How do I import footage shot on a Sony XE 1

[Rafael Amador]

Hi Rory,
The files in the EX-1 SS cards can not be read directly by QT.
You need the SONY Transfer software o convert then in .mov ready for FC.
This process is very fast. Normally download-rewrap of one hour footage it takes only some 8-10 minutes.
Once you have the .mov, they are ready to bring directly to FC and work with them with the full size and quality. There is no much difference cutting EX-1 footage than DV.
Is possible that that your crew have convert them to .mov and put in the HDs, but is also possible that they have just copied the files from the SS-Express cards to the HDs without converting.
In this case BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT CHANGING ANY THING IN THOSE FILES or you can get in a very big mess. If the files are as it comes from the SS card then you will need to run the Transfer software for the conversion.
If you have more questions you can ask in the “SONY CineAlta Forum” too.
Cheers,
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com

[Rory Keenan]

Thanks for your input Rafael

I believe the crew will just copy the footage on to hard drive.
That means no converting to to .mov
I will get whatever format the camera records.

What I need to know is specifics.
What software to use (what is it’s name, where specifically do I get it)?

Do these files come in under log & Transfer?
I went to Sony’s web site. . . . . I downloaded a plug-in for Final-Cut.
It looked like it’s purpose was to allow you to take files shot on a Sony EX 1 camera, then create and import media through the “Log & Transfer” tool.
It is called: “Log and Transfer Utility for MAC Version 1.00”

If that is the case I’m psyched, because I’m used to using the Log&Transfer tool.

BUT, I’m not sure if that’s the way it works . . . . Do you or anyone have any knowlage of importing EX 1 footage through Log&Transfer? . . . Is it possible?

Or do I use a completely seperate software application to convert these in to .mov then do an “Import command”? . . . . . and if I do “Import” do I need to change codec (“unwrap”) before or after the import? . . . and if so what codec do I “re-wrap” it in?

Any help would be appreciated
Thanks

[Andy Mees]

>It is called: “Log and Transfer Utility for MAC Version 1.00” … If that is the case I’m psyched, because I’m used to using the Log&Transfer tool.

Yes. This is allows you to use Apple’s built in Log and Transfer interface to select and transfer your media from the EX1. The files are rewrapped as quicktime movies during the transfer process but the essence (the image data) is not changed.

First though, if you’ve not already done so, you need to install the SxS driver so that the card media can be mounted to your hard disc / recognized by your computer.

You’re also recommended to use Sony’s own XDCAM Transfer application for the Log and Transfer process to FCP … its very easy to use and far more flexible and capable a tool than FCP’s L&T interface. It would be worth the trouble getting to know it if you expect to work with more XDCAM footage in the future.

You can download the SxS Diver here
The XDCAM Transfer app here
and there is a workflow overview here

[Rafael Amador]

I guess the Log&Transfer tool is mostly needed for disc based XDCAM, isn’t it Andy?
I work with the SONY Transfer (2.7.0).
You can use it from inside FC or as a stand alone application. In FC you just import.
The process to re-wrapping the picture is something automatic when you hit “Import”. You don’t have to worry about there are not options. You get a .mov with EX-1 codec. There is no re-encoding, the same audio and picture information is packaged in a different way so no lose at all.
In the links added by Andy you have everything needed.
Cheers,
rafael

http://www.nagavideo.com