Run into issues importing Sony AX33 XAVC-S 4K footage to Avid for further editing? If so, you may wish to read this post. It displays a workaround to transcode Sony AX33 XAVC-S 4K video to DNxHD .mov format for use in Avid Media Composer with optimum performance.
Sony’s FDR-AX33 Handycam Camcorder records 4K and HD movies in the XAVC S format, which uses MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 for video compression and linear PCM for audio compression, while saving files in a MP4 wrapper which allows for extensive record times and easy editing. 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.
XAVC-S codec delivers stunning 4K and HD recordings, but lots of consumers complained that they couldn’t work with Sony AX33 XAVC-S 4K/HD movies in Avid Media Composer smoothly. Is there a possibility to fix the incompatibility issues? Yes, there is. Our suggestion is “convert them” first. That means you convert Sony AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S footage to a format (e.g. DNxHD) that is suitable for editing in Avid system first, and then import them to your editing program for post production. This is called “transcoded editing”. HD Video Converter will do the trick.
You can download a demo version (for both, PC and Mac) to have a try. They are not free but it is totally worth it.
Process for rewrapping Sony FDR-AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S MP4 files to Avid editable codec
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony FDR-AX33 XAVC-S Converter for Avid. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
Step 2: Choose output format for Avid MC
From ‘Profile’ list, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
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
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: Start Sony FDR-AX33 (4K/HD) XAVC-S MP4 to DNxHD MOV Conversion
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start format conversion. As soon as the conversion is complete, you can click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the exported DNxHD MOV files for use in Avid apps with optimum performance.
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