Came upon troubles importing HDV/DVCAM/DV video from Sony HVR-Z7U to Avid? If so, you may wish to read this article. It explains a workaround to tarnscode Sony HVR-Z7U footage to DNxHD .mov for editing in Avid system with optimum performance.
What is the correct way to import Sony HVR-Z7U HDV files to Avid?
“Hi, there, I recently captured some HDV video recordings with a Sony HVR-Z7U camcorder on its CF recording unit (Sony HVR-MRC1). The recording settings were 1080i. Now I want to dump the HVR-Z7U HDV footage into Avid 6.5 for further editing, but Avid does not like the files so I can’t use them. What are the correct way/settings to import Sony HVR-Z7U HDV files to Avid so that we can edit them? Thanks for the help!”
If for some reason Avid refused reading Sony HVR-Z7U files, we do recommend converting HVR-Z7U HDV/DVCAM/DV files to DNxHD .mov for working with Avid system. This requires third party software like HD Video Converter. More than handling HDV, DVCAM and DV media, this app can also convert camera footage in format of AVCHD (.mts/m2ts), XDCAM (.mxf), XDCAM HD (.mxf), XDCAM EX (.mp4), XAVC (.mxf), XAVC S (.mp4), H.264 MOV, etc. to best suited editing codecs for use in a wide variety of NLEs, such as DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, Final Cut Express, Final Cut Pro X, FCP 6, FCP 7, Sony Vegas, Avid, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and more.
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.
Sony HVR-Z7U and Avid – convert Sony HVR-Z7U HDV/DVCAM/DV to Avid editable DNxHD format
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony HVR-Z7U 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 HVR-Z7U HDV/DVCAM/DV media 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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