Sony XAVC-S 4k how to transcode to Pro Res?

Does Pro Res 4444 XQ support 4k from XAVC-S? It's 100Mbps. I don't like to use native formats it seems like they don't play back as well, even though they are smaller, and I have a powerful computer. Also, they tend to not grade as well. I am using Final Cut Pro X and Premire, I use them both in conjunction. I'd like to have a Pro Res file that leaves more than enough space (not worried about hard drive space) for lots of color grading. I grade in speed grade.

Or is XAVC-S different than other codecs? I get my new camera tomorrow. I don't know what to expect. I know with other codecs I don't like editing native. I've never shot 4k before, but I will tomorrow.

xavc-s is a 420 8bit codec, so going into 12bit 4444 is a little much. Xavc-s is still H.264 at its' heart, it's just very efficient, and allows for higher Mbps than say AVCHD. I recommend transcoding for best editing/colouring experience.

I'd say 4444 XQ may be a bit over kill for Xavc-s. I'd let either FCPX transcode it to ProRes 422, or use another program to transcode, whichever works for you workflow.

as for the resolution, ProRes is resolution independent, which means it can be any size you want.

keep in mind that your Mbps is dependent on what resolution you are using, so 1920x1080 ProRes 422 will have less Mbps than a 3840 x 2160 ProRes 422 file.

www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/docs/Apple_ProRes_White_Paper.pdf

check out the white paper about ProRes from apple.


all the best,

Yes, ProRes 422 standard will do you just fine, agreed. Transcoding to a higher bit-rate, higher color sampling codec will not add anything, either. What is originally recorded to that XAVC-S file, that's it, you won't get more image data. So thinks like 4x4QC is mega overkill.

4x4QC ??? Oh, no. Not another new video codec !

No, ProRes 4x4 HQ, that's what I meant to type. Got the letters wrong. No new codecs. Stay calm and edit.