Understanding formats

Hi,
Im not new to FCP but am a little confused, (Its my age) I have been trying different modes with my canon hf G30 taking some shots in MP4 and AVCHD with to be honest not noticing any difference. Can you please tell me if this is correct. When you load video in to FCP X no matter what the format is and it loads the finished video use for editing in FCP X is a converted format that happens in FCP X. Once edited and bit and bobs added you then export it in what ever format you want, IE for DVD Blueray etc.

Its only since have time to read the manual that i got confused. When i use my Canon XHG1 its fine and all mode are recorded the same.

In the end what I'm saying is no mater what you record on FCP X will do it convert it to what it wants for editing.

Thanks
A thick OAP

Harry Fowler.

Hi Harry,

No, that's not entirely correct. Both AVCHD and MP4 files can play and be edited inside of FCPX. The only time FCPX will transcode your media is if you choose to "Create Optimized Media." Even then, it will only create optimized media if your system needs it and can't play the original format easily.

Optimized Media is ProRes 422.


PS: The difference with your camera's recording formats is data rate. The MP4 is higher.

MP4 (35Mbps) / AVCHD Progressive (28Mbps)

Thanks very much for a quick reply and now i understand it a lot better.

Harry