How to edit Sony HDR-CX580V 1080p AVCHD in FCP(X)?


Came upon issues editing Sony CX580V 1080p AVCHD footage in FCP 7 or FCP X? If so, you may come to the right place. This simple guide provides a workaround to transcode CX580V 1080-60p AVCHD to ProRes 422 for use in FCP version 6, 7 or its most recent version FCP X with optimum performance.
editing Sony CX580V 1080p AVCHD footage in FCP
Help! Sony HDR-CX580V to FCP 7- What is correct compression? 
“Hi there, so I’ve just upgraded from the Canon T2i to Sony HDR-CX580V and this is the first time I’m importing footage to Final Cut. I have FCP 7 and my video files are 1920×1080, AVCHD format shot at 60 fps. Previously, when importing from the T2i, I used MPEG Streamclip to convert my video files to Apple Prores 422, and then import those compressed files into FCP 7. I never had an issue of editing T2i files in FCP 7. However, after attempting to do the same with my footage from the HDR-CX580V, I got quality loss or lines through my viewer and canvas. After researching a bit, I was convinced that the way to eliminate the problem was to download another workable third party converter to perform ProRes conversion. Would you please kindly suggest a reliable app to accomplish this? Please someone help!!!”

The Sony HDRCX580V handycam camcorder offers 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolutions, letting you record your memories in exceptional Full High Definition quality at 60p/24p. If for some reason you need a converter to rewrap HDRCX580V 1080-60p AVCHD video to ProRes 422 for FCP editing, we would recommend HD Video Converter for Mac, a universal transcoder that is able to convert various video files for editing use.

Download a demo of HD Video Converter for Mac
transcode CX580V 1080-60p AVCHD to ProRes 422

Sony CX580V 1080-60p AVCHD and FCP workflow – convert Sony CX580V 1080-60p AVCHD files to ProRes for FCP editing

Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Sony CX580V AVCHD to ProRes Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
Sony HDR-CX580V to FCP 7

Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP
From the Format bar, 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 6, 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.
rewrap HDRCX580V 1080-60p AVCHD video to ProRes 422 for FCP editing
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 CX580V 1080-60p AVCHD to ProRes MOV conversion.

Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated ProRes 422 QuickTime files for transferring and editing in Final Cut Pro X/7/6 with optimum performance.

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