Couldn’t get FCP 7 recognizing MXF files? Read this post to learn a workaround to transcode MXF clips to ProRes codec for use in FCP 7 with optimum performance.
How can I work with Sony MXF files in Final Cut Pro 7?
“Hello guys, I have a new Sony FS5 camera which shots footage in MXF container. I’m planning on editing these MXF files in Final Cut Pro 7 (I don’t want to change to FCP X). My issue is that FCP 7 won’t recognize the MXF clips. What’s the best way to edit MXF footage in Final Cut 7? Please suggest a solution. Thanks for any help.”
FCP 7 was discontinued several years ago…and many of its plugins, stopped all forward progress then. If you are having issues editing MXF files in FCP 7, we would recommend converting them to a format that is best suitable for use in FCP prior, such as Apple ProRes codec, which FCP 7 will recognize and handle well. Here’s how.
How to encode MXF files to ProRes for FCP 7?
Here’s what you need
HD Converter for Mac (it works well as an MXF Converter for FCP 7)
Notes:
1. When converting MXF footage using Final Cut Pro oriented format templates (e.g. Apple ProRes), please ensure that your computer has Final Cut Pro installed, otherwise the converted files will have audio only without image.
2. If you are using FCP X, please make sure you have installed ProApps QuickTime Codecs, or you may get files with sound only without video.
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Install this MXF to FCP 7 Converter software on your computer, launch it and click ‘Add File’ to ingest your source media from your camera or from an achieved folder.
Caution: The folder that you selected to import MXF files must have the complete file structure as it appears on the camera card, if not, you may have image only with audio lost. This is usually happened on P2 MXF files, because the video files and audio files are stored in two different folders.
Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP 7
From the ‘Profile’ menu, move to ‘Final Cut Pro’ catalogue, and select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as target format. Apple ProRes is the best suited editing code for FCP 6, 7 and FCP X. When loading them into FCP, you needn’t wait for a long time for rendering.
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 (for advanced users)
Click ‘Settings’ button, the ‘Profile Settings’ window pops up, on which you are allowed to custom video and audio parameters like bit rate, frame rate, resolution, sample rate, and audio channels.
Step 4: Start transcoding MXF file to QuickTime ProRes for FCP 7
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to transcode MXF files to Apple ProRes for using with FCP 7. MXF files are always HD content, so the conversion process may costs a little longer time. In this situation, you can tick off ‘Shut down computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ button to locate exported ProRes files
As soon as the conversion process finished, simply click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the generated Apple ProRes files. Now you are able to open them in Final Cut 7 for further editing without any hassles.
Also read:
Why Adobe Premiere Pro CS6 can’t import MXF video files?
How can I import MXF footage into Avid Media Composer?
Convert P2 MXF to ProRes for FCP 6/7/X without losing sound
MXF and Vegas – How can I edit MXF video files in Sony Vegas?