If you are having problems importing AVCHD footage from a Sony RX10 into FCP7, you may wish to read this post. It presents an easy and affordable way to convert Sony RX10 AVCHD footage to FCP 7’s favorite editing codec – Apple ProRes.
How can I import Sony RX10 AVCHD to FCP7?
“Hi all, I shot some HD AVCHD footage (.mts files) with the Sony RX10 which I want to edit in FCP 7 on Mac MacBook Pro. Before editing, I’ve copied the footage onto an external hard drive with the whole card structure maintained. My problem is that, when I try to use the Log and Transfer with built-in AVCHD plug in, FCP 7 accesses the copied files, but Log and Transfer accesses only the first shot in the folder–all the others show as 00:00:00 duration. So they’re not imported and not available in the FCP project. I’ve also tried to load from the card with AVCHD plug in, and FCP 7 accessed the card, but the same result as accessing the backup files. It is a little weird. Do I need to convert these files to another format or how do I import them into FCP 7 so I can edit them? Can anyone give me some suggestions if you are using a similar (or same) Sony handycam? Thanks.”
The Sony RX10 is a new camera released after FCP7, and the FCP 7 is a discontinued old editing program without further updates. FCX is currently what Apple is moving forward with. That is the issue. The camera is very new, and FCP 7 doesn’t support it. It’s AVCHD, but AVCHD is a codec or package, not a standard. Every camera manufacture does something different to make it unique to others. This makes it harder on NLE makers. To be able to bring Sony RX10 .mts files into FCP 7, third party converter software is required. HD Video Converter for Mac is really good, and on the ball with updates. It is not free, but it is totally worth it. There’s free demo you can use to try it out.
Sony RX10 and FCP 7 workflow – how to transcode Sony RX10 AVCHD media to ProRes for FCP 7?
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Sony RX10 AVCHD to FCP 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 under ‘Final Cut Pro’ column. The ProRes codec is workable in FCP 7, FCP 6 and its most recent version FCP X.
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.
This Sony RX10 MTS to ProRes converter program offers a couple of ProRes formats for users to choose from, including Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), Apple ProRes 422 (LT), Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy), and Apple ProRes 4444, you can select one as target format depending on your requirement in post production.
Apple ProRes 422 – Higher quality than Apple ProRes 422 (LT);
Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) – Keep original video quality for editing in FCP;
Apple ProRes 422 (LT) – Get a smaller file sizes than Apple ProRes 422;
Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy) – SD levels – 480i/p and 576i/p. Used in offline workflows.
Apple ProRes 4444 – Edit and finish 4:4:4 material.
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 RX10 AVCHD video to ProRes MOV conversion.
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated ProRes QuickTime files for using in Final Cut Pro 7, FCP 6 or FCP X with optimum performance.
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