If you are in search of a smooth workflow for Sony RX1R II and Avid Media Composer, you are in the right place. This post displays a workaround to transcode RX1R II XAVC S MP4 files to DNxHD .mov for use in Avid system without any hassles.
The Sony RX1R II inherits the 50Mbps XAVC S movie mode that we’ve seen on other recent Sony cameras, something which should offer better picture quality and fewer artifacts than the AVCHD format. The RX1R II doesn’t gain the ability to record in 4K like some of Sony’s other cameras, but limited to Full HD recording at 24, 25, 30, 50 or 60 frames per second.
If you are intending to work with RX1R II XAVC S footage in Avid Media Composer, you may find it’s not an easy thing. That’s because Avid neither has native support for XAVC S footage, nor has the XAVC-S link plugin. To be able to use RX1R II XAVC S files in Avid, you will need to transcode them to a format that is compatible with Avid first, such as DNxHD. This requires third party converter software like HD Video Converter. Read on to learn a quick guide on how to convert RX1R II XAVC S MP4 to DNxHD for editing in Avid fluently.
Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter
You can download a demo version to have a try. They are not free but it is totally worth it.
How to convert RX1R II XAVC S files to QuickTime for editing in Avid without installing AMA plug-in?
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony RX1R II 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 RX1R II XAVC S files 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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