SONY AX33 COMPATIBILITY ISSUE WITH FCP 10.2.3 ?

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Level 1

4 points

SONY AX33 COMPATIBILITY ISSUE WITH FCP 10.2.3 ?

Hi,

We had read that Sony's XAVCs codec was compatible with FCP X since version 10.2. So we bought a couple of Sony FDR-AX33 cams for our business (short features shot in 1080p). So this morning I tested one of them, filling up a 64Gb card with continuous footage from my office window. It gave me 2.5 hrs of 1080p footage.

Now, if I navigate in the card from a recent MacPro's Desktop, I can open the file with QuickTime and play it. But if I try to import it from within FCP X, it fails. Nothing happens. It's like speaking to my cat. So I went on the Web and read some comments. As it seems, everybody recommends a commercial software from Brorsoft to have the file converted in Apple ProRes 422. Hum! In the case of my file, it takes well over 2 hrs to do the job with the fast converter app we use here, Miro.

I have three simple questions:

1- Can FCP X 10.2.3 import DIRECTLY a 2.5 hrs long 1080p file blessed with the XAVCs codec?

2- If it can, what am I doing wrong?

3- And if it can't, why does Apple say it can?

Thank you.

Final Cut Pro X

Posted on Feb 12, 2016 1:17 PM

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Answer 1

Best reply

TomWheel

Level 2

406 points

Feb 13, 2016 9:10 AM in response to ndumais

I have the Sony FDR-AX100 which shoots in the same XAVCS codecs as your Sony FDR-AX33. I have imported numerous clips from my FDR-AX100 into FCP X, but I do not try and import them directly from the camera card. I use Sony's Play Memories software (free) to transfer the clips from my AX100 to my local hard drive. I then use FCP to import the .MP4 files on the hard drive into FCP X. There is no file conversion involved in this work flow, and I have never experienced any problems using this workflow with FCP X and my Sony FDR-AX100. Here is a link to The PlayMemories software: http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/disoft/int/download/playmemories-home/ma c/en/index.html.

Tom

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Answer 2

ndumais Author

Level 1

4 points

Feb 13, 2016 11:23 AM in response to TomWheel

Thank you Tom.

I did what you suggested and it worked. My 63.73 Gb video document (1080p XAVCs) was converted on my Desktop (MP4) in a little less than 20 minutes. It"s like three times faster than Miro and four times Brorsoft. Until Apple fixes this import issue, I think Sony's PlayMemories could be the best solution.

Thank you again. Regards.

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Answer 3

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

151,052 points

Feb 13, 2016 11:35 AM in response to ndumais

DDoesn't seem like this is something that will be "fixed." Many formats require plugins or manufacturers' software to get their files either into FCP or off their recording media.

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