Log and Transfer in FCP

[mikemckelvey]

I have been using firewire log and transfer in FCP to get all my video on my computer. When I do this it saves all these files in the projects capture scratch folder, but it converts them to .mov rather than keeping them .mxf. I then back up these files on two separate externals. Should I be backing up the full .mxf files or is it better to just back up the .movs that end up in the capture scratch? I guess I really want to know if there is a difference between this converted .mov and the .mxf original?

 

[Nexis]

There IS a difference. And there are at least a few reasons to backup the mxf files.

First, if after you have logged and transferred the footage into FCP you delete the mxf files, you'd better be 100% darn sure that you've pulled the footage in using the right codec. If not, and the mxf files have been deleted, you could be screwed.

Second, you may want the mxf files backed up if you ever use the metadata included in the mxf files. FCP does not retain or use the metadata with the mov files in any way.

Third, if you have a client who wants the original files in addition to what you produce, it's good to have them.

Fourth, if you ever want to use your footage in a different NLE, it's usually better to be working from the original files.

and so on...

That's why many FCP users rely on third party apps (e.g., Raylight - and there are others) to give them direct access to the mxf files without having FCP repackage them as movs.

In the meantime, we're all wondering why Apple won't see the light.

Cheers.

 

[Shane Ross]

"fter you have logged and transferred the footage into FCP you delete the mxf files, you'd better be 100% darn sure that you've pulled the footage in using the right codec."

Log and transfer of DVCPRO HD footage only imports AS DVCPRO HD. No conversion happens. AVCHD and AVCIntra are the ones where the codec can change.

But all the other points are VERY valid. Don't back up the imports, back up the original MXF files, and keep the card structure intact...CONTENTS and LASTCLIP.txt folder.