Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files to FCP 7, “Unrecognized Files”


Summary: Facing incompatibility issues while working with Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files in FCP? This post will tell you a fast and fluid way to import and edit Sony PXW-X160 XAVC footage in FCP.
Sony PXW-X160

Cannot import Sony PXW-X160 XAVC footage into FCP 7 – “Unrecognized Files”
“Can anyone help me figure out how to import XAVC MXF footage from my Sony PXW-X160 into Final Cut Pro 7 on my iMac? When I try to import files into FCP, it says “File Error: Unknown File.” FCP will not import or open it. If anyone could please help me or provide specific steps on how to do this properly, I would be so thankful. Please advise options. Thank you in advance!”

The Sony PXW-X160 supports high quality XAVC Intra and XAVC Long GOP recordings on SxS memory cards. Sony has created XAVC plug-in to help consumers import and edit XAVC footage in FCP X. But for FCP version 6 and 7, this plug-in is no help. To be able to use Sony PXW-X160 XAVC MXF files in FCP 6/7 easily and directly, you will need to use third party software to convert them first. Read on to find a step-by-step guide talking about how to convert Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files to ProRes for FCP editing.

Software requirement
HD Video Converter for Mac
Sony PXW-X160 XAVC to FCP Video converter

Sony PXW-X160 and FCP – how to encode Sony PXW-X160 XAVC to ProRes 422 for FCP 6/7?

To process Sony PXW-X160X XAVC to ProRes Conversion on Mac, follow these steps:
working with Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files in FCP

Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Sony PXW-X160 XAVC to ProRes Converter for Mac. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load your source video to it.

Step 2: Select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format for FCP. The ProRes codec is best suited for editing in FCP version 6, 7 and its most recent version FCP X. Additionally, the ProRes codec can also be imported to Premiere Pro and DaVinci Reslove for editing without a glitch.
convert Sony PXW-X160 XAVC files to ProRes for FCP
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.

This Sony PXW-X160 XAVC to FCP Video converter program offers a couple of ProRes formats for users to choose from, including Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ), Apple ProRes 422 (LT), Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy), and Apple ProRes 4444, you can select one as target format depending on your requirement in post production.

Apple ProRes 422 – Higher quality than Apple ProRes 422 (LT);
Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) – Keep original video quality for editing in FCP;
Apple ProRes 422 (LT) – Get a smaller file sizes than Apple ProRes 422;
Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy) – SD levels – 480i/p and 576i/p. Used in offline workflows.
Apple ProRes 4444 – Edit and finish 4:4:4 material.

Step 3: Adjust video and audio settings (for advanced users)

Step 4: Click ‘Convert’ to start Sony PXW-X160 XAVC to ProRes MOV conversion.

Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated ProRes QuickTime files for using in Final Cut Pro 6/7/X with optimum performance.

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