If you are having issues editing MXF files in Final Cut Pro 7, you may need to convert them first. This post guides you through how to transcode MXF clips to FCP 7 preferred ProRes codec via using a helpful MXF Converter for Final Cut Pro 7.
MXF import issues on FCP 7
“I have several .MXF files (Sony XDCAM) I’m trying to import into Final Cut 7. I downloaded the plug-in from Sony’s website, and installed it, but Log & Transfer does not allow me to import the .MXF files. What should I do?”
“I shot footage on the Canon C300. I would like to convert my .mxf files to Apple ProRes so that I can edit in Final Cut Pro 7. Is there any simple step by step method to change my footage into ProRes so that I can edit in FCP 7? Thanks.”
FCP 7 was discontinued several years ago…and many of its plugins, stopped all forward progress then. If you plan on using MXF files in FCP 7, you might need to do format conversion. You convert MXF files to ProRes first, and then you can get the converted footage onto timeline for easy editing.
How can I convert MXF files to ProRes for FCP 7 editing?
Here’s what you need
HD Converter for Mac (it works well as an MXF Converter for FCP 7)
Notes:
1. When converting MXF footage using Final Cut Pro oriented format templates (e.g. Apple ProRes), please ensure that your computer has Final Cut Pro installed, otherwise the converted files will have audio only without image.
2. If you are using FCP X, please make sure you have installed ProApps QuickTime Codecs, or you may get files with sound only without video.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Install this MXF to FCP 7Converter software on your computer, launch it and click ‘Add File’ to ingest your source media from your camera or from an achieved folder.
Caution: The folder that you selected to import MXF files must have the complete file structure as it appears on the camera card, if not, you may have image only with audio lost. This is usually happened on P2 MXF files, because the video files and audio files are stored in two different folders.
Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP 7
From the ‘Profile’ menu, move to ‘Final Cut Pro’ catalogue, and select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as target format. Apple ProRes is the best suited editing code for FCP 6, 7 and FCP X. When loading them into FCP, 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: Custom video and audio settings (for advanced users)
Click ‘Settings’ button, the ‘Profile Settings’ window pops up, on which you are allowed to custom video and audio parameters like bit rate, frame rate, resolution, sample rate, and audio channels.
Step 4: Start transcoding MXF file to QuickTime ProRes for FCP 7
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to transcode MXF files to Apple ProRes for using with FCP 7. MXF files are always HD content, so the conversion process may costs a little longer time. In this situation, you can tick off ‘Shut down computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ button to locate exported ProRes files
As soon as the conversion process finished, simply click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the generated Apple ProRes files. Now you are able to open them in Final Cut 7 for further editing without any hassles.
Also read:
Why Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 can’t import MXF video files?
How can I import MXF footage into Avid Media Composer?
Convert P2 MXF to ProRes for FCP 6/7/X without losing sound
MXF and Vegas – How can I edit MXF video files in Sony Vegas?