Converting MXF files for editing in FCP X??

Pretty new to this, forgive my ignorance please. I am converting a bunch of MXF files that were shot on a Panasonic HVX 200. I'm using an MXF converter on a Macbook Air, to edit in Final Cut.

The footage was shot at 720P at 24 frames per second. Among the options for conversion in the PavTube program (listed in the Final Cut conversion tab) are a bunch of Apple ProRes 422 options (regular, HQ, LT, Proxy), a bunch of DVC Pro options (1080 and 720 with various framerates) and "HDV 1080 and 720" with various framerates).

Which one should I choose? Instinct is telling me HDV 720p 24 (since the footage is 720 and 24. But does anyone know if that is the best choice?

Thanks!

Final Cut Pro X works with ProRes 422 in the timeline by default. Regular ProRes 422 should be fine.

Thanks for that info! So would you say I should choose the choice "Apple ProRes 422" or "Apple ProRes 422 HQ". What is the difference?

From the FCP X manual:

Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) This Apple ProRes codec preserves visual quality at the
same high level as Apple ProRes 4444, but for 4:2:2 image sources. With widespread adoption across the video post-production industry, Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) offers visually lossless preservation of the highest-quality professional HD video that a (single-link) HD-SDI signal can carry. This codec supports full-width, 4:2:2 video sources at 10-bit pixel depths, while remaining visually lossless through many generations
of decoding and reencoding. The target data rate of Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) is approximately 220 Mbps at 1920 x 1080 and 29.97 fps.

So basically, overkill. Go with 422 (not HQ) if you want to keep file sizes reasonable while still maintaining good quality. If you want gigantic files, go with HQ.

Why are you not letting FCP do the transcode for you? Why waste time with a third party app?

@ BenB, Um...cuz I'm a bit of a moron with this stuff as yet, I'm just beginning with video. I'm a Pro Tools/Music guy, and this is the first project I'm tackling with this. :woohoo:

You are right of course, I just discovered that because the MXF files were saved in their original folder heirarchy structure, I can, in fact, import them directly from Final Cut using the "import camera" function, and then choosing "open archive". That's what I've started to do, and it seems to be working. I assume that is better than any third party app.

A.

I can relate to being 'a bit of a moron at this'!

I've just finished an old FC express video so now I can finally get into FCP X...but of course the MXF files are still a pain.

I get differing opinions on what is or isn't available regarding plugins and now I'm told that the Canon plugin provided is pretty useless!
If there was/is another option that cuts down on keystrokes and general assing about then I'd like to see it. I do not 'import from camera' so as it stands I have to select each folder individually that contains the MXF files to transfer. This is effective but slow and tedious....maybe I've missed something but if this is the case then it feels like I gone back to the days of using my ZX Spectrum!

I import from an HVX-200 and an HPX-170 almost daily, and it is no trouble at all. Import From Camera, select what I want, import, done.

BenB wrote: I import from an HVX-200 and an HPX-170 almost daily, and it is no trouble at all. Import From Camera, select what I want, import, done.

So is that the key all along, just import from camera every time, problem solved? I'll try and see, thanks for the info...

Just copy the card completely to any external drive you have and point FCP X to that copy of the card. It'll extract the needed files automatically. No need to plug the cam to your computer.

Since these are P2 cameras, yes, you do need to plug the camera into the Mac, even to just copy the files over.

May as well ingest them right then and there, while creating the Archive of each card as backup, all at the same time.