Converting MXF HD video files to QuickTime files

[ambsad]

I have a Canon xf105 camcorder with a utility software that allows users to load video clips onto a computer. The software also allows users to convert the clips into MXF files before it can be used on non linear editors like Final Cut Pro. I have done all of these steps up to creating my MXF files but cannot import my clips to final cut pro. Anyone have an experience to help?

[AeroQ]

Searching for "mxf to mov" will provide several utilities to rewrap MXF files into MOV.
Check also this thread: http://forums.creativecow.net/thread/8/1047467

This diagram explains how to go from .mov container into other wrappers, but not the other way around:
http://aeroquartet.com/movierepair/xdcam-workflow

-- Benoît

[ddixon]

I have the XF100 and use it with FCPX on a Mac Pro - the clips are actually already in an mxf wrapper. The Canon XF Utility doesn't convert anything - it just copies the files to the computer and allows you to manage/view them. I just recently found a freeware mxf player for Mac that also works for viewing the clips.

There is no need to pre-convert the clips. Get the FCP plugin that Canon provides (it's been available for FCP7 for a year, for FCPX for a few months) and you can just import these clips either from the camera, the card in a reader, or even from the backups created by XF Utility. It will even let you preview the clips, set in/out points, and just import the portions you need (thus saving space). I use that import process as a first rough cut.

Finally, if you want to work with native files, just turn off Create Optimized Media in the FCPX import prefs. If you leave that on it will convert to ProRes422. It does this in the background in FCPX and you can go ahead and begin editing with no waiting. I prefer to work in ProRes - the quality is excellent and the performance is very smooth. Drawbacks? Native is much more processor intensive and performance will be slower. The only drawback to ProRes is that the file sizes are much larger than native.

I don't have time at the moment to give links, but the Canon website has the software, plugins, etc. that I'm referring to (except for the free mxf player). If you can't find that, post back here later.