Transcode Sony FS7 4K XAVC footage to ProRes for FCP


For a fast and fluid workflow, people sometimes need to transcode Sony PXW-FS7 4K XAVC footage to ProRes codec for editing in FCP 7 or FCP X. Read this post to discover a guide on how to convert Sony FS7 XAVC MXF files to ProRes for use in FCP with optimum performance.
transcode Sony PXW-FS7 4K XAVC footage to ProRes codec for FCP 7 or FCP X
Sony’s PXW-FS7 camcorder is the ideal camcorder for documentaries, unscripted TV, newsmagazines, indie features, corporate video and more, which delivers long-form recording capabilities with 4K resolution in a compact, hand-held design. The PXW-FS7 comes with wide choice of recording systems, including XAVC (Intra/Long GOP), MPEG HD, 4:2:2, 50 Mbps (HD only), Apple Pro Res codec (with future upgrade and extension unit, sold separately), and RAW recording (with extension unit and outboard recorder, sold separately). If for whatever reason you experience issues working with FS7 4K XAVC material in FCP 7/X, we would recommend transcoding them to a FCP friendly format prior, such as FCP’s favorite ProRes codec, which FCP 7/X will recognize and handle well. Here’s a guide explaining how to encode Sony FS7 4K XAVC MXF media to ProRes 422 for FCP editing.

How to rewrap Sony FS7 4K XAVC footage to ProRes 422 for use in FCP 7/X?

Here’s what you need
HD Video Converter for Mac
convert Sony FS7 XAVC MXF files to ProRes for use in FCP

Download, install and run HD Video Converter for Mac, then follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Sony FS7 XAVC to ProRes Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
encode Sony FS7 4K XAVC MXF media to ProRes 422 for FCP editing

Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP X/7
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 FCP 7. When loading them into FCP X/6/7, you needn’t wait for a long time for rendering.
rewrap Sony FS7 4K XAVC footage to ProRes 422 for use in FCP 7/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 Sony FS7 XAVC MXF video to ProRes MOV conversion.

Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated ProRes 422 QuickTime files for transferring and editing in Final Cut Pro 7 or FCP X with optimum performance.

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