Q: Final Cut Pro X will not import footage

I fear this is a compatibility issue between canon and apple. I am working with the new C300mk2 and have the same issue. I can (after a fashion) import YCbCr 422 files but when trying to import RGB4444 files only the audio is imported. The metadata is not imported correctly for anything from the camera. The proxy files that are simultaneously recorded also only import audio - no video. For a feature that is there precisely to improve workflow time I think this should have been sorted out before Canon released any of the cameras that have this issue.

I am trying to get to the bottom of it with Canon support - I suggest everyone who has this issue should contact Canon and Apple to try to get some movement on dealing with this. The only apparent solution I have found so far is the BrorsoftMXFConverter (I only used the trial version to briefly test). This transcodes the files to Pro Res. I have not had a chance to check what metadata is collected in the transcoding though. It also adds quite a bit of time to the workflow - which is not really helpful.

I find it scandalous that we are dealing with what both parties here call professional products but they have not sorted this out for months - really disappointing!

The best I can suggest for the moment is using DaVinci Resolve (its free) and transcode to Pro Res. This was suggested in another thread.

It does a lot of other things as well so it's a useful addition anyway...  available in the App store.

If you haven't installed it you also need to install the XF utility from Canon to import these files - they should be available from your local Canon support site

Perhaps eventually Canon and Apple will get things working more efficiently...

peter

See whether the 10.2.3 update solves the Mark 2 import issue.

Russ

Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3

Before installing an update to Final Cut Pro X from the Mac App Store, be sure to backup your important files, including projects, events, and the version of Final Cut Pro X that you're updating.

New in Final Cut Pro X 10.2.3:

• Customizable Default Effect lets you choose both a video and audio effect that is assigned to a keyboard shortcut
• 4K export preset to create video files for Apple devices
• Improves speed when opening libraries on a SAN
• Resolves an issue that could affect the timecode display in the Dashboard on OS X El Capitan
• Import Canon XF-AVC including video files from the Canon C300 Mark II
• Ability to share video to multiple YouTube accounts
• Resolves an issue in which a disabled video effect could appear as Missing Effect when opening the project or when sharing to Compressor
• Addresses an issue in which black frames could appear in imported iPhone video clips that were trimmed on iPhone
• Fixes an issue that could cause the playhead to jump ahead when editing short titles
• Fixes an issue that could cause the timeline to stop playback when switching views in the Browser
• Fixes an issue in which points on a Bezier shape could incorrectly switch from Linear to Smooth
• Fixes an issue in which some objects within Motion templates render with soft edges
• Adds iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, iPad Pro, and Apple TV (4th generation) to the Apple Devices compatibility list in the Share window

well... I am downloading as I type this... looks like it will do the trick - not sure if it will import RGB 4444 files as it does not list that in the update info... but I will test that tomorrow. a good step forward.

Thanks Russ for the info

peter

Apple issued an update to FCPX last night (my time) and it seems to have resolved the main issue of Canon XF file import. I need to check what metadata is imported and I need to find a way to add more LUTs to FCPX (those already available are limited and not up to date with Canon Log 2).

The updated version does import RGB 4444 - I think it is transcoding everything in background but at least it is possible to work with FCPX now

I would still recommend you take a look at Resolve - it is useful.

best

peter

LUT Utility lets you add any .cube file.

Thanks. I installed that last night but I could not get it to work correctly in FCPX. The drop down for choosing an LUT did not function...

I will have another look today

peter

if anyone continues to have issues, try the canon plugin linked from this page:

Import XF and XF-AVC media from Canon cameras with Final Cut Pro X

https://support.apple.com/HT205764

Hi, i'm having a similar issue. When i began my import everything was working perfectly for the first 10 videos or so, then after that all my videos turned black. I didn't change any camera setting during my shoot. The audio is present on the black clips but no visual. Have you seen this before? These files import perfectly into iMovie. I'm running the latest version of FCP, just updated today. Any info would be much appreciated, thanks.