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combining mp4 and mpeg2 files with XDCAM for final cut editing
I am working on a project mixing footage I have shot in XDCAM (using a Sony EX1) with archival footage (for example downloadable mp4 archival films from archive.org and material telecined from 16mm. I am trying to figure out the best workflow for working together with all these materials on one timeline. The material I have filmed is XDCAM 720*1280. I am trying to figure out how to convert the archival clips to match. It’s annoying to have to render and re-render these archival clips every time I make a cut or move something, so I guess that means everything should be brought into Final Cut in a standard format. I’ve ben trying to look at settings in MPEG Streamclip, Quicktime Pro, and a software called Wondershare that also does conversions. Should I be exporting everything to XDCAM? Or ProRes? Or Apple HD? What audio settings should I use? I’m confused by too many options and would like to get a consistent workflow figured out for this. Thanks!
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10 Replies
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I would convert everything to ProRes.
Brian
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Including the EX-1 footage? Or just the archival stuff?
What application would you use for converting everything?
What settings exactly?
i am somehow bewildered by the number of menu choices for all of this…
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Unless you are referring to SD there is no “standard format” Your editing base will be what you set in your sequence settings.
FCP does a fairly good job of scaling in the timeline without having to render as long as you have have the codecs installed. Are you using clipbrowser to transcode your XDCamEX footage?
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I would convert everything to ProRes using MPEG Streamclip. What is the native resolution for your mp4 and mpeg2 files?
Just open the footage in MPEG Streamclip and select File>Export to Quicktime
Change the Compression Setting to Apple ProRes422
Slide Quality to 100%
If footage is Progressive, deselect the Interlaced Scaling Box.
Brian
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What are your delivery requirements. It’s sounds like you are in over your head as far as setting up your project settings and editing a project with multiple formats.
If you have time, pull up the manual and read up on how to set up a project. I see all the time where people get into trouble by not setting up their projects correctly and then blame the software for their problems.
good luck
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Don’t bother about the XDCAM footage.
The best option you have to upscale the MP4 are Compressor or Motion. Convert them to Prores.
Then edit Prores and XDCAM together in a Prores sequence.
rafael -
Thank you — that’s helpful. Why do you suggest using compressor or Motion rather than MPEG Streamclip or QT Pro? What’s the difference?
Kris, I am using Import > XDCAM and the XDCAM transfer application to bring in the XDCAM footage. I would use Log and transfer in FCP, but for some reason it’s been crashing my FCP. I know there is no standard format, hence my question. I don’t have delivery parameters — it’s my own project and up to me what format I finish in. So I’d like to choose whatever looks best and can combine on a single timeline without having to render everything. I’ll try ProRes — that will combine on one timeline with XDCAM without rendering?
Also, I am not sure what’s the importance of setting up a project with the right project settings? Since each sequence gets its own settings to match the clips on it, why is it important how the project is set up?
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[irene litapop] “Kris, I am using Import > XDCAM and the XDCAM transfer application to bring in the XDCAM footage. I would use Log and transfer “
L&T doesn’t works for XDCAM. You need the SONY Transfer software.[irene litapop] ” I’ll try ProRes — that will combine on one timeline with XDCAM without rendering?”
Yes they work well together.
Set the sequence as Prores.[irene litapop] “Also, I am not sure what’s the importance of setting up a project with the right project settings? Since each sequence gets its own settings to match the clips on i”
Yes, but FC may miss interprete some times the footage setting. Double check this always.
Working with standards you will avoid problems and will have more RT.
rafael -
Okay. So I already have started an FCP project with XDCAM settings, but it’s early enough that I can make a new project with ProRes settings. Should I do that? How should I configure the ProRes project / sequence settings? I am shooting XDCAM 1280*720 30p, but combining with archival materials of many other formats (that I can convert to ProRes in compressor).
Also, I notice that the default prores settting in compressor wants to keep the framerate and size from the original clip. Is that what I should do? Or should I do things like upresing and framerate coversions (I do have a couple of PAL clips, project overallis NTSC / 30p) in Compressor before I bring these clips into Final Cut? I could probably use compressor to convert everything to 1280*720 30p ahead of time… or just keep the original size and framerate and let the FCP timeline deal with it. Which is better?
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[irene litapop] “Okay. So I already have started an FCP project with XDCAM settings, but it’s early enough that I can make a new project with ProRes settings. “
No.
Just change the sequence codec to Prores (I use Prores HQ).
When you have everything ready for exporting, set “Render all YUV in High Precision”.
rafael
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