XDCAM transfer to ProRes

[Andy Mees]

Ken
There is no direct transcode on import option but you can do it in a round about fashion by setting up a compressor action to work on the import folder … seem to recall folks saying you lose timecode that way tho (?)
Andy

[Ken Slater]

Thanks Andy,
I’ll try that, but I guess the issue is – The Sony transfer software converts the XDCAM mp4 into a .mov – does that quicktime still have long gop HDV issues or is it as good as Pro Res HQ?

kn

[Andy Mees]

Ken
Its just a rewrap where the actual video content (the essence) is moved from an MXF or MP4 wrapper to a MOV wrapper .. this is the same for both the Sony XDCAM Transfer software and the Sony XDCAM EX Log & Transfer plugin. No transcode, just a rewrap, like taking a tuna sandwich out of a sandwich bag and putting it in a tupperware container instead … its still the same sandwich.

Cheers
Andy

(Note: No actual sandwiches were harmed in the making of this post)

[Ken Slater]

Andy
That’s good to know. And tuna is a good choice because no matter what HDV, I mean tuna, is wrapped in it can start to smell.

I tested Media 100HD software and it does transcode XDCAM to whatever you have it set for including Pro Res (since it can’t edit native HDV) so if I think there will be a problem I will transfer my clips that way and import to FCP. (losing any metadata however)

Thanks for your help!
Ken

[Matt Campbell]

Andy, been doing a little research and this appears to be a work around. Your thoughts?

Import the XDCAM EX footage via log and transfer, then use Batch Export, change settings to ProRes 422 matching frame rate and size, making self contained files and Use Item In/Out. Export files and boom, you have your ProRes files with original metadata. I’ve but these side by side in my FCP browser and it looks like all the OG timecode has been maintain. So I’m guessing you would then be able to generate a proper EDL from the edit with the ProRes files, correct? And I’m assuming that this method transcodes properly from the XDCAM interframe codec to ProRes Intraframe codec not just a rewrap.

If you use Compressor, and that does eliminate timecode like you said, thus eliminating all the metadata with it. So the XD clip that started at 1:10 and ended 1:20, now starts at 0:00 and ends at :10? Is that right or am I mixed up.

I’m hoping this method works because we’re working on an edit with other material and its all been transcoded to ProRes and finished. Now we have this XDCAM footage and want to make sure it gets trancoded properly.

Thoughts?

OS 10.6.7, Mac Pro 2 x 3 ghz quad-core intel xenon, 4 gb ram and AJA IoHD

[Jonny Henson]

Hi, this isnt directly related but im having thoughts on transferring XDCAM footage into FCP. With other footage I know transferring via UBS/Firewire instantly downgrades the footage to DV quality. While you may export the finished product after post as HD 422 Pro Res or something along those lines, the footage as still gone through several stages of compression. Therefore im wondering is there a big advantage to capturing the footage from an EX1 via the HD-SDI port using log and transfer? Specifically is it is better than my current method of USB-XD capture facility in FCP from the SxS cards in the camera. Its my understanding going from the SDI port will then captures the footage at 422 colour space and at Pro Res if you so choose?

Which method is better, if any? Would really appreciate some input.

Cheers