Sony PMW EX1 and Apple Final Cut Pro

[Flowraince]

Jesse! Thank you very much! I wasn't able to find any solution the last 4 hours! But thanks to you i am now able to edit the xdcam files within FCP!!! =) you are great help!

[jessemillerman]

@Flowraince

very happy to hear that.

[jessemillerman]

@Flowraince

for avchd footage, try the 'log and capture' window in a recently upgraded version of fcp

[Tozzy81]

I have EXCAM footage all logged into folders, do you need another plugin to import the BPAV folders into FCP7? I cant import anything from my hard drive is the XD plugin here just for XD or EX just from SxS card?

This is so confusing and yes my FCP7 crashes after 10mins too... CS5 might be the better option? Just drag and drop the BPAV folder and it is that easy!

[CaptainBasch1]

hi jesse! i have a sony hdr-cx550 and it create MTS files. I used a lot of files converter but i had no results. I also bought Total Video Converter from the imac apple store and i tried all settings: the result is a bad video quality and it's slower than the original file... please help me becouse i don't know what to do!!

[jessemillerman]

@CaptainBasch1

try vlc media player, it's free and plays back mts files. 

[Flowraince]

@CaptainBasch1 yeah, i had the same issues with MTS over the past 5 years. Those camera's are impossible to import succesfully in FCP. I have an hdr-sr12 and it kinda reminded me of a pokemon, it evolves itself into something worse than it already is. You can try enything with those camera's but once you solved a problem the camera is just making new problems instead. So the only thing that worked for me is throwing it agains a wall, and buy a camera that doesn't record in AVCHD format.

[TERRAFIRMETV]

Hi, Jesse. I've a EX3 and usually, after log and transfer in FCP create *.MOVs files, I backup these MOVs and delete BPAV folder.

The content in BPAV is the same that MOVs files in relation quality image?

thanks

Cleisson

[jessemillerman]

@TERRAFIRMETV

thanks for watching our videos cleisson. yes, the mov files are almost identical in image quality to the information stored in the BPAV folder. and they are much more useful, you can play them back in a lot of programs.

-jesse

[MrPhilippeRoman]

Hi, on my computer, Final Cut Pro 7.0.2 crashes every 10min when I work with EX1 footage. Is there anything to do to fix it? Does anyone have the same problem? Do I need to update FCP to 7.0.3?

[dale0k]

I did this procedure, and most of the video came in without sound. Do you know if there is a fix? Only a few shots came in with sound. I have FCP 7.0.2 and XDCAM Transfer 2.12.0. I added the .mp4 files from an external hard drive. Using MacBook pro with 2.4 Ghz Intel Core 2, and 4 gb sdram.

[jessemillerman]

@dale0k is there definitely sound on the clips?

[dale0k]

I did this procedure, and most of the video came in without sound. Do you know if there is a fix? Only a few shots came in with sound. I have FCP 7.0.2 and XDCAM Transfer 2.12.0. I added the .mp4 files from an external hard drive.

[Straessers]

THX, but the sony site is not a support, it becomes a nightmare to get there downloads. better look at dvinfo.

[brianisinyou]

Hey, wow, generic iMovie template music. Very pro.

[lament10]

Great Video. I had to do some googling to figure out how to get the footage off my EX3 and the Sony site was not helping me. I got it figured out on my own, but this video would have helped if I found it first.

[yaripua]

Waoh, it looks awesome the workflow with FCP. Mr Jesse, should I get the EX1 or just wait for the RED Scarllet,,,Whats your opinion pliz, and can the EX1 shoot 120fps..?

[jessemillerman]

ex1r. who knows when the scarlet will ever come out, right?

re: 120fps, no it does not. but, you CAN set the playback framerate to 30 or 24, and the record framerate to 60, and do great slomo stuff.

[dtzfilms]

How does one then get the footage up for youtube - not export it as quicktime, no? I did h.264 or whatever and wasn't sure what else to select. Shot 1080 60i

[leonardovision]

Hi, Im using PC to edit, using Adobe Premiere Pro Cs4, do I still need that transfer software for my EX1? And another question, which one you think is better ? using Premiere or Final Cut? thanks!

[jessemillerman]

no, and final cut.

thanks,

jesse

[worldinside]

I used Premiere on the Mac and didn't need the software.

Final Cut is better.

[Manwe22]

Hi i dont know if you´r still aswering cuestions, but i have the FC 6.0.2 and i still dont get the import xdcam option on my import menu. Is there anything i can do?

[jessemillerman]

you'll have to download the XDCAM Transfer software from sony's website

[tombillbobman]

Many thanks. Nice, informative video.

[jessemillerman]

thank you very much tom

[jorgebaggio]

Hi,

i have some questions.. maybe you can help me

1 - when i try conect my ex3 cam to my computers(macobook pro and PC) by fire wire ( i LINK) they dont recognize nothing

2 - Wich lens i can use wih EX3?

thats it

thanks!!!

[jessemillerman]

connect it USB. firewire only carries hdv-level video.

as far as lenses, the answer is any lens you want. email me if you have a specific question.

[stevenchy7386]

When I go to File-Import, I don't have the Sony XDCAM option....

how do I import my footages?

[qasserby]

You are great! Thank you! I was trying to go via iLink (firewire). But... why can't I go through this much faster cable? Or can I? If yes - how?

[jessemillerman]

thanks,

you could use firewire to simply play back to the computer in real time, but it's slower, and won't transfer the full 1920x1080 xdcam ex codec, only 1440x1080 hdv

[qasserby]

Right, thank you. You've been a lot of help to me. Just wondering, how come iLink is slower than USB (which, in fact, is really quick here)? Usually it's the opposite way round.

[jessemillerman]

it's because the iLink protocol only allows for real-time playback, and does not handle file transfer.

the usb protocol, at least for XDCAM EX, can transfer the data as files faster than real time.

[fosterfilm]

software is nowhere on you site.

[jessemillerman]

true. due to overwhelming response, we've had to restrict software and tech support to midtown video customers. to become one, call up and buy something!

[thelonefilmmaker]

I have two questions -

1. When you import in this manner, does it copy the clips to a capture scratch on your harddrive and reference that? I assume it does.

2. How long does it take to bring the clips into FCP? Is there a conversion going on, does it just take as long as the files to copy or is it pretty much instantaneous? I obv understand that this is computer dependent, but assuming you have a fairly powerful macpro, I'm just after a guidline here...

Thanks very much!

Rob

[jessemillerman]

you can assign the scratch to be any folder you have access to.

it 'imports' from sony xdcam transfer software to your fcp bin at 3x real time (1 hr of footage is a 20 minute transfer).

the only conversion going on is the 'unwrapping' of the mxf header from the mpeg data.

[videofxnoosa]

i use 2 x 32gb cards with my ex3 that i drop into my laptop and direct edit using CS3, no need to download convert/wrap or connect cables, suits me

[sexydanny21awesome]

Okay well in 2009 will there be a price drop cause I know these cameras get cheaper every year I need to save a lot of money in order to buy one so by 2010 it would drop at a lot I hope

[hazd]

highly unlikely that there will be a price drop in 2009 given cross conversion rates between JPY, USD and various other currencies.

[jessemillerman]

as it would happen, Midtown Video is now offering the Sony PMW-EX1 for $6,099.00

[sexydanny21awesome]

Does this Camera work with final cut pro 6 cause we all know thats best final cut ever made cause no country for old men was made on that program does work on final cut pro 6???

[jessemillerman]

yes sexy, it works on final cut pro 6.

need to download the latest free upgrades to make it 6.1.x or better

[PrinceUwakwe]

please tell me if you can use it with final cut 5 in some way..jus got the ex1

[jessemillerman]

to use with final cut 5, you'll need an hd-sdi capture card, and play the cards back in real time through the HD-SDI out of the camera. you can pick a codec like DVCPROHD for your sequence

[robbo66oo]

Hi,

Is there any difference between a USA & UK version of HD TV? Is a USA verion cmera compatible with UK HD (I guess the charger would need an adapter).

Thanks

Rob

[jessemillerman]

Hi Rob. UK television plays at 50Hz, or 50 frames/second. US tv is at 60Hz, or 50 frames/second. many of Sony's cameras, including the PMW-EX1, have the option of shooting either in 50 or 60, so, while there IS a difference, the cameras are compatible.

thanks,

jesse

[robbo66oo]

. . thanks!

[sexydanny21awesome]

Is it going down in price in 2009?

[avrillavigneissexy]

I come from the u.k and i am thinking of buying this camera!

Btw is this heavy?

(Aiden)

X

[jessemillerman]

Hi Aiden. it's about 6 lbs.

$6449.

[Athfos]

Hi Jesse,

Oh, if it were only that easy! We have the latest version of fcp along with the sony and have got the updates and plugged the camera in and found the files but it won't import them. FCP has the option in the list and all looks rosey but until we find a way to import the vision into fcp it just sits on the hard drive waiting and waiting and waiting ... we've been searching online and found so many others with the same problem. Love your vid but hate technology at the moment. Thx

[Adolfo2500]

Thank you very much. Sony and Apple should be grateful that there is someone like you out there. The level of misinformation and baroque stupidity is incredible.

Thank you again

[dyhama]

hey i have a problem whem i'm export the SXS card file to my computer with the clip browsing software, i make ctr-g to export the files to mxf and a window appear says me unsupported format is specified What can i do ?

[zen99]

thanks Jesse, where do you get cheap cards for the camera (ha?)

[sexydanny21awesome]

Jessemillerman what is the latest version of final cut pro?? I mean theres so freaken many theres 3 new ones which one is it

[sexydanny21awesome]

Jessemillerman andatest version of final cut pro?? I mean theres so freaken many theres 3 new ones which one is it

[cgu7777]

Hi Jesse,

I cannot see my XDCAM EX1 videos in my PowerPC G5 w/ Final Cut 5.0.4.

Is there a way around this or do i have to spend more money? What is the bare minimum investment so that i can start editing?

Great work and many tks,

Carmen

[jessemillerman]

Hi Carmen.

you must have the latest version of final cut pro if you want to capture using XDCAM transfer software through the USB port.

your other alternative is through a capture card, such as an AJA or blackmagic, using the HD-SDI output of the camera. then your computer should not care which version of final cut you are using.

thanks,

Jesse

[jessemillerman]

unlikely

[sexydanny21awesome]

Jessi Miller will this camera go down a little in price by 2009

[sexydanny21awesome]

Jessi Miller does the camera come with the shot gun mic when I order it from mid town video the Sony PMW-EX1

[jessemillerman]

Sony does not put a shotgun in the box, but i'm happy to hook you up with a Sony ECM-NV1, or if you want a Sennheiser... Rode... whatevers your pleasure.

[sexydanny21awesome]

Or is this camera the The Sony PMW-EX1 which one is it Jessi Miller

[jessemillerman]

PMW EX1

[sexydanny21awesome]

Is that Camera the Sony XDcam EX 06

[jessemillerman]

hudstone420: caution. sony-authorized resellers are contractually obligated NOT to sell the camera below the minimum price of $6449.

the company you purchased the camera from is not an authorized reseller, and should you have any issues with the camera, you will be "sol".

for the extra $49, you can have piece of mind, and the full support of the expert staff at Midtown Video.

[Ryguy1450]

USB cable? Wa wa wa.

[SoloDallas]

Bought one today as well, Rome, IT, Was trying to see if Final Cut Express would grab the video files, but it won't, You need FCP, sigh.

[hudstone420]

just bought one today from portland for 6400.00

no tax , now thats what i'm talking about

[AndyBazzel]

Hi Jesse

in terms of downloading/archiving files, after capturing the clips off the card on to my mac can I simply copy the whole job onto my raid back up system just like I would using normal .mov SD files? Therefore not needing to buy the XDCAM PDW-U1. Incidentally is the captured data .mov or is it some other format?

[jessemillerman]

Hi Andy. you can certainly copy the files to your raid in stead of backing up to your raid. some people like to have a hard copy in their hands, so the $2k for the PDW-U1 is worth it. the files are mp4, but must be imported using sony's transfer software (a direct copy from the card to hard drive won't do).

[AndyBazzel]

many thanks Jesse,

[AHPZuazua]

when is it available for rental Jesse

[jessemillerman]

we have it available now. call us up to reserve it: 305 669-1117

[AzerothKing]

Bullshit that FCP can't manage 1920 from this cam. But you didn't tell that part.

[filenstyle]

Why can't manage? Pmw-ex even work at 1920x1080 resolution and the last release of FCP 6 too. Where is the problem??

[jessemillerman]

i have captured 1080i footage into fcp. don't believe everything you read on the internet, especially from nay-sayers

[filenstyle]

Do you have the new release of software 6.0.2?? In the menu import this function is avalaible. I haven't the camera than i can't try it.

[jessemillerman]

you have to have both the new release of final cut pro, AND sony's xdcam transfer software. if you download that software, you will have the option to file->import->sony xdcam even if you do not have the camera. it won't show any clips, but the transfer window will still open up

[AzerothKing]

Yah, FCP imports it at 1440 x 1080, not 1920. Cam shoots 1920, but FCP needs 1440 cuz it can't manage the 1920 like other apps can. Plus you don't mention the length of time converting the clips. Problem isn't the cam, it's FCP.

[jessemillerman]

using an AJA or Black Magic HD-SDI capture device, real time capture of 1920x1080 is possible. capture time via usb for xdcam hd footage is 3x real time.

[thomrockwell]

Does 3x real time mean that it's 3 times faster or slower? I'm assuming that it means faster. Surely it won't take me 30 minutes to transfer 10 minutes of footage. Right? Just curious because I'm about to purchase the camera and I was told I didn't need a capture card. Thanks for posting the video!

[jessemillerman]

3x real time means 1 hour of footage takes 20 minutes to ingest. no capture card needed. glad you enjoyed the video, send me an email for a price quote on the camera. -jesse

[Ryguy1450]

Dude, any one who owns an XD cam, and FCP knows how to import a video or scroll through pics.

Nice video though, good quality.

[jessemillerman]

Thanks for the note. but you'd be surprised...

[daxtonfarr]

Do I really need the AJA or Black to get 1920x1080? cant i just remove the SXS card and insert into my mac book pro and transfer?

[jessemillerman]

you can insert the cards into your mac book pro, or connect the camera with a USB cable, and that will be fine.

to get the absolute highest quality, and 4:2:2 compression (as opposed to 4:2:0 of XDCAM HD or HDV), you will have to capture LIVE through the HD-SDI port, either to an HDCAM/DVCPROHD deck or through a capture card to a computer.

[daxtonfarr]

was not aware of that, I have been watching this model to see what it is going to do price wise. they say the cards should be cheaper by summer. so if i capture through an aja HD box to the computer I can edit and burn to bluray with 4:2:0 quality VS 4:2:2 compression you get through firewire etc.?