Understanding ProRes Rendering

Question

Level 1

8 points

Understanding ProRes Rendering

Hello! So I shoot AVCHD on my camera, and import it into FCPX and render in ProRes 422. Now when I export to a full quality H.264 file, does FCPX use the rendered files to create that H.264 file? In other words, has my footage been rendered to ProRes, then transcoded back to H.264, or does it use the original file to create the new output file? I don't like the idea that my footage is being converted to ProRes, then back to H.264....losing quality. Or is the ProRes rendering just to be able to edit?

Posted on Oct 12, 2017 11:01 AM

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Answer 1

Oct 12, 2017 2:15 PM in response to icrudehd

ProRes is a very high quality codec.

You won’t be able to notice any loss of quality from using it and, in some effects and color grading the results on transcoded media can be superior to what would be achieved with the originals.

That is why Optimized Media is ProRes 422.

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Answer 2

Tom Wolsky

Level 10

152,809 points

Oct 12, 2017 11:04 AM in response to icrudehd

If you’re not exporting to ProRes I don’t think there’s any need to render unless it’s necessary for playback or high quality viewing. You can delete the generated render files before you export.

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Answer 3

icrudehd Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 12, 2017 11:05 AM in response to Tom Wolsky

So you think if I don't delete the prores generated render files, then FCPX is using those files to create the output file?

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Answer 4

icrudehd Author

Level 1

8 points

Oct 12, 2017 2:50 PM in response to Luis Sequeira1

I understand that there may not be a loss in visual quality, but I would rather not have FCPX transcoding my media to ProRes if I will eventually be exporting it back to H.264.

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