posted something similar to this issue, so if you want to redirect me there, that’s fine, or answer me directly if it’s simple enough.
I need clarification on the Apple ProRes codec. I have raw footage for a feature length documentary shot in Sony EX-3 (XDCAM EX), HDV and Standard Definition in the time-line (as well as high-res [4K] digital still). It was suggested that I get out of the GOP format and edit in Apple Pro Res to be able to cut in i-frame, but I do not plan to do any intense layering or AE effects for this project (most, if not all the footage will reside on a master video track).
Per suggestion, I set the sequence preset to the correct Apple ProRes format for the HD footage. I also changed the Sequence Settings for rendering to Apple ProRes per suggestion.
My question is this: Is it necessary for me to send everything to Compressor (I can’t afford the hardware) and transfer to Apple ProRes if I can already smoothly edit everything as it is in Final Cut? Can’t I export the final time-line to a master QT and then possibly transfer to Apple ProRes so I can color grade in Color? I have been told that the footage needs to be Apple ProRes in order to be able to use Color effectively for the EX-3 footage (XDCAM EX). The EX-3 raw files were transferred to quicktime using XDCam Transfer. The HDV files are of course quicktimes, as are the stand def (DV) stuff.
My other question is this: I am able to view and edit all of these formats in a master Final Cut timeline, however – as the DV footage is 4:3 and 29.97 fps, will I encounter issues later on with motion? Everything else is 16:9 and 24p, and although the aspect ratio doesn’t bother me (the DV will have a vignetted look anyways), the fps issue does.
I know that many editors have dealt with multiple formats (HD and standard) before and were able to work through these issues, but I’m hard pressed for clarity regarding Apple ProRes. Should I transfer just the stand def footage to Apple ProRes?
We shot our last feature on film and thought that HD would be an easier route. Oh, how we were wrong!
Thanks
– Jeffrey
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4 Replies
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[Jeffrey Leiser] “Per suggestion, I set the sequence preset to the correct Apple ProRes format for the HD footage. I also changed the Sequence Settings for rendering to Apple ProRes per suggestion.”
You leave the sequence as XDcam, but have it render as ProRes in the render control.
Sean
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Dear Jeff
I’ve finished two feature length doccies in the last few months with very similar source footage (a mix of xdcam, hdv and dv).
My solution would be to do your offline the way you’ve described (with the mixed formats) and then to online in Prores.
For example:
My suggestion for the offline is create an Easy Setup (prores or prores HQ 1920×1080) and if your machine can handle it, do your offline in this master sequence.For the online, Media Manage your locked off-line edit to Prores 1920×1080 and use the new Media Managed project as the basis for the online. This usually fixes all kinds of field order issues with the DV footage and the upscaling and readies your edl for Color.
good luck.
Llewelyn
Llewelyn @ Fireworks
HD for indies post production
http://www.fireworksfilms.co.za8Core 2.8Ghz 10GB RAM with BM Decklink HD Pro, 2TB Raid, 20″ Sony PAL SDI CRT & 19″ Sony HD SDI LCD + 4Core 3Ghz edit 2
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Wow, thanks for the quick response. I will perform these things. I’ll also have to research Media Manager in FCP 6 as I was always wary of FCP 5 Media “Mangler” issues. Is there a link or web tutorial on using Media Manager on Creative COW?
Thanks
p.s. My system is not very advanced – I am editing on a 1st generation Macbook Pro with 1.5 gigs of RAM. It’s handling the files fine currently, but was definitely a factor in wanting to stay with “what works” currently.
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“I’ll also have to research Media Manager in FCP 6 as I was always wary of FCP 5 Media “Mangler” issues.”
Llewelyn’s advice is excellent. Workflow is everything. As for Media Manager, I’ve been using it ever since it was first introduced and have personally *never* had any problems. Most problems are user error. You can certainly mangle things if you tell it to do all the wrong things. Just take your time and carefully check all your settings. If you have the space, use “copy” instead of deleting the original media. Also, pay attention to things like Nests and Speed FX. I’d take everything out of nests before MM’ing and pre-bake your speed fx.
HTH
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