Rex Ross
Level 1 (59 points)
Photos for Mac

Q: Video Format: MOV or MP4

I normally shoot video in 1920x1080 format in case I need the resolution in my FCPX project.

 

However, when I get to the actual project, I often decide to convert to 1080x720 format to save space.

 

I am considering using MacVideo Converter Pro to undertake the downsize.

 

My questions are these:

 

1.  Which might be better to make good FCPX videos:  MOV or MP4 format?

 

2. Is there any reason to believe the Compressor would do a better job than MacVideo Converter Pro?

 

Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

Thanks

iMac (27-inch, Late 2013), OS X Yosemite (10.10), + attached 27 inch iMac 2nd screen

Posted on Jul 8, 2015 8:50 AM

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Rex Ross

Q: Video Format: MOV or MP4

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  • by BenB,

    BenB BenB Jul 8, 2015 8:20 PM in response to Rex Ross
    Level 6 (10,036 points)
    Audio
    Jul 8, 2015 8:20 PM in response to Rex Ross

    First, I'd shoot 720, that should be decided before the production starts.

    You want ProRes Quicktime for editing, not MP4.  MP4 is very highly compressed and uses more CPU/GPU power to playback and work with effects.

    FCPX can "Optimize" the clips during import, creating ProRes, so you don't need a 3rd party application.

    MacVideo Converter is a cheap product that doesn't do ProRes.

     

    To say for sure, exactly what camera are you shooting with, and what format/codec does it record?