Any body been reading up on Final Cut X? Anyone know about its future with XF integration?

Hi
I have just tried to install files from xf305 into fcpx and it didn't recognise them at all. What is going on surely Apple realise the 305 is a major camera and game changer. It's not even listed in the accepted cameras. COME ON APPLE!

That is very bad news... Please update us if you have any other discoveries. I am itching to buy FCPX!

I'm sure it will use xf footage I just can't see how at the moment

Hope you get it figured out soon. And please let us know.

From Phillip Hodgetts

What are the Answers to the Unanswered Questions about Final Cut Pro X? | The present and future of post production business and technology (http://www.philiphodgetts.com/2011/06/what-are-the-answers-to-the-unanswered-questions-about-final-cut-pro-x/)

I don't know what I am talking about, but I read somewhere that users of FCX must download an optional file with all the codecs. Perhaps one of those codecs may allow of native editing?

From Phillip Hodgetts

What are the Answers to the Unanswered Questions about Final Cut Pro X? | The present and future of post production business and technology (http://www.philiphodgetts.com/2011/06/what-are-the-answers-to-the-unanswered-questions-about-final-cut-pro-x/)

By the way, thank you for posting this, it answer every one of my questions! I think I will wait a little longer before I buy.

Sure thing - at the moment it's not possible to directly import XF files into FCP X.

Whether it's down to Apple or Canon to resolve this issue I don't know.

But I'm sure that it will soon be possible to do this and in the meantime all you have to do is import the files into a folder via FCP 7 ( as pro-res) and then access them in FCP X. Not that difficult to do even if it is a pain.

To be honest if I have to use fcp7 to get the rushes in why not just carry on and edit with fcp7. It's backwards and totally ridiculous that Apple haven't included .mxf as native. Have they no idea about the impact that the xf305 has made on the broadcast industry here in the Uk. The BBC have bought 200 and All 3 media have instructed all there production companies to buy into the camera. Apple have seriously messed up here. I'm off to Adobe!

Yes it does seem a bit silly.

However I really want to start using the new software and for the time being I'll use any workaround that gets the files onto a hard drive for FCP X to reference.

Once you have started to use FCP X, learnt your way around a bit, FCP 7 seems really pedantic and old fashioned. I was initially, like many people, really sceptical but having spent time with it I think its really smart software that like the Tardis expands as you get inside it.

Having listened to Larry Jordon at the Supermeet last night it would seem that it's probably going to be down to Canon to introduce a set of new drivers etc.

I'm sure they will but lets hope it doesn't take to long.

I purchased FCP X the day it was released and then immediately discovered that it would not recognize the Canon XF100 .mtf files. I immediately began to search forums, websites for Canon, Apple, etc., and frequently posted the issue of FCPX and Canon .mtf compatibility on google. I finally found Foxreal video converter for mac, and it works; transcoding the files to Pro-Rez. I had tried other converters that claimed to process AVCHD, but none of them worked with Canon's wrapper. The cost of the program was $35.00 and well worth the cost.

Caveat:
This is a work-around until Canon/Apple provide support for FCPX.
The program has a tendency to freeze if too many files are loaded, so it is not viable for "load-it and leave-it overnight."

Sony offers a free MXF transcode and transfer tool for their XD Cameras, for example here: Sony : Download von XDCAM & XDCAM EX-Software : Deutschland (http://www.sony.de/biz/content/id/1193315656868/section/produkt/product/camcorders?preserveContext=true)
This tool can be used to change the file format from MXF to MOV and it works with Canon's XF100/300 files as well!
The underlaying video stream is not transcoded. It remains in original MPEG2 format, which is handled natively by FCP. Sony's software just changes the container (the file wrapper). You can easily open the MOV files without any need for additional plugins in FCP 7.

So it seems logical they should also be working in FCP X. But since I haven't bought FCP X yet, maybe somebody can test and confirm this?

Martin, is this file the download you are referring to?

PDZKP1 XDCAM Transfer Software Version 2.12
Sony | Micro Site XDCAM EX (http://pro.sony.com/bbsc/ssr/micro-xdcamexsite/resource.downloads)

Yes, this is it.
When you run the installer be sure to select custom installation.
You only need the first one of the items on the list (XDCAM Transfer) - not the other four (XDCAM Tranfer Plugins, XDCAM Transfer Presets, FAM Driver, FAM Driver Tool). They may also be useful for other purposes but I haven't figured it out yet.

After the software is installed, connect you CF-Cardreader and insert the CF-Card. Start the software and press the Add... button (lower left corner) to select the folders with the movies. All clips should now be visible in the viewer (top-window).
Then select the clips in the top-window and press the Import button (lower right corner).
You should then get MOV files of each of the selected clips.

Thanks Martin !!

Ah, I had to use that Sony app to convert mp4 footage to mov with my hm100, it worked great.

The Sony App seems to be even easier to use that the Log and Capture method with FCP7.

How are you guys liking FCPX? I haven't made the switch yet, nor have I gotten Lion. :)

Lion is great. I am using it on all my machines now.
As far as iMovie+ (aka FCP X) is concerned: That is another discussion :-)
But I would still be interested to know if these Sony-converted MOV files work as nicely in FCP X as they do in FCP 7.

I will soon make the switch to Lion then! Only 30USD anyway. Did you do a fresh install, reinstalling all apps, or just an upgrade?

Do you want me to upload an XF converted to mov via Sony for you?

Martin, thanks for the info on the XDCAM transfer tool. I am trying it with 50mbps XF305 clips shot at 23.98. The video comes across fine, but I only get 60 seconds of audio and it's wildly out of synch.

Did it work for audio for you?

thanks

Chuck, I have just tried it with 50i footage and that was all ok (both audio and video).
I was planning to shoot some 25p today and will let you know if that went well.

<Edit>
I have now recorded a 4 min clip in VBR 35, 1080p25 and transferred that to MOV with the Sony software.
The mov file plays fine in Quicktime player - all in perfect sync.
Maybe your framerate (23.98) is the problem ? I cannot recreate that on my European (PAL) version of the camera, sorry.

I received this email from Canon Support to a query I sent asking them for any update about a Canon XF plugin to support import into FCP X. One can easily come to the conclusion that Canon has no intention of providing XF support for FCP X. Here is their response:

Dear Daniel Conroy:

Thank you for writing to us. We value you as a Canon customer and
appreciate the opportunity to assist you with obtaining information on
plug ins for Final Cut for the XF300.

Any type of plug in would be provided by Apple for Final Cut.

Company URL: Apple - Support (http://www.info.apple.com)
Telephone Number: (800) 275-2273

Please let us know if we can be of any further assistance with your
XF300.

Thank you for choosing Canon.

Sincerely,

Nathan
Technical Support Representative

Special Note: Certain issues are very difficult to resolve via email.
If you would prefer to speak to a technician for additional assistance,
you may call our special toll-free number for email customers with
unresolved issues by dialing 1-866-261-9362, Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m.
- 10:00 p.m. ET (excluding holidays).

If you prefer to continue to communicate via email, reply to this
message and we will respond as quickly as possible.

Original Message Follows:
-------------------------

Hello-

I am a videographer who uses the Canon XF300 as my main camera on most
shoots. I am currently editing my projects with FCP7, however I have
purchased FCP X and I was wondering if you could provide any information
on the possibility of an XF compatible plugin to log and transfer the
clips natively into FCP X as I currently do with FCP 7 Canon XF plugin.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Dan Conroy

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the plug in for FCP 7 was written by Canon... So for them to say that compatibility is now up to Apple seems a bit like either Canon is passing the buck or is just not planning on supporting FCPX.

You are absolutely correct Michael, the plugin for FCP 7 was provided by Canon. Perhaps Canon feels the market for FCP X will be consumer and prosumer, therefore unlikely to garner many professionals. That being the case not many XF camera owners would be using FCP X so the need for the plugin to allow compatibility with FCP X is minimal.

I am disappointed since I see FCP X as playing an editing role for me with certain productions. I hear the ability to piece together a video quickly in very little time is remarkable, while the software does have certain limitations on use- such as multi-cam, exporting, etc. These limitations do not effect all my projects, thus making FCP X appealable in these instances. I am also switching to Adobe for more robust editing projects since FCP 7 is a dead end and the current discounted price being offered by Adobe is so appealing. I just would like the option of FCP X to be available since I already have invested in the XF300 and 5D and I do not feel I will be moving away from the XF300 for some time. Oh, and from what I have heard from Apple, FCP X support for XF cameras is solely up to Canon or some other third party provider.

Although this seems to have degenerated into a catch 22 situation, Apple is the party who changed the ground rules and who will lose not only the sale of FCP X to XF users, but will also run the risk of hardware defections, too. They seem to have assured that flip cams and webcams can load into FCP X, but have made no actual provision for one of the most widely accepted pro cams to load. And what a slap in the face to suggest that you can load XF files with "additional software"....what software?? The only recognized software that can be used is FCP 7!

My experience of Canon support for the XF305/105 is that they are totally & utterly useless. They cannot for example provide you with a replacement XF Utility CD even if yours is scratched or lost. The only way to obtain another XF Utility CD is to buy a new XF105/305 camera!

http://www.dvinfo.net/forum/canon-xf-series-hd-camcorders/497312-canon-xf-utility-cd-not-available-canon.html

Hmmmm.

I'm starting to get miffed by the whole XF105 and FCPX thing.

Today I had to copy, one by one, 100 files from the folders (can you say "drill down"), to another folder, so I can now use Foxreal Video Converter to convert them to a format FCPX will accept.

On a day when I might shoot 100+ clips, this adds hours to the work flow.

If there isn't a better way to make this work, it'll be time to sell this camera.

Suggestions?

If there isn't a better way to make this work, it'll be time to sell this camera.

Suggestions?
Can't you use the <Edit><Export to MXF> function to pull all the MXF files into one folder for the conversion?

>>Can't you use the <Edit><Export to MXF> function to pull all the MXF files into one folder for the conversion?<<

What program would that be in?

>>Can't you use the <Edit><Export to MXF> function to pull all the MXF files into one folder for the conversion?<<

What program would that be in?
I'm sorry, that's the Canon XF Utility.

I'll take a look. I've never opened that program.

Hi,


I got tired of waiting for Canon and hitting refresh on these threads, so I created my own solution to help create a decent workflow for the XF100 files and getting them into FCPX...

I wrote a somewhat lengthy blogpost about it: XfcpX – From Canon XF100 to FCPX – a working flow! – PikaBlog'en - Fotograf Rune Espensen (http://pika.dk/?p=406)

I hope it'll help a few people out :)

/Cheers

Edit: Wow, sorry for the lenghty link - I guess these boards uses the page title for link text ;-)

following the steps you suggested you suggeted using PDZKP1 XDCAM Transfer Software Version 2.12. but after adding the file - it shows unsupported codec.

I am briging file from the laptop through an external drive. it has the same folder structure.
could you suggest what i am missing