FCP7 / Canon 5D MK II edit/render problems

[Tom Mcafee]

Neil, the Canon plugin list the target format as ProRes 4444 — how does this compare to 422, 422LT etc.? Would i be better off transcoding to 422, and if so, would MPEG stream clip or Compressor be the way to go, or something else?

Also, I am indeed just working on my internal drive on my MB Pro; I’ll move the project over to my external G-drive which I believe is 7200 rpm and see if that helps.

Thanks a lot.

Your name says it all . . .

[Neil Patience]

Canon 5D shoots in 4:2:0 so converting to ProRes 4:2:2 retains all of the data in the original file.
Some DSLR shooters use ProRes LT as the quality is good and the file sizes are not so huge.
I tend to use 442 as it offers a little more quality but still more than retains the original but you are not going to gain anything by using 442 HQ or 4444 except a larger file.

It would be like copying a VHS tape to a broadcast digital format and expecting the picture quality to improve, you simply retain the original but its never going to be better.

4444 (note the extra digit) is designed to support high end files like those used in digital cinema or formats like HDCam SR and graphics files that need an alpha channel, carried by the extra “4”

So using 4444 for DSLR, you are just dragging around huge files for no gain.

Pick a short clip and transcode it to each option – see if you can tell the difference but note the file sizes.

The easiest way to handle the files is to use the Canon plug in, which it sounds like you already have.

Simply use the log and transfer tool – set the preferences to whatever flavour of ProRes you choose and let it batch import all your footage.

One thing to note is that there is a bug in the L&T tool that causes your clips to be truncated if you do anything else on FCP while the process is happening. So once you set it going – go make tea or walk the dog but dont do any FCP work.

You can also use MPeg Streamclip to batch this process or indeed compressor but L&T is easiest and what the Canon plug in is for.

Never a good idea to work with media on your internal drive – they are just not fast enough to deal with it.

Your external will be a good start.

best wishes
Neil
http://www.patience.tv

[Tom Mcafee]

Neil, eureka, switched to 442LT (didn’t realize it was imbedded in the plugin), absolutely lovely, no stutter, problem solved. Wonderful info and advice, many thanks.

[Neil Patience]

Excellent, 422 LT is about 70% of the bandwidth of 422 so you might find that 422 also works without issue. But after that, HQ and 4444 offer you no more on 5D.

best wishes
Neil
http://www.patience.tv