Backup: original media vs imported media

Hey guys,

we all know that backup is vital for our work. I have an old style Mac Pro with two drives, one for the OS and one for the projects.

I usually backup my original footage from the camera on two locations: my computer and a Synology NAS. Then I start the project, import the media, work on it and backup the project (with the elaborated footage by FCPX inside) as well.

When I finish the project, I usually end up with this situation:

• On my internal hard drive I have the project (with the elaborated footage inside) + the original footage from the camera.
• On my NAS I have the backup of the project and the original footage.

My question is: is it wise to delete the original footage? I use Sony cameras (VG20 + Nex 5T). They produce AVCHD files that FCPX convert in .mov files.
Inside the project I can recover the .mov files. Are they compatible with other editing software? They loose quality or are they similar to the original footage?

What do you usually do?

Thank you for your tips and help.

There are pros and cons, and which you decide is a personal choice. Always keep backups of your media. Should that be native or ProRes? That's totally up to you, there is not universal answer. Native formats don't take up nearly as much drive space. ProRes is the same resolution/quality as the original native clips. ProRes is much easier to go between NLE's, as they all support importing it. I'd say drive space is the most important issue. No matter which way you go, have two or more copies of your Library and media at all times.