Importing MXF files Final Cut 5.0.4

B

Britt Pitre

Member
Hi guys,

I'm about to start editing a feature that was shot on the HVX. It was shot in 720p, mostly at 24fps, but there is some 2fps, 12fps, 48 fps, and 60fps material. All the p2 footage was dumped onto a 2TB hard drive and now exists as MXF files.

My mac is a G5, dual 1.8ghz processors, 3GB ram, running on Mac OS x 10.3.9 and FCP 5.0.4

I tried to upgrade to final cut 5.1.2 but realized I need to buy OS X 10.4 to do so...

I have two questions:

1.) Does upgrading from 5.0.4 to 5.1.2 present any significant advantages or absolute must haves and

2.) If 5.0.4 is fine, how do I get the MXF files from a hard drive into the program. Every resource I can find explains how to download P2 cards into FCP but not how to do it from a hard drive.

Thanks
 
You really do want to go with 5.1.2 for DVCPRO-HD editing for sure. It handles the codec really well.

The upgrade will give you a bunch of advantages you don't have with 5.0. Not to mention that 5.1.2 recognizes Motion's FX Plug plugin archtecture, so you have a bunch of Motion filters right in FCP.

PM me, I have some resources that will give you a good look at what you can expect to gain.
 
Britt Pitre said:
Hi guys,

2.) If 5.0.4 is fine, how do I get the MXF files from a hard drive into the program. Every resource I can find explains how to download P2 cards into FCP but not how to do it from a hard drive.

Thanks
Click to expand...

1. File > Import > Panasonic P2
2. The import window opens up.
3. Above the left pane (File Viewer) click on the Gear icon. Choose Custom Path and navigate to the Contents directory of your P2 footage. Select the directory you want to import.
4. Select the footage you want to import and click Add Selection To Queue. The footage will be converted to Quicktime and imported in your project.
5. You may also fiddle with footage on the right side of the import window before you add to queue by cropping, choosing or deselecting audio channels, and adding meta data.
6. WARNING. The above is for 24FPS footage only. If your footage is over or undercranked you must do the same as above except do the following before step 3: Click the Gear icon and click Preference. Then uncheck Remove Advanced Pulldown and Duplicate Frames. Now you may choose Custom Path and import footage.
 
Hi guys!
I have FCP5.0.4. Does anyone know if I have to upgrade to studio to get FCP 5.1.2? I went to the apple website and the only option I could find was to crossgrade to studio, or to buy studio. So the question is- is it no longer possible to upgrade FCP on its own? I might cross grade later (to get studio) but right now i just need to quickly upgrade FCP for continuing with my P2 work in FCP. Many thanks for your help!
 
Sam Taylor said:
Hi guys!
I have FCP5.0.4. Does anyone know if I have to upgrade to studio to get FCP 5.1.2? I went to the apple website and the only option I could find was to crossgrade to studio, or to buy studio. So the question is- is it no longer possible to upgrade FCP on its own? I might cross grade later (to get studio) but right now i just need to quickly upgrade FCP for continuing with my P2 work in FCP. Many thanks for your help!
Click to expand...

The "cross grade" is Apple's way to make it more affordable to upgrade to FCP 5.1. You have to have 5.1 to upgrade via Software Update to get 5.1.3. FCP is no longer sold by itself. The Studio package is only $200 more than FCP was by itself, so it is a good deal. You REALLY want 5.1.3 if you're working with P2.
 
BenB said:
5.1.3 fixes a major P2 bug.
Click to expand...

DOES NOT! Thphthphthphthph!!

Well, it does for some, but not for others. Certainly did nothing for me. Wish it did.

And it breaks two plugins that we know of, Automatic Duck and Colorista. Maybe others.
 
I've filled up my FS-100 four times this week. Twice being at Mardi Gras here in N.O. yesterday. Not a single problem importing.
 
Shane Ross said:
DOES NOT! Thphthphthphthph!!

Well, it does for some, but not for others. Certainly did nothing for me. Wish it did.

And it breaks two plugins that we know of, Automatic Duck and Colorista. Maybe others.
Click to expand...

Shane...

Thanks for the warning. I depend upon Automatic Duck!
 
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