Sony EX1 and Final Cut 5 Compatibility

R

Rob Neidig

Member
Hi, folks!

I have a friend I'm trying to help out in buying a new camera for his projects. He is currently using a couple of old Sony HVR-HD1000 camcorders. They are HDV format and shoot to tape. He has a VERY LOW budget, so my early recommendations to him for the Z150, FS5 (which I use) or similar are way out of his comfort zone. He does need to be able to feed audio to the camera, so the low cost consumer 4K camcorders are also out. We're currently thinking of trying to upgrade incrementally by buying a used EX1. That at least gets him full HD, with a better picture, more on-board control and the use of SD cards instead of tape.

He uses Final Cut Pro 5. My biggest concern is whether he will be able to easily import files created by the EX1 into Final Cut. From what I've read, the EX1 creates mp4 files, right? I have read about Content Browser as a way to convert files. Is that necessary for importing into FC5?

I appreciate any info about using the EX1 and Final Cut together. I would also appreciate any other recommendations for cameras in the very low budget category (under $1000).

THANKS!

Rob
 
whats not clear is the abiity of his computer and why hes on fcp5 which Im guessing is a cluncker now.

for no money he could be using Resolve free.. which an ex1 works fine with.

Im not a fan of the card holders.. better to get sxs cards if poss. you dont need a reader as you can usb out of the ex1

for similar cash one might consider a canon dslr and a couple of lenses.. depends on the jobs as the ex1 is a work horse for delivering content.
 
This might be a question which very few know or remember the answer to because it's been too long, 20 years or so?

If you don't receive an exact answer, I would try to find an EX1 file online somewhere. Or if any of this forum's members happen to come across this thread who still use a EX1 (some do) then maybe one can send you a test clip you can test out with your friend.

I would also try other forums where some of the older generation is more active and may remember (Creative COW, FCP.co, etc).

___

Do you think he would consider FCP? (Formerly known as FCP X.)

It's $299 and modern software which will work with the files. And he can use it on newer computers, if he ever upgrades (won't be able to do that with FCP5).

If he's uncomfortable learning a newer piece of software then that's understood, but just a thought.

___

As far as camcorders, one of my favorites from around that time was the Panasonic HMC150.
 
Was thinking about showing him that but it's from 2007 and I'm not sure which FCP he is using in that video.

Good chance it's 6 as the date of the video was months after its release.

Some digging online could probably find the information to all of this, including how 5 and 6's GUI looked to see if the video above could quickly provide an answer. (Or maybe there are other videos on YT, haven't checked past that one.)
 
Thanks, everybody, for the responses so far. Yes, he has an old computer, with old software but unfortunately I don't think he's going to upgrade those anytime soon. So I'm looking for the best options given those formidable challenges. THANKS!
 
Does the camera need to support interchangeable lenses? If not, there are a number of camcorders that write to SD cards, the Sony HXR-NX5U comes to mind, but it only has a 720P sensor. A Panasonic AF100 should be pretty cheap, but I'm not sure how usable the AF is on it.
 
For curiosity sake I was looking at what used camcorders go for now on ebay and the prices are pretty absurd for old tech. It seems to be going on every where because there is a shortage in the new market, the used market is inflated.
 
I bought a brand new Hi8 camcorder (released in 2005, which was probably one of the last ones) from eBay a few days ago for ~$325.

The person had the box opened and said it was open box (but brand new) because he/she wanted to make sure everything was in there (makes sense since it's been so long), and it was certainly all brand new even with the factory smell.

I thought it was a priceless investment for my Hi8 tapes since the heads weren't used (personal Hi8 camcorder is starting to fail).
 
Rob Neidig said:
He uses Final Cut Pro 5. My biggest concern is whether he will be able to easily import files created by the EX1 into Final Cut. From what I've read, the EX1 creates mp4 files, right? I have read about Content Browser as a way to convert files. Is that necessary for importing into FC5?

I appreciate any info about using the EX1 and Final Cut together. I would also appreciate any other recommendations for cameras in the very low budget category (under $1000)
Click to expand...

Old but maybe it will give you some pointers. Do you need an EX file to test with? Let us know.

Chris Young

https://www.provideocoalition.com/xdcam_ex1_hands_on_final_cut_pro_workflow/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top