How to import Sony MXF files to FCP X?


How can I import Sony MXF files to FCP X for post production? If you run into issues working with Sony MXF footage in FCP X, you may wish to read this post. It helps you to figure out how to load Sony MXF media into FCP X for editing smoothly.

Issues importing Sony XDCAM MXF files into FCP X
“Hi there, I’ve got a bundle of MXF files taken with a Sony XDCAM camcorder (I don’t know which model it is) from my client. Those MXF files are on an external hard drive formatted as Mac extended. I need to edit the Sony MXF files in FCP X as soon as possible, but I have issues importing them. I installed xdcam transfer plugin and content browser. I see mxf files with content browser but I cannot import them into FCPX with it. It says it doesn’t have a codec for FCPX. I searched and searched again, couldn’t find which codec I should install. Is there anything I can do to go through this? Please help me out! Thanks for any help.”

If for whatever reason you are having problems editing Sony MXF files in FCP X, we would recommend converting them to ProRes first. This will ensure a smooth workflow in FCP X.

How to convert Sony MXF to ProRes for FCP X?

Here’s what you need
HD Converter for Mac
Sony MXF to FCP X Converter

Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Sony MXF to FCP X Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
import Sony MXF files to FCP X

Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for opening with FCP X
From the ‘Profile’ bar, 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.
convert Sony MXF to ProRes for 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 Sony MXF 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.

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