Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Best MXF to Avid MC Converter- Bringing .MXF files into Avid Media Composer

This guide shows how to transcode MXF files natively for use in Avid Media Composer with best Mac MXF to Avid converter.

MXF, a container format, is created by the high-definition camcorders like Sony XDCAM, Panasonic P2 502, HVX200 and Canon XF300/XF305 to store video, audio, and programmed data. The recording video is high definition and keeps the high quality.


When importing and editing these MXF videos in Avid Media Composer, uses always encounter video and audio problems, as the Avid Media Composer doesn't support HD videos well due to the codec. Most of the editors I've talked to say they generally link to the H.264 MXF files via AMA, then transcode in Media Composer. But many of them have met unexpected problems. We'd like to find something we can run on a few Mac Pros that would allow us to transcode the MXF media ahead of time, so we can avoid transcoding on import.

So if you want to edit your MXF files on the Avid Media Composer, you need to convert it to Avid DNxHD video format first, so you can import it for the further editing. This article will show you the easy way to import MXF recordings into Avid Media Composer, including v5/v5.5/v6/v6.5..

Here we would like to introduce an all-in-one iMedia Converter for Mac - a professional Pavtube MXF to Avid Converter for Mac, it's not only able to convert Canon,Sony, Panasonic MXF to Avid DNxHD MOV for Avid Media Composer, but also can convert various MXF files from different camcorder to suitable format for FCP (X), iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, Android/Apple iOS/Windows portable devices and so on.

FYI:

1. It also provides try-before-purchase service, click here to download a free trial version;
2. A windows version is available for windows users: MXF to Avid Converter.

Now get your program installed and let’s begin!

How to Convert MXF to Avid DNxHD MOV on Mac?

Step 1. Install and launch the Mac MXF to Avid Converter, click ‘add videos’ to load individual videos, or click ‘add from folder’ to load the entire folder.




Step 2. Click “Format” and choose Avid Media Composer -> Avid DNxHD (*.mov) as the best output format for editing MXF video files in Avid MC.



Optional: You can also click “Settings” – which is marked as step 3 in screenshot – to set up frame rate, video quality, bitrate and check the generated file size.



Step 3. Click “Convert” and let it go! It will help to shut down computer if you have many videos to convert.

3..2..1..bingo! Ok now you can click “Open” to locate your converted MXF videos and load it to Avid Media Composer.

- Trim, combine, de-interlace MXF footage, capture MXF frame.

Trim MXF clips: Click "Edit" to enter video editor, by default the "Trim" tab is activated, so just set start time and end time to include the duration you want to remain, cutting others out.

Combine/Join MXF files: If you would like to join several files together, just select these files and check the Merge into one box.

De-interlace MXF footage: Some footage may be saved as interlaced video with Juggled edges and ghosting. In that case you can set deinterlace effect to eliminate the combing. Follow "Edit"-> "Effect"-> "Deinterlacing".

Capture frame from MXF recordings: To thumbnail video frame, you may click the "Snapshoot" button when it plays to your favorable frame.



Read More:

Monday, May 27, 2013

Sony brings 4K RAW to NEX-FS700 camcorder courtesy of IFR5 add-on


FS700 has plenty going for it regardless of its 4K potential, not least in terms of its super slow motion shooting up to 240fps at 1080p. Nevertheless, if 4K it has to be, then a new NEX-IFR5 interface unit will be out in June to make full use of the camera's big sensor and 3G-SDI output. A couple of things to bear in mind: in addition to this $2,500 interface, you'll need a recorder like the AXS-R5 (around $6,300 plus extra for cards) to store your weighty 4K rushes on, plus you'll find that shooting in this mode will limit slow-mo to a four-second bust at 120 fps. Read the PR for further detail on using 2K with the IFR5, as that format allows continuous slow-mo and ought to be less brutal on the budget.

Avid MXF to FCP - Can FCP import Avid MXF Files on Mac?

Follow the guide below and you will know how to import Avid MXF to Final Cut Pro without rendering or any other problems on Mac OS X (Mavericks 10.9 included). 

Q1:
I'm trying to convert 2 .MXF files and they are exported from my Avid, but there is no file structure. I've tried downloading lots of codecs, 3rd party Quicktime programs but nothing seems to read them. Any help you could give me would be brilliant.

Q2: I have AVID MXF files that I would like to import into FCP. Any ideas other than spending $400. for the MXF Import program. I tried the Sony EX Transfer software but that wouldn't do it. I don't have access to an AVID to export quicktimes.

Q3: The mxf files generated by Avid were not able to be read by Final Cut Pro. I just spend an hour or so trying to import some Avid MXF files after installing the new Calibrated MXF demo, but I couldn't get anywhere. I notice that they say they can only open Avid v3.1 mxf files. I guess that's my problem, some of my mxf files are older. Any plans to add broader Avid support?


As you see, many folks are talking about how to import Avid MXF files into Final Cut Pro for editing natively. The thing is, even the lastest FCP X does not work with the Avid MXF codec. MXF is used natively by Avid applications to store video and audio "essence" with associated metadata. It has also become the preferred file format for interchange of media files between Avid solutions and products developed by other vendors. Well, the original MXF files is from Avid, to ingest Avid Media Composer generated MXF media-container to Final Cut Pro 6/7/X for editing smoothly, the easy workaround is to transcode Avid MXF footage to ProRes MOV format, which is natively supported by FCP. Along with some help from a professional Mac MXF to MOV Converter. It can be done.

To help those who wanna edit Avid MXF files in Final Cut ProX/7/6, here I share with you a simple guide to transcode Avid MXF to Apple Prores for getting into Final Cut Pro 7/X on Mac for further high quality and high performance editing.

Downloading the App - Pavtube MXF to ProRes MOV Converter
 
Overall, the program is a professional yet easy-to-use MXF to ProRes Converter on Mac OS X which can not only convert MXF files from Avid to Apple ProRes codec videos for Mac FCP 6/7/X editing, but also provide simple video editing functions for you. It will make you FCP editing workflow with Avid MXF files smoothly and everything becomes easy. Just download it and follow the tutorial below to achieve your goal smoothly.

Guide- Convert Avid MXF to MOV ProRes for FCP 6/7/X editing smoothly on Mac

Step 1.
Free download and run the best Mac Avid MXF to FCP Converter for Final Cut Pro 6/7 and FCP X, add MXF videos to the program.



Step 2. Select output profile. If you want to edit Avid MXF file in Final Cut Pro 6/7 or FCP X, suggest you choose Final Cut Pro > Apple ProRes 422(*mov).


Tips: For editing in iMovie/FCE, you can choose iMovie and Final Cut Express > Apple InterMediate Codec(AIC)(*mov).

Step 3. Click Convert" button to start transcoding Avid MXF to ProRes MOV for Final Cut Pro.

Some more helpful features of the batch MXF to MOV Converter for Mac:

1. Settings- click to set video resolution(1920×1080/1440×1080/1280×720/720×480), bitrate (from 1Mbps to 20Mbps), frame rate (24p/30p)

2. Editor (next to "Add" icon)- click to set deinterlace, denoise, mute, volume up, trim, crop, etc.

Once the Avid MXF to MOV Conversion is done, you can go to the output folder to find the converted video files. Now you are free to import/edit Avid MXF files in Final Cut Pro under Mac without problems.

Read Related Articles:

XAVC to MOV Converter- Play Sony XAVC video with QuickTime on Mac

Follow the guide you can Convert Sony XAVC files to QuickTime MOV on Mac easily via XAVC Video Converter.

Model: F55, F5

The camera PMW-F55, F5 which used XAVC format was recently unveiled by Sony. XAVC is a new recording format which can support 4K resolution (4096 * 2160 and 3840 * 2160) at up to 60 fps, introduced by the famous Japanese camera manufacturer Sony on October 30, 2012. However, .xavc is still not as popular as other kinds of video formats such as AVCHD and MXF, so when you deal with the XAVC/XAVC-S footages, for example, importing Sony XAVC/XAVC-S to Mac applications like QuickTime for playing, you may encounter some format compatibility or video/audio synchronization problems.



This article is written to help XAVC users to solve such kind of problems by using XAVC Converter for Mac. It can help users fix all kinds of XAVC problems without losing the video quality. It offers an easy way to convert XAVC to MOV for playback on Mac. With it, you will be able to import XAVC videos to your QuickTime for playback with ease. Besides, by converting XAVC to MOV, you can transfer the generated files to your iPhone, iPad, Apple TV 3, etc to play with ease. If you are a Windows user, you can turn to XAVC Video Converter, which share similar functions with the Mac Version.

How to LosslesslyConvert Sony XAVC to QuickTime .MOV on Mac

Step 1: Load XAVC footages to the XAVC Video Converter

Run Pavtube Mac Sony XAVC to MOV Converter. Click "Add file" or "Add from folder" button, browse to the XAVC footages and load them to the converter.



Step 2. Choose QuickTime MOV as the output format

To transfer Sony XAVC/XAVC-S to QuickTime on Mac, the best way is to convert XAVC to MOV.

Click on the drop-down list of "Format", and follow  "Common Video"> "MOV-QuickTime (*.mov)" or "Common Video" > "H.264 Video (*.mp4)".

To retain the HD video quality, you can select "HD Video"> "H.264 HD Video (*.mp4)".



Tips: Click the "Settings" button and set proper video/ audio parameters. You can reset set the video size, bitrate and fame rate. If you would like to use default settings, simply skip this step.

Step 3: Start converting XAVC to MOV

After the options above, press the "Convert" button to launch the conversion from XAVC/XAVC-S to MOV on Mac.

After converting XAVC to MOV, you can view XAVC on the Mac QuickTime and do whatever you want with the XAVC footages on Mac.

See also:

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Convert and Transfer Sony XDCAM footage to QuickTime MOV on Mac

This article will show you how to convert XDCAM EX HD files to QuickTime MOV on Mac.  

XDCAM EX 

The Sony XDCAM EX is a high-quality video camcorder, capable of shooting in either standard definition or high definition. XDCAM EX video and audio content is stored on Sony SxS solid-state Express Card 3/4 media within MP4 container files. You can record video either 1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720 modes.

XDCAM EX HD MP4 video is recorded from Sony XDCAM EX. But after test, we find that this MP4 format by Sony can't even be played on Mac OS 10.8. Many fresh users don't know what to do. But don't worry. Just follow me to learn how to play and view .mp4 files from Sony XDCAM EX.
Soutions:
  1. With running XDCAM Browser you can preview the MP4 files or export as a mxf file, but can't transfer to a .mov file and this rewapped .mxf file may not be viewing.
  2. Of course You can play this video file on the camcorder and through the Sony software, but if you use QuickTime as your media player, you will have to convert Sony XDCAM HD file to a compatible format with QuickTime MOV for playback. So how to convert a XDCam EX MP4 file into a mac-compatible .mov file for enjoying which retain the same size and quality? 
  • Calibrated{Q} MP4-EX Import component ($149.95) supports tranferring MP4 to QuickTime MOV. (Not supported FCP X)
  • Calibrated{Q} XD Decode codec ($89.95) to encode MP4 files for playback. (Not for use when any version of Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Studio or Final Cut Server is installed, and at least a Intel Core 2 Duo with two physical cores is highly recommended)
  • As the solution above takes too much money, and you may may have reliability and incompatiblity issues. Here comes the third solution, using Pavtube HD Video Converter for mac can helps you to tranfer Sony XDCAM MP4 to QuickTime mov easily and fastly. (Easy and Helpful)
As you see, the last solution is the esaiest and effective way. Below are step to step guide for Converting and Transferring an XDCAM EX to QuickTime on Mac.

Step 1. Download Sony XDCAM MP4 to MOV Converter for mac, and install it. Click the "Add Video"  button to import Sony XDCAM EX seperate MP4 files or press on"Add from Folder" button to add MP4 folder.


Step 2. Select output format.

Click on the dropdown menu of "Format" and select "Common Video -> MOV – QuickTime (*.mov)" as target format. This format is specially designed for QuickTime playback. You can also choose format as you need in the format column, such as AVI, MKV, MP4, etc.

         
Step 3.Adjust video and audio parameters.

Click "Settings" button to customize the output video and audio settings by yourself. You can also use the default parameters, they will ensure you a good balance between file size and image quality basically. You can change the resolution, bitrate, frame rate as you need.

         

Step 4. Click "Convert" button and this Sony XDCAM EX MP4 Converter for Mac will start transcoding Sony XDCAM MP4 to QuickTime MOV.

After you converting Sony XDCAM  HD Video to MOV for QuickTime, you can play the converted footages smoothly on Mac.

Further Reading:


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 News, Reviews, Tips



Lumix DMC-G6  Hands on:

Panasonic has just announced a new member to their lineup of mirrorless digital cameras: the Lumix DMC-G6. This camera succeeds the G5 and adds to it an array of performance and imaging enhancements, many of which are focused around improved movie recording and the integration of built-in wireless connectivity. Enhancing the G6 is the new Lumix G Vario 14-140mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH POWER O.I.S. lens, which is also an update of a former product and features an increased maximum aperture and lighter overall weight. 

G6 specification highlights: 
  • 16MP Live MOS sensor 
  • ISO 160-12,800 (extendable up to 25,600) 
  • 3.0", 1.04 million dot capacative LCD 
  • 1.44 million dot OLED electronic viewfinder with eye sensor
  • Full AVCHD 1080/60p video with full manual control (and 2.4X digital teleconverter option) 
  • 3.5mm external mic socket 
  • 7 frames per second continuous shooting, 5 fps with AF-tracking 
  • 23 Scene modes including 'Cute Desert' and 'Sweet Child's Face' 
  • iAuto mode can automatically detect when to use 9 scene modes 
  • 'Clear Retouch' touch gesture-based heal tool 

FAQs: 
  1. What is the body made of??

    The body of this camera is made out of a composite material.
  2. Is it compatible with batteries from older models, or is it a new battery design?

    The G6 uses a 7.2V, 1200mAh battery, Panasonic product number DMW-BLC12. As far as I can tell, this is the same battery used by the G5, GH2, and FZ200.

  3.  Is is possible to log & transfer G6 recordings to FCP 7?

    Many Panasonic users may encountered import AVCHD files to FCP 7 problem. It is due to the format and codec incompatiblity. FCP only works in specific formats and video resolutions. The material from this camera has to be converted to FCP friendly codec, such as apple prores. So converting G6 footage to ProRes is the best method.
  4. How to remove the rendering time and smoothly edit G6 MTS files in FCP X ?

    As we know, Apple ProRes 422 codec MOV format is best supported video codec and format for FCP X. And Pavtube iMedia Converter for Mac can help you easily transcode G6 MTS to Final Cut Pro ProRes 422 codec. 

Tips:

This Mac Panasonic AVCHD Converter can be your best partner to convert Panasonic AVCHD MTS for FCE/iMovie and make Panasonic AVCHD files editable in Avid Media Composer.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Make Blackmagic Production Camera 4K footage editable in FCP 6/7/X

Videomaker's Best Camcorder of NAB 2013 is the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K. Do you know it? The team at Blackmagic Design has been hard at work preparing the release of the Blackmagic Production Camera 4K. Now, the professional has blend in our life. The Blackmagic Production Camera 4K can capture 3840×2160 on its Super 35 sensor,which can effectively retain the contents when shooting . And because the machine can use the RAW format video capture, which makes the cameraman shooting can have more space in the post-processing.




For Blackmagic Production Camera 4K users, you may want to convert the Blackmagic 4K video captured with the camera to other format files for further usage. However when you enjoy the stunning videos recorded of HD image quality, you may encounter problems of trying to edit Blackmagic 4K footage in FCP. To make 4K videos editable in FCP, we can transcode Blackmagic 4K AVCHD, MTS, M2TS, MXF, XAVC video to FCP compatible codec.

What we use: Pavtube Media Magician for Mac ($45)

This app supports a variety of codecs and file types, including AVCHD, MTS, M2TS, TOD, MOD, MKV, MOV, AVI, MP4, ASF, DVD compatible MPEG files, flash videos and even protected TiVo recordings. So it will be your ideal choice to cut/encode the Blackmagic 4K video to Apple ProRes 422 HQ which is the best codec for FCP. In case you have the same problem with importing Blackmagic 4K shootings into FCP, I'd share the workflow here.

Guide: How to Change Blackmagic 4K Video Clips to ProRes 422 HQ clips

1. Connect the Blackmagic 4K cam to Mac and the software will pop up a wizard for you to capture AVCHD, MTS, M2TS, MXF, XAVC from camcorder. This wizard is brilliant – we have used it to import many 4K videos that had not work in FCP Log and Transfer window.

 

2. Drag and drop video clips to timeline.

 

Tip: Here you can remove unwanted video clips and trim out unwanted frames by frame-accurate. Also, you may trim, cut, delete, rearrange order, and merge videos. Find some helpful instructions in below guides:

How to split/cut/trim video in frame accurate editor without re-encoding on Mac?

How to do timeline editing and select frames accurately using frame selection controller?

3. Click the Output button on the top and switch it to output interface.

Here you can set common video format like AVI, MKV, MP4, MOV, MPG, etc as well as intermediate codec for non-linear video editing app like FCP and Avid MC.



4. Export Apple ProRes video for FCP 7/FCP X.

For importing Blackmagic 4K video to FCP, follow the steps to set Apple ProRes 422 preset:



a. Move your mouse to Editor, click on the tab.

b. Select "Final Cut Pro" group.

c. The default output format for FCP is Apple ProRes 422. To use ProRes 422 HQ codec, you need to click on the "Format" bar and choose "Apple ProRes 422 HQ" from the drop-down list of.

d. Press the plus sign (+) to add task for conversion.

e. Select the task(s) and click on the triangle sign to start encoding Blackmagic 4K recordings to Apple ProRes 422 MOV for FCP.

More 4K videos:

Apart from Blackmagic Production Camera 4K, there are other video camcorders can record videos in 4K, such as Canon C500, Sony NEX-FS700, Sony PMW-F55/F5, etc. the videos formats include MXF, XAVC mainly.

So now you can successfully edit high definition videos from Blackmagic Production Camera 4K in FCP. Hope this article will be the best solution. Just enjoy your fluid workflow with Blackmagic Production Camera 4K and Final Cut Pro!