Why edit natively OR in ProRes when you can use proxies?

E

eco_bach

Well-known member
Hi
For my first editing attempt on my limited hardware, I realized quite quickly that i couldn't edit natively in HD resolution. Trascoding to ProRes is not an option ether since I don't (yet at least) own FCP.
The solution I came up with is to simply create a lower resolution version of my high res files, using a less CPU intensive codec (DVPRO NTSC using PhotoJPEG compression seems to work for me)..and swap these in after setting up my sequence.
With all the advantages of proxies
-easy to create-set up a batch in MPEG Streamclip and bob's your uncle
-guaranteed being able to edit on just about ANY machine with a minimum 2GB RAM
-no proprietary codec
-easy to swap back out agin just before CC-grading final render

...I'm left wondering why proxies aren't MORE popular? Can anyone explain to me what the advantages of editing natively or even in ProRes vs proxies might be?
 
1) They don't know proper media management when it comes to offline/online workflows and/or because FCP is terrible at it
2) They have a computer sufficient enough to run 1 or 2 streams of ProRes
3) They want to feel maximum engagement with the content they edit, which means being able to see everything crisp and full resolution
4) They want to edit full resolution due to the fact that some takes had soft focus and they need to be able to judge immediately

These would be my main ideas on why.
 
I personally don't like proxies because they force you into an 'offline' workflow. If you're doing heavy color correction, effects work, pixel accurate design you have to do your work twice. once as proxy and then a second time when you go back and relink to the original media. Hard drive space is so cheap and a powerful computer is also cheap relatively speaking the proxy workflow makes no sense unless video is just a hobby and you're pinching every penny. If it's for hire and mission critical you just don't have the time to waste... My$.02.

Noah
 
Also, you can buy a HD editing-capable PC for under $1k these days....most people don't need to edit proxies since today's middle of the road quad cores can handle Prores/LT.
 
Is there any way to import footage (using log and capture) and covert it to prores for storage, and make low res proxies at the same? That's what i really want. Then i can check the hi res clip if i have any doubts about its quality while editing offline. I think editing offline is the best way to edit. You focus more on your story and sound. With never having to render it frees you up to experiment more.
 
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