Working with JVC HM650 footage in FCP 7/X


How can I import and edit JVC GY-HM650 video recordings in FCP 7/X smoothly? This short tutorial presents a workaround to transcode JVC HM650 footage to ProRes codec for use in FCP 7/X with optimum performance.

The JVC GY-HM650 ProHD Mobile News Camera features superb low-light performance, a lightweight and user-friendly design, and exceptional advanced features, altogether providing capacity for fast, efficient and high-quality mobile newsgathering.
import and edit JVC GY-HM650 video recordings in FCP 7/X
Multiple encoding formats consist of HD MPEG2 (35/25/19Mbps), AVCHD 1920×1080 60i, 1080/60p recording capability, SD H.264, 480×270 H.264 (web) and 960×540 H.264 mode. Wide media format compatibility makes it possible to record .MXF with rich Metadata (optimized for asset management), .MOV (ready-to-edit in Final Cut Pro), .MP4 (XDCAM EX™) and AVCHD with additional lower bitrate AVCHD modes.

According to JVC, “JVC has eliminated one of the main obstacles to achieving a smoother, more streamlined production workflow. Native file recording ensures your footage is ready to edit the moment it’s shot, resulting in a more efficient workflow and no loss of image quality. Additionally, with the MPEG-2 mode for Windows editing environments, it is possible to record in MP4 format (XDCAM EX™ workflow-compatible) for direct editing in other major NLE systems, including Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere and Grass Valley Edius Pro.” However, on some occasions, for a faster and more stable workflow, “transcoded editing” is also required. Here in this post, we will focus on how to convert JVC HM650 footage to ProRes for use in FCP 7/X fluidly.

[Guide] How to encode JVC HM650 media for editing in FCP 7 and FCP X fluidly?

Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter for Mac
transcode JVC HM650 footage to ProRes codec for use in FCP 7/X
With HD Video Converter for Mac installed, you are able to encode JVC HM650 media to ProRes .mov for working with FCP 7/X smoothly. More than JVC HM650 media, it also supports converting 4K, P2 MXF, XAVC MXF, XDCAM/XDCAM HD MXF, IMX MXF, AVCHD (.m2t, .m2ts, .mts), H.264 MOV, XAVC S MP4, XDCAM EX MP4, MKV, AVI, M2V and more for your different final targets, such as editing, playing, sharing, and burning.

The steps
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional JVC HM650 video to FCP Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
convert JVC HM650 footage to ProRes for use in FCP 7/X

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 former version FCP 6 and the most recent version FCPX. When loading them into FCP (X), you needn’t wait for a long time for rendering. To create smaller files, transcode your source files to Apple ProRes 422 (LT).
encode JVC HM650 media for editing in FCP

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.
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 JVC HM650 video to ProRes MOV conversion.

Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated ProRes QuickTime files for transferring and editing in Final Cut Pro 7/X with optimum performance.

Hopefully this tutorial gets you on your way to an effective JVC HM650 workflow in FCP 7/X.

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