Nov
As you may already know, since Apple released Final Cut Pro X version 10.0.6(see more), MXF support is now possible, albeit via third parties. One of the software that makes it possible to work with this type of file is Calibrated {Q} MXF Import, from the post production plug-in and application developer Calibrated Software.
Calibrated {Q} MXF Import, which we will call (Calibrated MXF for short) already existed for previous versions of Final Cut (6 and 7), and only one day after version 10.0.6 was released, Calibrated Software announced compatibility of both systems. This extends the capabilities of Final Cut, allowing users to expand their workflows. Once installed, it is possible to natively import and edit MXF files without the need to use Final Cut’s Log and Transfer.
Calibrated MXF works with a wide variety of MXF files, including Panasonic P2, Sony XDCAM, Ikegami GFCAM, Avid and others. If you’re a bit lost on this topic, these are the kinds of issues to be covered in the Codecs, Formats and Workflows Course coming up in December.
In addition, the software has metadata support, so file information can be viewed at any time from the “Info” window in Final Cut.
Also included is a helper application called Calibrated {Q} Import Assist, which allows you to create XML in a very simple way and send it to Final Cut Pro X, importing it as a new Event along with the MXF files to start editing. This step is used when we are working with files like P2 MXF or others that are supported in “Log and Transfer”.
This application can also create .MOV files, with embedded media or generating QuickTime Reference.
In order to be able to work with MXF files inside Final Cut X it is necessary to have the latest version of Final Cut X (10.0.6) and Calibrated MXF version 2.4.0 for OS X. If you want to see more technical specifications you can consult them in this page.
It can be purchased from Calibrated Software’s online store; and if you want to update it (for free) or download the trial version you can do it from here.
Final Cut is not the only system that works with Calibrated MXF, but it is also available to work with CatDV, Compressor, Motion, SoundTrack Pro, QuickTime Player and Shake.
Tutorials
And so that there is no doubt about how it works, here are two video tutorials:
In the first one they show us how to manually import MXF files. It is very simple, through the “Media Import” window we search and select our clips.
In the second tutorial we are taught how to create XML with the Calibrated {Q} Import Assist application. The window of this application is totally intuitive, with a magnifying glass to search for the files and a green button to send them to FCP X.
Note:
For those of you who are weak in English, I am going to make a translation of a text that appears in both tutorials and I think it is important to make it clear.
Before importing, the “Copy files to Final Cut Events folder” checkbox must NOT be checked. If we are importing from “Media Import”, a window with this possibility will appear; if we created an XML from Calibrated Import Assist before, we will have to check it in the Final Cut Preferences menu.
On the other hand, the “Create optimized media” checkbox is optional to leave it checked or unchecked. If we are importing XDCAM MXF, HDV, AVC-Intra, DVCProHD, DV50, DV25 or ProRes files it should not affect them if checked, but with others like DNxHD MXF or MPEG-4 MXF, Final Cut X will convert them to ProRes MOV files.
You can consult the user guide for more information or if you have any questions.
