If you experience any issues editing Sony FDR-AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S footage in FCP 7 or FCP X, you can read this post to discover a solution. It displays a workaround way to transcode Sony FDR-AX33 XAVC-S MP4 files to ProRes 422 for use in FCP 7/X with optimum performance.
How can I import Sony FDR-AX33 XAVC-S footage into FCP 7?
“Hi, there, I have a Sony FDR-AX33 4K handycam which records footage in the XAVC S format and uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in a MP4 wrapper. I’m still using FCP 7 and would like to edit these XAVC-S files with it. Unfortunately, the XAVC-S is a quite new codec and the discontinued FCP 7 doesn’t have support for it. For those who are still editing in FCP 7, is there a workaround to make FCP 7 accept XAVC-S media from Sony FDR-AX33? Please suggest. Thanks.”
The FDR-AX33 captures the finest details in 4k (QFHD: 3840 x 2160), 4x Full HD resolution. The XAVC S codec and incredibly high resolution produces vibrant and extremely realistic images. What’s more, the blazingly fast image processor is the same one employed in professional Sony models, making it possible to record 30p movies in 4K and 60p in Full HD 1080 resolution for incredibly smooth and sharp playback, with no loss in realism, even when panning the camera and shooting moving subjects.
If for whatever reason you are unable to work with Sony FDR-AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S files in FCP 7 or FCP X smoothly, we would recommend transcoding them to a format that is compatible with Final Cut, such as Apple ProRes. Read on to find a simple guide on how to convert Sony FDR-AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S files to ProRes 422 for FCP 7/X editing.
Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter for Mac
A quick guide on how to convert Sony FDR-AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S to ProRes for FCP 7/X editing
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Sony FDR-AX33 XAVC-S to ProRes Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP 7/X
From the ‘Profile’ list, move to ‘Final Cut Pro’ catalogue, and select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as target format. Apple ProRes is the best suited editing codec for FCP 7 and its most recent version FCP X. When loading them into FCP (X), you needn’t wait for a long time for rendering.
Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.
Step 3: Adjust video and audio settings (for advanced users)
If necessary, you can click ‘Settings’ button and go to ‘Profiles Settings’ panel to modify video and audio settings like video encoder, resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, audio encoder, sample rate, audio bit rate, and audio channels. 3D settings are also available.
Step 4: Click ‘Convert’ to start Sony FDR-AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S MP4 to ProRes MOV conversion.
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated ProRes 422 QuickTime files for editing in Final Cut Pro 7/X with optimum performance.
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