User guide

XDCAM Workflow in Final Cut Pro

1 – Introduction

The Sony XDCAM

workflow makes use of IT-based technology and workflows familiar to the

realm of personal computers, allowing the user to browse, ingest, and export content as data

files

–

greatly enhancing the speed and flexibility of the editing process.

This document explains how to import, edit, and export XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX

based media utilizing Final Cut Pro

software. Please note that the workflows outlined within

represent just a few examples of how to work with the XDCAM formats and the Final Cut

Pro System, and that workflows can vary based on the project and/or installation.

For more detailed information on any of the software or hardware mentioned in this

document, please refer to the manufacturer-supplied Operation Guides for the associated

product.

XDCAM HD Overview

Sony’s XDCAM HD format is based on optical media, Sony’s Professional Disc

system.

Sony XDCAM HD cameras and decks may also operate as VTR replacement units;

essentially emulating traditional linear-based workflows.

Sony XDCAM HD camcorders record high-resolution MPEG-2 Long-GOP files, using

the standardized Material Exchange Format container, otherwise known as MXF.

A low-resolution MPEG-4 video stream for proxy-based video editing is also created

simultaneously with the high-resolution content during recording.

XDCAM EX Overview

The Sony XDCAM EX format provides another tapeless format for HD video acquisition and

storage. XDCAM EX products are not intended as a replacement for XDCAM HD products,

but rather a cost-effective addition to the XDCAM HD family. The primary difference

between XDCAM HD and XDCAM EX formats is the recording medium. Rather than using

the Sony Professional Disc system for recording video, XDCAM EX uses solid state SxS

removable media, based on the latest ExpressCard

technology, the successor to the older

CardBus

PC card technology. Both ExpressCard and CardBus are PCMCIA standards.

With the proper drivers installed, SxS media may be read by any Macintosh

or PC fitted

with an internal ExpressCard slot or externally-connected reader. You can also use the

camera as a reader by connecting it through the USB port.

However, unlike XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX devices are only capable of being accessed via

file-based methods. They do not support VTR emulation. The PMW-EX1 camera does have

an HD-SDI output that can be used in a manual control mode.

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