Working with 120fps Files

Question

Level 1

17 points

Working with 120fps Files

I have successfully imported a XAVC S file shot at 120p using a Sony ILCE-6300L. However, when I attempt to place it in the FCP timeline to edit, it prompts me "The Video Properties of this clip are not recognized" and asks me to change the file's properties, which in this case does not include the 120p option. The highest rate available in this dialog (see attached picture) is 60p.

Is it possible to work with 120p files in Final Cut Pro X (10.3.3)? And if yes, how do I enable my 120p file to work in the timeline?

Thanks, Dan

MacBook Pro, macOS Sierra (10.12.2)

Posted on Jun 26, 2017 10:07 AM

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Answer 1

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Jun 26, 2017 11:08 AM in response to DanJoseph

You don’t convert the frame rate. Decide what frame rate you need the deliver. The lower the frame rate of the project the slower the slomo can be without creating additional frames. Where are you going with the video? What’s the deliverable?

You make your project at your deliver frame rate. You put the clip in the project. Select the clip and use retiming to set it to automatic speed. That will gave you slomo based on one recorded frame for every project frame. Adjust the speed from that as needed.

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Answer 2

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Jun 26, 2017 10:17 AM in response to DanJoseph

There is currently no 120fps delivery mechanism, not sure if there ever will be. The purpose of shooting 120fps is usually to create clean slow motion. If you put a 120fps clip into a 120fps project you've defeated that purpose. What are you trying to do with the 120fps footage? How are you delivering?

Also, the file doesn't seem to have an accurate 120fps recording, which might be a problem. You might want to check this in the QT player inspector or an app like Media Info.

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Answer 3

DanJoseph Author

Level 1

17 points

Jun 26, 2017 10:31 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

Hi Tom,

Thanks for responding. My intent is to shoot clips at 120p and slow them down drastically in the editing, sometimes mixing multiple clips.

It certainly seems to be the case that files shot at 120p appear very smooth when slowed down, but if the file needs to be converted to 60p in order to be edited in FCP, aren't I losing half of the potential smoothness?

Not sure why the files says "119.88" rather than 120, but it seems to play normally. My camera doesn't have any micro settings in this regard, it's just "120p."

Thanks, Dan

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Answer 4

DanJoseph Author

Level 1

17 points

Jun 26, 2017 11:02 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

This is starting to make sense...so the prompt (pictured) is about the frame rate of the project rather than the clip? This is just a personal creative project, so there is no outside deliverable requirement, so I guess my final rate would be 29.97 or 24. So if I understand correctly, if I choose one of these rates when prompted, my 120p file will remain as is and I can slow it down in the edit to something like 25% and it will remain fluid, right?

Thanks, Dan

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