Run into issues editing Sony AZ1 1080/60p XAVC-S footage in FCP X? If so, you may wish to read this post. It displays a workaround to transcode Sony AZ1 XAVC-S to Apple ProRes Codec for use in FCP X with optimum performance.
The Sony Action Cam Mini HDR-AZ1 is smaller and lighter than many competitors; it has excellent video quality with solid electronic image stabilization; the live-view remote lets you wirelessly preview, review and change settings, and has GPS; it has a splashproof body and a removable, rechargeable battery; the included tripod mount gives you plenty of accessory choice.
The HDR-AZ1 records 1080p60 video in XAVC S Codec with MP4 container. If for whatever reason you are unable to use AZ1 XAVC-S files in FCP X smoothly, we would recommend transcoding them to a format that is best suitable for use in FCP X first, such as PRORES .mov, FCP X’s favorite editing format, which FCP X will recognize and handle well. To perform format conversion, a third party XAVC-S converter for Mac is required. Considering the ease of use and optimal output format for FCP X, we would recommend HD Video Converter for Mac. Read on to learn a quick guide on how to convert Sony AZ1 XAVC-S video to PRORES for FCP X editing.
Here’s what you need
HD Converter for Mac
How to transcode Sony AZ1 XAVC-S files to PRORES .mov for FCP X?
The steps:
1. Start up HD Converter for Mac as a professional Sony AZ1 XAVC-S Converter for FCP X, and then click ‘Add File’ button to import your source files.
Step 2: Select PRORES .mov as output format for FCP X
To convert Sony AZ1 XAVC-S files for FCP X, from ‘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 FCP 7. When loading them into FCP X/6/7, 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 (optional)
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: Begin Sony AZ1 XAVC-S video to PRORES MOV Conversion on Mac
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start format conversion. Once the conversion process is complete, you can click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the generated PRORES MOV files for editing in FCP X with optimum performance.
Tips:
If you don’t want to wait for the entire conversion process, you can tick off ‘Showdown computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.
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