Workflow Canon C300 SPARSEIMAGE files AMA LINK to AVID

[Michael Phillips]

These are image files created on OS X and need to be mounted first. They are like virtual drives that grow as they copy to them. They are not the same thing as creating a .dmg file which I think is they wanted to do as I have seen that practice being done on set. a .sparseimage is used by Apple Timemachine and thus has different mounting requirements. Perhaps this link will help:
https://neilstyles.com/auto-mounting-your-timemachine-networked-sparse-bundle/

I would ask that they not create sparseimage files. It is not a common practice. Once you’ve mounted the image file, you will need to copy contents out to another drive before you can AMA link to them. This is a case of a DIT trying to be too smart in his/her backup practices. They should either do DMG or use one of the many copying applications designed for on-set copy such as ShotPut Pro:
https://www.imagineproducts.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=2

RedGiant Offload: https://www.redgiant.com/products/offload/

Or even free with Resolve – these products can do sumcheck and reporting as needed. If they are making this a career or freelance job for themselves they should be aware of these tools. They should also be working to the requirements of post when delivering to them.

Michael

[Leire Egana]

Hi Michael,

Thank you for your suggestion. You are completely right. I think I’ve fixed the sparse image issue, but I am still having problems to AMA link the footage on Avid.

I have read in some posts that Canon hasn’t upgraded plug-ins for MC8 version, is this correct? Any clue about what might be the problem?

[Michael Phillips]

HAve you copied the folders from the mounted sparseimage file to another drive first? I am wondering if MC does not see the mounted sparseimage file as a real drive to link to. You can try entering “alldrives 1” into the console to see of that helps.

Michael

[Leire Egana]

I have copied the files into another drive and I have entered what you say in console, but it still says that isn’t able to link and I really have no clues other than starting to consider using another method like importing files or using another software.

[Michael Phillips]

Folder based formats like Canon/Sony/Panasonic that rely on XML and other sidecar/proxy formats can be frustrating to find the right AMA Plug-in as well as the right level to select (no more than 3 folders up) etc.

I find that installing all Canon AMA plug-ins can something help, and not just the one you think you need. Then I go with the the file AMA (not the folder one) and drill down to the actual clip to make sure I have the right plug-in. Once I know which one, then I switch to the folder based AMA plug-in and work my way back up from the clip folder until I find the level it is happy with in the hierarchy.

Not easy, but once you deciphered proper AMA and folder level, the rest is straightforward.

Michael

[Leire Egana]

Hi Michael, thank you very much for getting back to all my messages.
I really appreciate your suggestion but it’s a very unpractical method. Is there any way I can send you one of the folders?

Otherwise, wouldn’t it be easier to work with a software that is a bit more straightforward from the beginning. This has already been quite time consuming.

[Michael Phillips]

I’ll be glad to look at one of the folders. Please zip entire folder contents and send via filemail.com, Wetransfer.com or dropbox to michael[at]24p[dot]com

Michael

[Michael Phillips]

Thanks for sending. I guess I should have asked this beforehand, but Canon has never supported 24.000fps with their AMA plug-in, and still do not. I have no idea what the issue might be and why that cannot be offered, but I sent an email off to my contacts there to see if that was going to change. Since camera manufacture the AMA plug-in, it is a Canon issue, and no Media Composer in this case.

I did open the files just fine in Resolve Lite. You can make QT wrapped versions or MXF native from there if you want. That is free, or you can look into EditReady (USD $49.95) https://www.divergentmedia.com/editready

Sorry for all the hassle… 24.000 is the bastard child in Canon AMA world.

Michael

[Per Scaffidi]

By far the easiest method is to open the files in Canon XF Utility, go to edit>Export MXF. This will rewrap the canon files as MXF files which you can drop into your bin (if I remember correctly).

[Leire Egana]

Hi, thank you both for the suggestions about the rewrapping. I will try and get back if problem persists.
However, I am starting to think that if there is this issue with having shot on 24p-Avid, it might even be a better idea to edit on Premiere or FC… whatever is easier to avoid problems as I am always concerned about not having any issue either when relinking for the grade and all this is being so complicated that it makes me doubt on wether even rewrapping would be safe…

But as said, thank you Michael for having a look at the material and your help to identify the problem, and thank you Per for joining the thread.

Cheers!