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jdmik
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Q: FCP7: Best codec for importing long HD clips?

Hi,

 

I´m shooting with a SONY HXR-NX5E, 1080/50i FX. And now I´m sitting with a clip which durates 1h 33min. FCP7 estimates the file size to be about 80-90GB. Which I think is way too big. And it also takes very long time to import (log and transfer) from the SD-card.

 

So I was wondering which codec I should use to import, so I get the best quality possible, while still keeping the file size down as much as possible.

 

Thanks.

Final Cut Pro 7, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Feb 11, 2013 5:44 AM

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jdmik

Q: FCP7: Best codec for importing long HD clips?

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  • by Russ H,

    Russ H Russ H Feb 11, 2013 2:06 PM in response to jdmik
    Level 7 (21,905 points)
    Quicktime
    Feb 11, 2013 2:06 PM in response to jdmik

    jdmik wrote:

     

     

    . FCP7 estimates the file size to be about 80-90GB. Which I think is way too big.

    So I was wondering which codec I should use to import, so I get the best quality possible, while still keeping the file size down as much as possible.

    Sounds like it's Pro Res 422, which really is the best to edit in a Final Cut project.

     

    To get the best quality, you'll have to accept the large file sizes. Media manage them after and dump your unused material and delete render files if space is an issue.

     

    You could try a short test – transcoding to Pro Res LT and see whether you can tell the difference between that and PR 422. If it's satisfactory, you could save about 25% in space.

     

    Good luck.

     

    Russ

  • by jdmik,

    jdmik jdmik Feb 13, 2013 12:56 AM in response to Russ H
    Level 1 (0 points)
    Feb 13, 2013 12:56 AM in response to Russ H

    Thanks for the answer.

     

    I´ve tried importing the file with Pro Res 422 twice now, and both times - just before the importing is finished - I get a message "Final Cut Pro has quit unexpectedly blah blih blah"... so annoying.

     

    So now I´m trying with the Apple Intermediate Codec. How is that in comparison with the Pro Res 422?

  • by Russ H,

    Russ H Russ H Feb 14, 2013 9:58 AM in response to jdmik
    Level 7 (21,905 points)
    Quicktime
    Feb 14, 2013 9:58 AM in response to jdmik

    If FCP crashed with Pro Res, it will probably crash with AIC – which is not as good a choice as PR. AIC is more lossy and  primarily an iMovie codec for HD footage.

     

    The first thing to try if FCP is crashing is to trash preferences. Download Digital Rebellion's Preference Manager and use it to make sure you get all the correct files. If FCP continues to crash, I suggest downloading the trial version of Digital Rebellion's Pro Maintenance Tools – a great suite of diagnostic and repair apps – which includes a crash analyzer.

     

    Log & Transfer should be the most efficient way of importing. Copy the entire card structure to your computer. L&T should mount that as a media volume and depending on your needs and space limitations, choose either Pro Res 422 or Pro Res LT.

     

    Russ