Sony XDCAM EX in FCPX 10.2 problem importing
"I have been trying to import some XDCAM EX footage (from a Sony EX1R) into FCPX 10.2. When I try to import the .MP4 file from the camera I just get a green screen in the import window. I have installed the latest Pro Video update 2.0.1 twice, once through the App Store and also via the manual download from the Apple support pages. It's as if the Pro Video Install hasn't worked properly. Am I just missing something or doing something stupid? Could anybody help with this problem? Thanks!"
The Sony XDCAM EX series camcorder including Sony PMW-EX1, Sony PMW-EX1R, Sony PMW-EX3 and Sony PMW-350. For FCP users who are facing the same issue to import Sony XDCAM EX MP4 to FCP X, there are 2 solutions for you to fix the problems.
The first solution is using third-party Sony XDCAM Transfer software. Prior to importing Sony XDCAM EX MP4 with with XDCAM Transfer, you may use the Sony XDCAM EX Clip Browse to first copy the SxS-based media to local storage. Then you can ingest MPEG-4 wrapped XDCAM-EX media to QuickTime-wrapped media with XDCAM Transfer application on your scratch disk. Then you can simply choose the XDCAM EX Easy Setup that corresponds to your footage and edit as you would with any other native format in Final Cut Pro.
If the first solution is too complicated for you or you encounter some unsolvable problem when adopting the first method. A much simple but reliable alternative solution is recommended to you. You can use a third-party application to transcode Sony XDCAM EX MP4 to FCP X best native compatible editing codec -Apple Prores, which is specially developed by Apple for fast and fluid post-production editing workflow in Final Cut Pro X.
There's a standalone solution in hand called Pavtube HD Video Converter for Mac (support Mac OS X El Capitan), the program can do you a great favor to directly output Sony XDCAM EX MP4 files to FCP X best compatible Apple Prores Codec in different file types to satisfy your different usage.
The most appropriate Apple Prores codec for workflows that involve offline editing on a MacBook Pro are Apple ProRes 422 (LT) or Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy) as your offline format. While for online master phase of projects that don't use effects or compositing, it is idea for you to choose "Apple Prores 422(*.mov)" or "Apple Prores 422(HQ) (*.mov)".
Tips:
1.When converting video to Final Cut Pro oriented format templates(e.g. Apple Prores), please ensure that your computer has Final Cut Pro installed, otherwise the converted files will have audio only without image.
2.If you are using FCP X, please make sure you have installed ProApps QuickTime Codecs, or you may get files with sound only without video.
Important Tips:
How to fix the program's crash problem on Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan
Step 1: Add Sony XDCAM EX MP4 files.
Launch the program on your computer, add Sony XDCAM EX MP4 files to the program by clicking the "Add Video" or "Add folder" button.
Step 2: Choose output file format.
In "Format" drop-down list, select Final Cut Pro high performance editing codec by do the following: "Final Cut Pro" > "Apple Prores 422 (*.mov)" or "Apple Prores 422(HQ) (*.mov)".
Step 3: Edit XDCAM EX MP4 video files.
Open "Video Editor" Window, you can play and preview the original video and output effects. Also you can flip video, trim, crop, add watermark, apply special effect, insert subtitle, reset, and adjust volume, etc.
Step 4: Start conversion.
Cick the right bottom "Convert" button to start to convert XDCAM EX MP4 files to FCP X preferable mov format with Prores codec.
Once the conversion work is finished, you can click "Open output folder" to get the generated files for import converted files to FCP X for professional post-production workflow.
