EX3-Workflow

[ROCKMORE]

I just shot a 5 day project with an EX3. I'm editing on an i7 PC with Adobe Premiere CS-4, but for the past 2 years have only been working with Canon DSLR H-264 files.

A few years ago I cut a similar job with EX-3 footage and had no problems except that the files are in individual folders.

Not having experience with the EX3 files in a pinch I simply pulled the files out of the folders into a single folder for each card, then imported them into my project which was an extreme PIA.

What is the correct way to deal with these folders and files.

Thanks

 

[ROCKMORE]

I googled it and answered some questions to start. I downloaded the Sony EXCam file browser which is great so now I can at least review the footage without opening folders. I also read that you can import the files directly from the browser, but sometimes with error messages, but will try. Any other shortcut tips welcome.

 

[cameraoperatorsydney]

Try 'XDCAM Transfer' you should find that on the net. I have been using it for about 3 years now and have never had any issues with it. I put the SxS card into my Mac and then open up XDCAM transfer and it imports them as .mov files in the EX wrapper so it works well in NLE's.

Seeing that you have a PC, for best results you'll need a card reader. You can download the footage direct from the camera via USB but it takes a while. From memory i think in XDCAM transfer you can specify what format you would like to transcode to.

Im not 100% sure but i think EXCam file browser and XDCAM transfer are different so see what you can find.

Hope that helps.

Paul

 

[Thomas Kist]

Always keep the BPAV folder intact with all the content!
never drag individual files out there because you will loose the meta-data.

 

[Doug Jensen]

From memory i think in XDCAM transfer you can specify what format you would like to transcode to.

No, "XDCAM Transfer" does not allow you to transcode to another codec, nor would you want it to. Stay native.
"XDCAM Transfer" allows you to rewrap the clips from .MP4 or .MXF to .MOV so Final Cut will recognize them. That is not transcoding, and there are no options for transcoding in "XDCAM Transfer".
But with that said, you shouldn't be using "XDCAM Transfer" or it's companion, "XDCAM EX Clip Browser" anymore, anyway. Those utilities are outdated and not being supported. In fact, some footage from some of the cameras won't even be recognized by those programs anymore. It's time to move ahead.

All XDCAM users, no matter which camera model you have, or whether you shoot on optical discs or memory cards, should be using "XDCAM Browser 2.1". You also want to make sure that all drivers are installed and updated.

If you keep current on the software, and follow the recommended procedures, the XDCAM workflow is extremely elegant and simple. I wouldn't trade it for any other tapeless system.

http://www.vortexmedia.com/DVD1.html