Summary: This post presents a fast and easy way to transcode Sony PXW-X70 XAVC MXF files for editing in Avid Media Composer maintaining original quality of the .mxf files.
How can I load Sony PXW-X70 XAVC/MXF files into Avid?
“Hi, all, I’ve got a couple of video recordings download from a Sony PXW-X70 camcorder. The files are 1920X1080 .MXF files (not 4K) and the person that I got the files from says he was using XAVC, a codec which seems to be the codec that will be used in all future cameras. Since the files were taken out of the folder structure my editing program (Avid MC 6) will not recognize them as import. My question is, how can I load PXW-X70 XAVC/MXF files into Avid in a quick and simple way? I would really appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.”
If you tried to load Sony PXW-X70 XAVC footage to Avid and it was a no go, we do recommend encoding PXW-X70 MXF files to DNxHD for a fast and fluid workflow. This requires 3rd party program like HD Video Converter, which features great capability to convert XAVC and XAVC-S footage (XAVC is an MXF wrapper and XAVC-S is an mp4 wrapper) to best suited editing formats for use in NLEs like Avid, Adobe Premiere, Sony Vegas, Pinnacle Studio, iMovie, FCE, FCP (X), DaVinci Resolve, EDIUS, and more. In addition to XAVC/XAVC-S footage (including XAVC 4K and XAVC-S 4K), it also comes with ability to handle camera footage in format of AVCHD, XDCAM, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX, MOV, DV AVI…, being able to convert them to ProRes, AIC, DNxHD, DVCPRO, DV…for use in various NLE apps.
You can download a demo version (for both, PC and Mac) to have a try. They are not free but it is totally worth it.
Sony PXW-X70 and Avid workflow – how to convert Sony PXW-X70 XAVC MXF files to DNxHD for Avid system?
The steps:
Step 1: Start up HD Video Converter as a Sony PXW-X70 XAVC Converter for Avid. When its main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ to input your source media.
Step 2: Choose output format for Avid MC
From ‘Format’ bar, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
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
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: Start Sony PXW-X70 XAVC to DNxHD MOV Conversion
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start format conversion. As soon as the conversion is complete, you can click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the exported DNxHD MOV files for use in Avid apps with optimum performance.
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