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DarkNite Author

Level 1

1 points

Import MPEG-2 files into Final Cut Pro X

This is really a two part question.

I am trying to import MPEG-2 files into Final Cut Pro X. I have the raw files from a Sony Handicam HDR-SR5 as well as raw files from an Sony Handicam MDR-CX560. These files were recorded as MPEG-2 files and copied from the camera hard drives (entire folders were copied containind the MPEG-2 fies) to a local hard drive on my computer.

Final Cut Pro X does not recognize the files and will not import them.

I have tried to use Compressor to conver the fies. I am using the very latest version that touts being able to export to Final Cut X format. I don't see that option anywhere in the settings.

Is there a way to get the files into Final Cut Pro X without having to convert them? It seems a little rediculous that Final Cut Pro can import the files directly from the camera but not from the hard drive.

Posted on Feb 14, 2012 10:15 AM

Best reply

Badunit

Level 7

26,062 points

Posted on Feb 14, 2012 10:57 AM

Are you trying to import them as files or as a camera archive? I suspect you are trying to import files. If FCPX can import them directly from the camera, it is also able to import them from your "camera archive" on your HD. In other words, import them the same way you would from the camera. That is, assuming you copied the entire set of folders and files from your camera to create a real camera archive.

View in context

87 replies

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,088 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:37 AM in response to Jowie

Don't do this. Use MPEG Streamclip and get the file out of MPEG-2.

Jowie

Level 2

222 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:40 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Saying "don't do this" without any explanation doesn't really help. Why shouldn't we do this? I've edited and built a DVD using this system, and it works with no problems.

Are you talking about using MPEG Streamclip for transcoding? If you do that then you are only degrading the quality unnecessarily.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:41 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

@jowie how did you ever stumble upon this anyway?

@tomwolsky does something bad happen to the file if you do this? also were you ever able to find that section in the apple store? i'd love to be able to access that purchase even if it serves very little purpose at this point.

Jowie

Level 2

222 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:46 AM in response to ubernaut

@ubernaut - I originally imported a load of videos from a camcorder and they were in the MOD format. I converted them to .mpeg files using MPEG Streamclip, so I could browse them and organise them in the Finder. Then, when I wished to put them into FCPX, I found they were all greyed out, so I thought I'd have to convert them back. Then I read online that .MOD files and .mpeg files are basically the same content and that you could actually rename the files to MOD and they would work... So I thought I'd give it a go and - hey presto - it did.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:48 AM in response to Jowie

nice one.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,088 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:48 AM in response to Jowie

MPEG-2 is a very heavily compressed and very codec. It works poorly in production and can produce artifacting. Converting to a production codec like DV50 for SD or ProRes will produce much results on output.

Jowie

Level 2

222 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:50 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

But if the video is already in MPEG-2 format, why change it? You can't remove the artefacts that are already there.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:51 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

well wait a sec though any format you bring into fcp x (unless you have set it not to) will be transcoded and analysed automatically so how is this a bad thing the only problem is that fcp doesnt reccognize the format as being readable.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,088 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:52 AM in response to ubernaut

The application is not available from the App Store, only direct download from their web site. Google will find it easily.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,088 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:54 AM in response to Jowie

MOD files are MPEG. You convert to QuickTime for FCP or any Mac production application.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:55 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

i think you're losing me here i was asking about the mpeg2 playback component if you have a link please do share because as of the last time i checked that software purchases page is no longer discoverable.

ubernaut

Level 1

78 points

Jan 12, 2013 9:57 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

so whats exactly wrong with renaming the files so that fcp can see them and do the transcoding itself? or are you saying that this would be bad only if the person had transcoding disabled?

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,088 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:09 AM in response to Jowie

You will compound the artifacting and introduce more by working with this format. The codec compresses across 15 frame groups GOPs. This can create weird little artifacts when the video recompresses, especially during transitions and titles. But whatever. If you're happy with it; I wouldn't recommend it for other users.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,088 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:13 AM in response to ubernaut

I don't known what page you're talking about. There is a link for the playback clone my on the squared 5 download page.

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,088 points

Jan 12, 2013 10:15 AM in response to ubernaut

Only if you optimize the media on FCP, which is fine, but that gives you full ProRes. If you want to do that, that's fine.

Import MPEG-2 files into Final Cut Pro X