HELP! Can't get my EX1 footage into FCP...

bmxbud4130

Active member
Sorry if there is already a similar post. I've done some searching and still can't find the answer to my problem.

First timer with SxS and EX here...I shot some quick test shots on the EX1 and I'm trying to figure out the workflow... here's a rundown of what I'm trying to do...

-Insert SxS card into slot on MacBook Pro
-Use Clip Browser v2.00.01 (which I downloaded from Sony's site earlier today) to copy the BPAV folder over to an external firewire 800 drive.
-Connect external firewire drive with copied footage to MacPro desktop, b/c the MacBook Pro I have available doesn't have FCP.

This is where I get stuck... Just what exactly can I import into FCP for editing? MP4 files give me the error "File Error: 1 file recognized, 0 access denied, 1 unknown".

I tried to export to MXF for XDCAM HD422 and import the MXF file into FCP and I get the same error.

I tried to import files from the BPAV folder that were copied to my external drive using the XDCam Transfer plug-in for FCP, but I get another error. "No Supported Files, XDCAM Transfer could not find any XDCAM compatible files at the location..."

From what I understand you can convert the MP4's to editable MOV files with XDCAM Transfer, but I can't even get it to open anything at this point.

Does it matter if there are 1080/30p and 720/60p clips on the same card?

I need to be able to use the MacBook Pro to offload from the cards on location. Is it necessary to have FCP installed on the MacBook?

My main question is, how do I take what's in that BPAV folder and convert it to a .MOV that FCP will recognize?

Thanks in advance.
 
I should also mention that my desktop has FCP v6.0.5, and XDCAM Transfer v1.1.0.

I've also installed the SxS drivers on my desktop (even though I'm only connecting to the SxS card on the MacBook.).

I still get the "No Supported Files" message in XDCAM Transfer...
 
First of all get your software up-to-date:

Sony ClipBrowser 2.5.0
Sony XDCAM Transfer 2.9.0
Apple FCP 6.0.5

It is dreadful to have to say this, but not all Sony sites are up-to-date with their downloads. Sony Canada is one site that has been diligent so far as well as the second site as follows:

http://www.sony.ca/xdcamex/support.htm
http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcam/resource.downloads

Secondly, spend some time with Sony's recommended "Workflow Tutorials" and "Workflow Guides" that are available from the second link above. These will answer most if not all of your questions and take you step-by-step through the process.

Thirdly, you can mix clips with whatever format during the record process. What is really important is to not modify the BPAV folder in any way as you back it up to whatever machine. The BPAV folder can be moved from your MacBook to the MacPro where you can then do your editing. To edit them in FCP, use XDCAM transfer to convert the .MP4 files to .mov format. If FCP is up-to-date they will import without any troubles, assuming your up-to-speed with FCP.

This should get you on your way, cheers!
 
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Thanks for the links. I just downloaded XDCAM Transfer and Clip Browser from one of the Sony EX microsites earlier today, assuming it would be up-to-date. Apparently it wasn't.

Also, I have left the BPAV folder and structure in tact, the parent folder being the long numerical folder assigned by Clip Browser. (i.e. 20090527144022>BPAV>...and so on...).

I also downloaded the workflow guides and have watched videos on the subject, and as far as I can tell I'm doing everything in the right steps according to what is reccommended. I just get that stinkin' "No Supported Files" message.

I'll run these updates versions and give that a whirl. Thanks!
 
Sometimes you'll get that message if you're not clicking on the bpav folder itself, but clicking either one directory/folder up or down.

Also, did you use Copy All in CB to get them onto the hard drive?
 
Turns out I didn't have the most recent versions of XDCAM Transfer and CB. I downloaded from the Sony.ca links you provided and now it works like a charm! So thanks for that!

I don't understand why Sony can't be consistent with that across their sites. I'd understand if I downloaded from a link that I found in the backwoods of the internet, but I got it from a Sony.com link that came up at the top of a google search... frustrating.

And Mike, I do use the Copy All function in Clip Browser to transfer the data to my hard drive, with the CRC check of course.

Thanks again for all of your help. Yesterday evening I was beginning to pull my hair out.
 
I don't understand why Sony can't be consistent with that across their sites. I'd understand if I downloaded from a link that I found in the backwoods of the internet, but I got it from a Sony.com link that came up at the top of a google search... frustrating.

Glad to hear your up and running.

This issue is indeed frustrating as is Sony's failure to make firmware updates for our camera's available on the internet. The perception is that Sony Broadcast is still in the dark ages when it comes to making software/firmware available for download on the internet. Every other professional camera manufacture seems to get it done right as do the other Sony divisions. It's inconceivable???
 
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