PMW-EX1 and Vegas Pro 8

[Paul Kellett]

Is anyone using or have used this cam with vegas pro 8 ?
Can the files be just pulled into the timeline and viewed and edited,without conversion ?
If so how did you get on ?
Thanks.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

I don't have the EX1 yet, but the clips I downloaded from here - after exporting to mxf's - are easily opened in Vegas 8 Pro. They can be put on the timeline and edited without any glitches. Even the HQ (1920x1080) stuff plays with full fps from the timeline (in 8bit mode; once you switch to 32bit it's another story - but the same as with other HD stuff, e.g. from my V1E).

[Paul Kellett]

Thanks,for quick reply.
So you need the clip browser software to export mxf first.
When i spoke to a retailer of this cam i was told i can just import the files as they are,using vegas pro 8,nothing else needed.
ie workflow as follows,record footage>plug cam into pc or laptop>transfer files to pc>remove cam from usb socket>open vegas pro 8>import files from wherever i put files>drag into timeline>edit.
So this is not "quite" the workflow then ?
Thanks.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

He wasn't right. The mp4 wrapper that the clips are recorded in may be playable (and editable) by some NLEs, but Vegas needs the proper mxf's. However, the supplied clip browser removes the mp4 wrapper on the fly, while you export the clips from the mounted SxS card to your preferred folder on the HDD. The process is very fast; in fact it shouldn't take much more time that a simple copying of the mp4's themselves.

[Paul Kellett]

Ah i see,so as i'm transfering the files the clip browsing software is doing the unwrapping without me even opening the clipbrowser software ?
Is it that easy ?
Forgive me for being a bit vague,i haven't actually seen this being done so i'm trying to build a mental picture.
All i've done so far is gone to a EX1 demo,took my own laptop,transfered files to my laptop,gone home,downloaded clipbrowser and viewed footage,i haven't got my own EX1 (yet) or vegas pro 8 (yet) so haven't had full hands on experience of this workflow.
Thanks.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Of course you need to "open" the clip browser! Then it should "see" the mounted SxS file structure, with all the mp4's in it. You can then export them individually, or choose the "Export All" option - all you need is point it to your PC's destination folder for holding your unwrapped mxf's.

Of course you're right that within the EX1 clip browser, you can play back the raw mp4's even before exporting.

[Paul Kellett]

Ok,i've opened clip browser,selected "import",window opens,import origin,hit square button,find EX1 files,i've tried adding individual files or BPAV or CLPR,then whichever one i select appears in the import origin box,but the "start" button is never highlighted !
Am i doing it correct ?
Sussed it,needed to "add" to box underneath then "start"
Thanks.

[Piotr Wozniacki]

Your root should be one level above the folder containg the mp4 files (assuming you already have them on the HDD). For instance, I downloaded the mp4s posted in this thread into ...\My Videos\EX1; when I set the clip browser window root to "My Videos", than the import by pointing to a single "x.mp4" file in the "EX1" subfolder creates the proper directory structure: ...\My videos\BPAV\CLPR\xxxx\x.mp4. This shows in the clip browser window, and can be played back or exported as mxf to any other location.

Of course I imagine that once you mount an SxS card, your browser will see the above directory structure automatically and no import will be necessary. So, you'll e able to play back the mp4 clips direct from the SxS card, or export them while unwrapping into mxf to any HDD directory desired.