Working with Panasonic Lumix FZ300 4K MP4/AVCHD video files in Final Cut Pro X


To help keep your Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 workflow in FCP X steady, we write this post to display a way of transcoding FZ300 4K MP4/1080p AVCHD files to Apple ProRes 422 Codec for editing in FCP X flawlessly.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 workflow in FCP X
One of the new features for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is its 4K capture capability. Specifically, you get both 4K (3,840×2,160 pixel) video at 24 or 30 frames per second, as well as Full HD (1,920×1,280 pixel / 60i, 60p, 30p, or 24p), HD (1,280×720 pixel/30p) and VGA (640×480/30p) reduced-resolution modes. The LUMIX FZ300 records smooth, high-resolution QFHD 4K video in MP4 format in addition to 1080p in AVCHD Progressive or MP4 (MPEG-4/H.264) formats.

For a fast and fluid Lumix FZ300 workflow in Final Cut Pro X, users sometimes need to transcode FZ300 4K MP4/AVCHD movies for editing in FCP X. In our experience, we would recommend transcoding the footage to ProRes 422 codec first. Apple ProRes 422 is FCP X’s favorite editing codec, which FCP X will recognize and handle well. Read on to learn a quick guide on how to convert Lumix FZ300 4K MP4/AVCHD content to ProRes 422 for FCP X editing with optimum performance.

[Guide] How to encode Lumix FZ300 4K MP4/AVCHD files to ProRes 422 for editing in FCP X?

Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter for Mac
transcoding FZ300 4K MP4/1080p AVCHD files to Apple ProRes 422

The steps
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Lumix FZ300 4K MP4/AVCHD to FCP X Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
Lumix FZ300 workflow in Final Cut Pro X

Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP X
From the ‘Profile’ list, 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 X and its former version FCP 6 and 7. When loading them into FCP (X), you needn’t wait for a long time for rendering.
transcode FZ300 4K MP4/AVCHD movies for editing in FCP X
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 Lumix FZ300 4K MP4/AVCHD footage 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 with optimum performance.

To import the transcoded files into Final Cut Pro X. navigate to File > Import > Media. In the window that comes up select your transcoded ProRes clips. DO NOT check “Create Optimized Media” OR “Create Proxy Media”. Both of these check boxes are unnecessary because we already converted the media to ProRes which means Final Cut Pro X can use the footage without “optimizing” it. Checking this box would create a redundant and time consuming second transcode of your footage.

You’re now ready to edit!

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