Workflow using 5k Red Files, CineX and FCPX...can you guys shed some light??

I'd like the best workflow on getting 5k Red files into FCPX. Not sure to optimize in CineX...or import R3D files directly into FCPX and let FCPX transocde? Or perhaps, no one really uses CineX who uses FCPX? I don't know.

CineX has some really nice features to change the RAW files which nicely moves with the files...but let's assume for the sake of simplicity, I would not be using those features of CineX. Only to view, add meta, and export.

There are a number of combinations to use to get the job done...but I'd rather ask a pro who has used this in the field of which I'm sure knows the quickest way to start cutting using these files and apps.


Thanks!

Hey talon head,

there are multiple workflows, you just have to find the right one that fits your needs and habits.
You can choose to import all your files into REDCINE-X do your adjustments and then import them into Final Cut Pro X. The beauty is you can go back to REDCINE-X adjust or tweak your clips and they will update in Final Cut Pro X (if you imported the REDcode files).

There is also the option to render out your RED files from REDCINE-X into ProRes. But there is nothing wrong importing your clips directly into Final Cut Pro X and do all the work there form transcoding, colouring, framing and etc... which probably is the quickest.

If you have any question just hit me up.

I can confirm what Scrubelicious says. We always import R3D files straight into FCPX, do a first light correction using the FCPX Red plugin and then work at quarter res, or at half or full res on systems with a RedRocket card. The beauty of working with the native R3D files is that you can export FCP XMLs that link directly to the full quality media when you bring your edit to Resolve and/or Smoke for finishing.

- Ronny

Thanks guys for the valuable input!

I was thinking the simplest and quickest was to just import the files directly into FCPX and work with it from there...grading, transcoding, etc. it works fine.

But editing 5k natively is a pipedream for me. I have a relatively quick system (using SSDs and a good amount of RAM with a ATI 5870 GPU) and it still lugs the sucker down...dropping frames all over the place in the viewer.

Then I would transcode to Proxies...great! Solved...well...not entirely.

Once it gets transcoded, the bad thing is I can't modify RED RAW settings. I have to edit natively. That also means no updating to FCPX if I change something in CineX (and vice versa).

And my machine definitely can't edit natively.

Or maybe I'm in left field and misunderstood something somewhere along the way?

No, no problem.

You still can adjust your RED RAW settings. You just have to retranscode the files back into Proxy.

I would suggest you start editing your footage, when come to the point where you need to access your RED RAW options. Go into the Final Cut Pro X Preferences and switch from Use proxy media to Use original or optimized media under the Playback tab.

The assigned effects, scaling and etc... will reapplied to your RED media.

OF COURSE! lol I knew that. Thanks for enlightening me on that one!

Yes, just to chime in - we injest direct to FCPX and generate proxies. We do all of our work in proxy and then send to Resolve for all grading. Any grading we need to do for client previews we do with the proxy files and it hasn't been an issue for us so far!

Great workflow for us