If you are having issues importing or viewing XAVC-S files in DaVinci Resolve, you may wish to read this post. It presents a workaround to transcode XAVC-S .mp4 files for use in DaVinci Resolve flawlessly.
I have issues viewing 4K XAVC-S footage in Resolve Lite
“Hi all, I am a happy user of DaVinci Resolve for the most part. Color Grading is just the best and the editing portion is pretty good too but recently I’m having issues using Sony a7R II 4K XAVC-S files in Resolve Lite. I have the latest version of Resolve Lite. I have problems getting smooth playback in Resolve Lite. Is it because this is Resolve Lite that it won’t allow full speed playback of 4K XAVC-S files? How can I go through this?”
It takes a powerful computer with multiple GPU’s to play back 4K XAVC-S files in Resolve. If for whatever reason you are having problems getting smooth playback of 4K XAVC-S files in Resolve, we would recommend transcoding them first. Here’s a quick guide on how to convert XAVC-S files for DaVinci Resolve.
How to transcode XAVC-S footage for DaVinci Resolve editing?
Software requirement
HD Video Converter
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter as a professional XAVC-S Converter for Resolve. From the main menu, click ‘Add File’ button to add source files that you want to convert.
Step 2: Choose output format for DaVinci Resolve
If you are running a Mac computer, you can click “Profile” menu to choose ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Final Cut Pro’ column. The ProRes 422 is a good editing codec for DaVinci Resolve, and the file size is reasonable.
If you are using a Windows PC, you can navigate to ‘Profile bar and select ‘Avid Media Composer’ > ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format for DaVinci Resolve. This format is also optimal for use in Avid systems.
Step 3: Click “Settings” button to custom video and audio parameters on ‘Profile Settings’ panel. (Optional)
Step 4: Click ‘Convert’ button to start converting XAVC-S video to Apple ProRes 422 .mov or DNxHD .mov.
Step 5: After conversion finished, click “Open Folder” button to get the exported QuickTime files for using in DaVinci Resolve with optimum performance.
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