Best way to Transfer Sony PXW X70 XAVC videos into FCP 7/X

Summary: There are a few issues when it comes to editing Sony PXW X70 XAVC files in Final Cut Pro or other NLEs. The article offers some tips and tricks for importing Sony PXW X70 XAVC videos in FCP 7/X flawlessly.

Sony's PXW-X70 Professional XDCAM Compact Camcorder records HD video using the XAVC Long-GOP codec with 4:2:2, 10-bit color sampling at 50 Mb/second, providing footage with a high data rate that is suitable for broadcast applications. After recording, most users plan to import Sony PXW X70 XAVC videos into FCP 7/X for editing. This article will teach you how to edit Sony PXW X70 XAVC files in FCP 7/X freely.

Solution One: Use plug-in

Apple Final Cut Pro X has added support for XAVC HD & 4K. Make sure to update FCP X, and then visit Sony's site to download their latest import plugin PDZK-LT2. Once installed, launch FCP X and click the import button on the left-hand side.  

However, this plug-in only works for Final Cut Pro X 10.0.8 and up. If you are working in FCP 7, then the second solution is right for you.

Solution Two: Encode Sony PXW X70 XAVC files into FCP native codec

To edit the Sony PXW X70 XAVC footage in FCP 7/X smoothly, the easy workaround is to convert XAVC to ProRes, the most compatible video codec for FCP. Here Brorsoft Video Converter for Mac is the solid tool to help users make the XAVC to ProRes on Mac OS X.

With it, you can effortlessly encode/re-encode XAVC/XAVC-S files for smoothly importing and editing in various non-linear editing systems (NLE), including Final Cut Pro X, FCP 6/7, iMovie, Final Cut Express, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, etc. Download the program and follow the XAVC-S to ProRes conversion process.

How to Open Sony PXW X70 XAVC videos in FCP 7/X

Step 1: Load original files

Run the program you just set up. Drag and drop the Sony PXW X70 XAVC files to the Converter. You can also hit Add button to import videos to the app.



Step 2: Select output format

You just need to go to Final Cut Pro column by choosing "Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) (*.mov)" as best video format for editing Sony XAVC in Final Cut Pro as well as good video quality.



Step 3: Start conversion

Now click "Convert" and let it go. In a few minutes, the conversion process of Sony PXW X70 XAVC to ProRes MOV will be finished.

When the conversion is done, you can find the output files by clicking "Open" button on the main interface, then you can transfer the encoded Sony PXW X70 XAVC files to your Final Cut Pro 7/X to edit with ease.

Read More:
How to Edit Sony XAVC to Premiere
How to Import Sony XAVC videos to Avid
How to Load Sony XAVC clips to iMovie