nikon d5500 FCPX .MOV import

Question

Level 1

12 points

nikon d5500 FCPX .MOV import

G'day Forum members,

I am looking at buying a Nikon D5500 DSLR camera for its features, quality and price point. I have looked every where that I can think of but I guess the keyword experts do a good job and all I get in the results for the first 2 to 3 pages of a Google search are companies selling "The Only Video Converter You Will Ever Need".

I am wondering, will FCPX automatically convert the MOV .H264 video files that this camera uses into Prores 422 or will I actually NEED to get a converter?

If so, does Apple make a converter App or Plugin for FCPX that I could use with confidence? I trust Apple more than the hoards of "Best In The World" claims of these 3rd party companies.

Here are the file specs of the D5500

File format	MOV
Video compression	H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding

and here is a link to the Nikon website if you need more info to help me out.

http://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/dslr/d5500/spec.htm

Believe me when I say I spent hours over the weekend looking for a definitive answer, but alas, was unable to.

BTW, I am running Yosemite and FCPX 10.1.4 (with out any extra plug-ins at the moment)

Thanks in advance for your help

Posted on Nov 23, 2015 5:12 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Nov 24, 2015 3:53 AM in response to Hiluxtonka2

IT handles this format natively - so, no conversion needed. Only if you want to, then check in the import dialogue optimized and or proxy ....

Reply

Answer 2

Hiluxtonka2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 23, 2015 5:51 PM in response to Karsten Schlüter

Karsten,

Thanks for your reply. Depending on the container codec, .MOV might or might not be accepted by FCPX. This is my concern. This camera is not listed on the FCPX compatible cameras list, the reason why I ask this question.

These cameras are, but they are out of my budget. Do you know how often the FCPX website is updated. Sorry for the questions but sites like this one, make me quite unsure http://www.mxf-file-converter.com/convert-nikon-d5500-mov-to-fcp-x-7-on-mac/

Are they just scare mongering, trying to make money from the naive like me?

Thanks again

Justin

Nikon D4
Format: MPEG-4
Media: Memory

Nikon D90
Format: MJPEG
Media: Memory

Nikon D750
Format: MPEG-4
Media: Memory

Nikon D810
Format: MPEG-4
Media: Memory

Nikon D7100
Format: MPEG-4
Media: Memory

Nikon D7200
Format: MPEG-4
Media: Memor

Reply

Answer 3

Nov 23, 2015 10:03 PM in response to Hiluxtonka2

'not listed' means only 'not tested in extenso in Cupertino' 😉

there's nothing unusual in your list of codecs ... the only issues I'm aware of, are some 'pro' codecs from Sony, which are discussed on other boards ... The listed Nikon devices are nothing new to the FCPX community ...

No, hands off of converters!

generally spoken, any consumer device/codec is (meanwhile) supported. In the beginning, fFCPX was a bit iffy with non-standard conform variations, exp. AVCHDv1 with 60p, or bitrates beyond 28mbps, proprietary stuff like R3D, etc etc etc....

no, those manual conversion enters the game, when you for example rip off AVCHD containers/ 'orphaned' mts, but even that is meanwhile swallowed by FCPX...

concerning 'trustworthy': every salesman wants to sale you his product, claiming "don't leave home without it" 😀

listen to Apple, listen to senior members of this community, ask the experts at fcp.co.

done. list closed.

read the manual, watch professional tutorials (rippletraining, Larry Jordan, izzy) - NONE recommends any converter for input. (for output off-side the ones in FCPX, instead of Apples own Compressor, you could use a few tools..)

there are boards, with breathtaking expertise - EXCEPT Apple products. some people are on a sort of crusade, reiterating old or simply false 'info', e.g. that neverending, brain free 'is it pro?' discussion.....................

losing subject.... I'm using a wide range of consumer devices, with a crude mix of codecs and containers - dumping into FCPX, not caring a second about "does it blend?", just doing my work, ....

last advice:

some accomponied software often is listed Windows-only... who cares, not needed anyhow!

sorry for being lengthy and venting <pffffffff> 😝

Reply

Answer 4

Hiluxtonka2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 24, 2015 3:52 AM in response to Karsten Schlüter

Thanks for the information Karsten,

I will order the Nikon D5500

Cheers

Justin

Reply

Answer 5

itsKeef

Level 1

54 points

Nov 24, 2015 5:57 AM in response to Hiluxtonka2

The movie files from Nikon 5500 will drop into FCPX just fine. I use a D800, same h264 codec wrapped in a .mov wrapper.

FCPX will unwrap,edit and output what ever you decide to set up FCPX...proRes etc ...always suggest you use proRes, output same as source then transcode to something more manageable later. So if all goes crook at least you have the best quality copy.

it will transcode to proRes

btw ElgatoTurbo 264 HD is a bute little ute for transcoding .

FYI you could always bypass the unwrapping and conversion of the mov file off the SD card and get a HDMI recorder that will give you a clean output from the Nikon and record as proRes ?...

...tip: dont buy a entry level 'bundled' Nikon or non Nikon lens...bite the bullet and get a Nikon pro lens from the start and stick with them.

For starters, prime lens for video is the old Nikon 50mm f1.4 D AF Lens .

Reply

Answer 6

Hiluxtonka2 Author

Level 1

12 points

Nov 24, 2015 7:44 PM in response to itsKeef

Thanks Keef,

I always choose Pro Res and Optimized Media when importing. The output depends on what the use it for, YouTube, Instagram etc...etc....

Are you saying that this bundle would not be a good starter pack because of the lens? http://www.ebay.com/itm/161635741950?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STR K%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

The extras don't really concern me but the price is right for the cam, lens and SD card.

Thanks in advance

Justin

Reply

Answer 7

itsKeef

Level 1

54 points

Nov 25, 2015 4:13 AM in response to Hiluxtonka2

yep quite a package, as you say body, lens and card about right. The other stuff really wont do the camera justice, those filter mounted add on lens are pants, the tripod will drive you crazy. That wireless remote is brilliant...I only wish the D800 had the ability to use it. The 18-55 is OK but, trust me, you are going to get bored with it very quickly. The wide angle is OK but the 55mm is way to slow in low light... means you have to up the ISO...loads of noise!!

I learnt the hard way with bundled lenses so I now try to 'gently' talk people out of it. Buy the best piece of Nikon glass you can afford (or not) because that piece of Nikon glass will stay with you no matter how many times you change the body. Me...so far D200, D80, D7000x2 and now the D800. !!! . I see the 5500 is a DX so maybe FX lenses are not going to be ideal...but when you go full frame who knows.

Do a little research on the differences between DX and FX, you can use a FX on a DX camera, a 50mm FX (full frame) for example will be a 55mm on a DX.

The Nikon 18-35mm f3.5-4.5G AF-S ED Nikkor is one will work with both.

Old Nikon lenses to look out for is the 2.8 60mm macro, fantastic for both portrait and close up work and the awesome 50mm 1.1;4 for low light .