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G5 + MacPro + Sony Z1 + Sony EX3
Hi there,
I need some help in figuring somethings out in my soon-to-be new workflow.I work with a G5 Quad and a Sony Z1 + Sony HDV deck, soon I will be upgrading for a new MacPro and a Sony Ex3 (Still not sure but it will be probably that).
What I want is to be able to use both cameras and both computers in the same workflow.
Probably the G5 will be dedicated to capturing and reviewing footage while the MacPro will be the main editing station.So I guess I will be capturing and editing in Apple ProRes and my final products are HD videos. (what codec and where they will be shown can vary from one video to another so I need to be flexible).
I cant spend much more so what Im thinking is getting a Capturing Card for the G5 and leaving the Macpro without one for now.
My Questions:
Do I really need a capture card to capture the Z1 footage into Apple ProRes or can I do it directly by the FW with my deck?
If so, which capture card are: The Best, the Cheap, the Inbetween?Is it a good idea to have this workflow or would you guys recommend any other way of using this set up? Or any other setup btw…
Can the G5 work with the EX3 footage without converting to Apple ProRes? Is it a good idea?
Or is it better to work ProRes all the way?
Will I need a server to connect everything or a simple network will do?Sorry if I sound a bit out-of-date, it’s just because I actually am out-of-date, been working with this workflow for a long time and it has been working great that I havent been keeping up with new material. lol
Txs a lot for the help to come!
Lucas Barros
http://www.flickr.com/capangadocapetaMacbook Pro
2.5Ghz IC2D
2Gb Ram
200Gb-7200rpm HD
NVidia GeForce 8600M GT -
3 Replies
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The only hitch in having the G5 working for you is that it won’t be running FCP 7+… I’m pretty sure you can capture HDV through FW with it as ProRes, no capture card needed. Project files created on the G5 will open on your new machine, but they will not open back on the G5 once saved on the new machine. But that too isn’t really a problem as long as you know about that.
When you’re looking to upgrade your camera though, I’d really suggest a very strong look at AJA’s Ki Pro.. it records to ProRes directly from the video out (sdi, or HDMI or component analog) while you shoot to a removable firewire drive. Saves a lot of time, and just as important, it records better video than most any camera can record under a ton of dough.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski. My Blog: https://blogs.creativecow.net/Jerry-Hofmann
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX Cinema Displays
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Txs a lot for the reply Jerry.
For now I will be running FCP 6.0.6 in both machines, so I guess I wont be having much of that problem.
The only problem now is how to convert the EX3 codec to ProRes.
Should I get a capture card or do it by software?
I was just having a look at AJA web page and KiPro really looks amazing.
Although it’s a bit out of my budget for now it’s surely on my plans for the future.
What about not converting and mixing the EX3 codec and ProRes in the same timeline?
(I personally don’t like that, but one never knows…)Txs again for the help and I will keep searching for the “perfect set up” lol
Lucas Barros
http://www.flickr.com/capangadocapetaMacbook Pro
2.5Ghz IC2D
2Gb Ram
200Gb-7200rpm HD
NVidia GeForce 8600M GT -
https://www.servicesplus.sel.sony.com/sony-software-model-PDZKP1.aspx has the sofware for import into either machine.
You’ll end up with XDCAM. I’d experiment with mixing this in a ProRes sequence if you’re going to mix it with ProRes from say the HDV camera. You can use compressor to transcode the XDCAM if you want, but don’t think it would look any better than just rendering it in the sequence, but it will require less overhead to play it. Otherwise you can render an XDCAM sequence to prores too. Renders are faster I’ll bet.
Jerry
Apple Certified Trainer, Producer, Writer, Director Editor, Gun for Hire and other things. I ski. My Blog: https://blogs.creativecow.net/Jerry-Hofmann
8-Core 3.0 Intel Mac Pro, Dual 2 gig G5, AJA Kona SD, AJA Kona 2, Huge Systems Array UL3D, AJA Io HD, 17″ MBP, Matrox MXO2 with MAX Cinema Displays
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