Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX Edit Concerns

Hi,
I'm looking forward to the release of the new Sony Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX camera.
Does anyone know of any possible conflicts or problems with my present editing set-up? Hardware or Software?
Currently I am editing on a:
2.5GHz Quad-core PowerPC G5
4GB DDR533 NON ECC 4X1GB
2X500GB Serial ATA-7200rpm
16x SD DL(DVD-R/CD-RW)
NVIDIA GF 6600 256 SDRAM
Final Cut Studio 5.0.1
Boris FX 9
Thanks for the help.
Kevin Jones

Hello,
Sony released a free downloadable version of his xdcam ex browsing software.
http://www.sonybiz.net/biz/view/ShowContent.action?site=bizfrFR&contentId=1193315622075
But it seems to be Macintel only...
I have a PowerMac G5 too and I was very excited by the new Sony, but I'm very sad to see that my G5 is now oldschool...

Similar Messages

"Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1"

For the happy owners of the Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX camcorder. Take a look at the new training DVD from Vortex Media.
It also contains a chapter about FCP and XDCAM transfer.
Looks very good!

Sunday morning, after a short night I have been watching the DVD-set “Mastering the Sony PMW-EX1”, that I received a couple of days ago.
With the coffee can and some donuts next to me I watched the two DVD’s in one piece. Almost three full hours of valuable content for everyone who owns the new Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX camera. This DVD must be in your toolkit, just like a tripod, if you are serious about shooting professional video.
Although it still is a standard definition NTSC DVD and I am in PAL land, the quality of the picture looked awesome on my new 40” Bravia TV from Sony. The DVD structure is very simple and straight to the point, which makes it very easy to navigate.
From the first chapter you feel right at home. The presentation is very well done. When someone is watching the DVD with the camera by her or his side, she or he gets enough time to make the settings that are explained. You are getting lots of tips that will help you master your camera even better after watching this DVD. Throughout the whole DVD-set I never got the impression it was sponsored by Sony. This DVD is completely independent.
The only thing that really scared me was an atrocious crocodile eating Barbie and Ken’s daughter! Just kidding! It’s a well done animation.
What I personally also liked very much is the explanation about how to archive those S&S cards. It’s a cheap and save method if you ask me.
In a couple of weeks I’m finally going to switch from Windows to a Macintosh computer. A new 8-core Mac Pro workstation with Final Cut Studio is on my list. So, the chapter about Final Cut Pro & XDCAM Transfer was very welcome to me.
For me personally, on a scale 10 it deserves a 10!
Very well done. I recommended it to everyone who already owns, or is going to buy a Sony PMW-EX1 camcorder. After watching this DVD, everyone with a little bit of talent can pick up an PMW-EX1 and start shooting gorgeous HD footage without even touching the manual supplied by Sony. Never expected less, because all the DVD’s and products I own from Vortex Media are great and well calculated products.

Final Cut Pro with Sony PMW-EX1 HD camera

I am about to purchase the new Sony PMW-EX1 camera that I plan to use with my MacPro.
For those who use that camera, could you advise if my current version of Final Cut Studio 1 paired with Mac OS 10.4.10 will work fine with this camera when capturing the clips from the SxS card and editing the clips with FCP. Or is it strongly advisable to get Final Cut Studio 2 and/or the new Leopars OS environment?

Jerry,
The only program to transcode the EX series mp4 files is ffmpegX, ffmpegX.com Compressor doesn't work with these files, "Error trying to open source media file."
You can open the transferred file (that is re-wrapped as a QuickTime .mov) with Compressor to transcode to DVC ProHD, but then you could just use MPEG Streamclip as it is much faster and easier and can batch transcode many clips at one time. www.squared5.com
And again you need FC 6.0.2 to edit with the XD Cam EX series codec.
Working with EX series XD Cam HQ recorded files produces many files inside the BPAV folder that are needed for what various NLE's and computer platform you are working with. You will need the 2.7 XD Cam Transfer software to convert the raw XD Cam files to a QuickTime .mov to edit in Final Cut. With file based media you must use a well organization file system and learn to guard the BPAV folder only placing it inside a separate folder of it's own and naming it properly for archiving. This BPAV folder must never be place with any other BPAV folders and must always be kept in a separate folder to work properly with the XD Cam Transfer software. To work in Final Cut you are going to use the XD Cam Transfer software that makes new .mov files and you must find a place for them to be stored as well. At the end of your edit you have choices to either keep both the raw XD Cam files (mp4) and the new Quicktime .mov files, I keep them both or if I don't have the storage room I keep the raw, this allows me the ability to work on any software platform (PC or Mac) later. You can use the new Clip Browser version to transcode to other codecs and to prepare for SD DVD archiving.

Synchronizing Sony MC50e + Sony PMW-EX1 + sound from Zoom H4n

I´m an amateur. Having problem with synchronizing sound and picture from the cameras:
Sony MC50e rec.format --> HD FX (1080/50i)
Sony PMW-EX1 rec.format --> HQ (1080/25p)
and sound from:
Zoom H4n 48 kHz (but I don´t know framerate etc...??)
I´ve FCP 6.0.6
After a while from where the files are synchronized, the files (in timeline) gets desynchronized.
Do I have to run all the files thru a compressor? If someone now exactly what I should do. Sequence presets (I´m editing for dvd), compressor settings, other kinds of settings etc... Please tell me. I know that its timelasting thing to use compressor for all the files. I hope to find another solution.
- T

It says: "The synchronization itself is done using audio tracks only, so you'll need clips with both video and audio in order to use it (pluraleyes)."
That´s a problem. I have one camera without sound. And one camera with sound, but it may be different from the recording by zoom h4n because of the different placement in the recording room (church).
Are there any other solutions? Someone that knows exactly the preferences of the files from EX1, MC50e and Zoom H4n (with recording settings as described over), that knows another way to fix this? That´s also a question: How to synch to videofiles (one 1080 24p, another 1080 50i) without audio.
Thomas
Message was edited by: tbanders

Importing Sony PMW EX1 footage into FCPX

I just got a Sony PMW-EX1 (not the 1r). I'm not very familiar with this format and I'm having trouble getting my footage into FCPX. I imported a clip the way I thought it should be done and it simply showed up as a green clip.
Would someone familiar with this camera and FCPX help me get my footage ingested for use in FCPX.
General information:
Camera connected via usb and card can be seen in the browser.
I searched through the card until I found a file named pir80684_01.MP4
When I imported the file the clip is completely green. When I try to open the file in Quicktime I get this error.
The operation couldn’t be completed. (OSStatus error -12909.)
FCPX said to access the camera via camera import, and then create a camera archive. This was not possible for me as the camera did not show up in the camera import section.

This came from Twezk Digital:
"There is no “native” XDCAM EX support (unlike native DSLR support) in the new FCPX — you still have to use Sony software to “wrap” your XDCAM files into a Quicktime file and then import your clips from there. And the new XDCAM Browser won’t do the trick, nor will the Clip Browser, no, you have to use something you may not have used before: XDCAM Transfer. If you think of XDCAM Transfer as your new Log & Transfer window, I guess it is about the same, it just feels wrong to have an “evolutionary” new video editor and need to switch out to an older third-party application for a codec that has been around for so long now."
The link: http://www.tweakdigital.com/2011/06/fcpx-and-xdcam-workflow.html

Sony PMW-EX1 EXCAM EX HD

Which would be the best camera for taking nature pictures. The Sony PMW-EX1 or the Panasonic AG-HVX 200? I gotgood information from you on the Panasonic but the dealer suggested the Sony.

Hello,
Well, we use the Sony at work, and I must say that the images are really stunning. I do not have any personal experience with the HVX, only what I hear from people here on the forum.
So obviously I am biased. That being said, I would love something that has the work flow of DVCPRO HD that Shane and others talk about. But, with the Sony, once you get into the groove, it's not a big deal. Both cameras require a transfer of files from their respective cards in some shape or fashion.
I will agree with the earlier statement of trying both and keep the ones that fit better. Honestly I think that both cameras could perform beautifully for you. You just need to pick the one you are happy with.
As a last note, we were originally looking at getting the HVX and I think that I would have been happy with that camera too. Happy hunting.
Message was edited by: JayEnder

Sony PMW-EX1 and FCS 2 - any issues?

After being hooked by the Creative Cow on the Sony PMW EX1, and then doing some more research on the Prosumer camcorder, I'm really interested in this unit. Cost appears to be about the same as the Panasonic AG-HVX200 $5800 or so. But what I like most is the true 1920 x 1080 resolution the Sony provides.
BUT, heard some rumors that the Sony doesn't get along so well with FCS 2 ?
Opinion most welcome.
Thanks, Rob.

Hi Rob,
although this post is answered, I have some feedback on ex 1 cam. I am in Australia and have had the camera for around one month. I have shot some footage around town but only on 35mb vbr setting as i don't want to water down quality.
the camera is very heavy in the hand but no real issues. onscreen histogram helpful too. i played out footage to local tv station camerapeople and they were very impressed. i did this on a bravia 3100 full hd set by component hd in(btw) very little artifacts on movement.
On capture though it is a little bit of a leg exercise to bring stuff into fcp6.02. You must have all latest software 6.02 installed and sony transfer software etc.
I tried usb from camera to mac pro and it is very(too) slow. on my mbpro i used express slot and it is very fast and easy.
Therefore if you have both mbp and mp comps you should target you mac pro into MBP and then capture direct from SxS card to your capture scratch folder which is very fast.
THIS WILL BE A POPULAR FIX AND SAVES BUYING A CARD READER(V.EXPENSIVE)
Of course if you don't have a MBP, you are in the clag, so to speak.
I am really surprised these cameras are not available freely yet.
cheers
jon

Opening mp4 sony pmw-ex1 files on final cut

Hi:
It´s the first time that I work with this codec,I´ve installed the cd camera software and also the pages from sony.but I´m not able to open this files with quicktime or import to my browser in final cut.
Thanks a lot.
Juan

You need to download (free) XDCAM Transfer software from Sony.
Google it and you'll be cooking in no time.
EX1 is unbelievably good!

Scary Message Every Import from my Sony PMW 320 XDCAM EX Clip Files w/ Completed Time LIne

Hello
This is the 3rd question I've posted working my way through my first edit (and HD edit) with Premiere Pro CS5.5, and I have a completed time line with the basic edit for an important event, my first for a client I hope to work for again. Am now working on the title sequence at the beginning and also a "recap" with music and highlights at the very end. Then I will be trying my first burn to a bluray -R disk on the LG 12x internal BRD unit in a high performance Mac Pro I had built at OWC. 10.7.5 Lion currently.
3 types of files:
1. 1080i 29.97 upper frame first, standard 1080i settings......from my B camera footage from a Sony NEX 5N. 28mbps I believe. Example clip: 00018.MTS. No issues or messages on the imports into the Project window.
2. Backup files same settings but 50mbps from Nanoflash recorder attached to my PMW 320 camcorder through the HD SDI output. Example clip: 01253001.MTX.
Both of these above I just dragged their entire folders onto my internal master 2 disc Raid 0. And then imported just the "clips" from each into the project window in each's own bin or folder.
3. Same scenario with my main files copying them from the large camcorder. Example clip: 159_0221_01.MP4. 35mbps. All 3 of these types of files have 29.97 fps indicated to the right.
But in the Project window when I selected initially all the clips from the drop downs inside the folder from the PMW 320 on the Master drive, and since then just some individual clips.....I keep getting this:: A window with "File Import Failure" in the top header and 5 lines of all the Volume codings within that Folder in the message box, and below it, "Error Message" "File format not supported" with an active "OK" button. Which I have clicked and then gone ahead and worked with them.
But the clips in question are all in the project window and load fine into the Program Window or drag fine directly to the time line. I have completed the whole sequence save for what I mentioned above. Color correction, audio adjustments, slo motion, freeze frames, transitions, everything. I have even taken a short piece of the time line and done experimental exports to self contained "Animation" codec clip, H.264 clip and an MPEG 4 clip. All were successful. Last step coming soon will be export to 1080i 29.97 bluray.
I believe I have seen "MPEG 4" in the codec info on the PMW 320's clips. Being that Premiere is supposed to handle every codec no problem, and that it seems to have done just that, what is going on here with these messages?? I have a ton of hours into this 1st edit and it all seems to work. Do I not need to worry about this message even if I don't understand why I am getting it?
Thanks much
Ron

All that shows is the clips themselves, but yes I guess that could be happening. So in the future from the PMW 320 import them 1st into Media Browser and then to the Project window? (before taking them to Source window or directly to the time line) Or just leave them in the Media Browser, and work it from there?
In the meantime, the fact it has all worked and seems to be working, would you think I'm OK since I've been able to do up to a massive 156gb Animation codec 16 minute portion of the sequence while I was first experimenting? I am likely going to try the Dynamic Link function and Auto settings into Encore, straight from my time line of around 90 minutes. Per the suggestion of Ann here in one of my other threads asking about that part. Just to see if I can mail it on time on Tuesday if it looks good.

Sony PMW EX1 with Sony HXR MC50U?

I currently am using the EX1 and am shopping for a low cost second camera to use in Pre Pro CS5. I'm looking at the HXR MC50U which records to AVCHD in 1080i, I use 1080Pin EX. Are these compatible in same project in Pre Pro? THe HXR records to 64 GB internal flash or Scan Disk. I need to record 2 hrs. non-stop for speaking events. Wanting it all in HD.

Depends on where you're going with it. For DVD, Blu-ray or broadcast, I'd go with 1080i/30 or 1080p/24.
For web or computer viewing, I'd probably go with either 720p/24 or 720p/60 myself. (I just don't like the look of 30p at all, so I'd probably never use it for anything.)

Does FCE work with a Sony PMW-EX1 ?

Hi,
Final Cut Pro does, but anybody know about FCE?
And if so, what kind of machine power is necessary to have a descent performance?
thanks,

It does if you capture HDV and what Tom said is that during capture it transcodes to Apple Intermediate Codec (AIC) and if that is the case then the original time code is not part of the capture. When you have EX1 HDV you would have to capture it using the camera via firewire playing the clip in real time. This means you would have to shoot the project and then copy the BPAV file back onto the SxS card and hope it plays the SP clips so you can capture into FCE as AIC.
This is a way to separate the FC Express with FC Studio not allowing advanced codec use with FCE.

MXF-Files from Sony PMW 200 (XDCAM) convert to FCP?

Hi there,
I worked at the Confed Cup in Brazil this year and came back with lots of MXF Footage. The main problem was that we had to shoot in NTSC 60 Hz.
Now I´m having difficulties to even open files with Sonys Tranfer Tool but nothing seems to work.
After a while I figured out that I only recieved the MXF Files itself- to make it more clear:
The Cutter importet the files into Avid Media Composer and gave me the complete folder under the AVID Project Folder. Now I have 250GB MXF Files that I can´t open.
Any ideas how to convert these files to FCP 7?
I´d be happy for any help in this matter.
Thanks
Message was edited by: Pangaea Filmproduction

1) Get Avid Media Composer and use that. There is a fully functional 30 day free trial.
2) Tell them that you use FCP and cannot access the footage they gave you. Ask for the camera originals.
3) Spend money to get the MXF Importer from Calibratedsoftware.com. Note that the audio and video files will come in separately, and thus need to be manually sync'd on your end. This will be a big pain. So options 1 and 2 are your best bets.

JVC GY-HD110U vs the Sony PMW-EX1

Anyone care to comment on which of these two cameras they'd recommend?

Choose your format, then choose your camera.
Read this too: http://www.humanvalues.net/hdv/

PMW-EX1

I shot an interview on a Sony PMW-EX1 in the 1080/24p SP mode. I understand that the camera records all the footage in 29.97 and flags the frames to cut for either FCP or the software that's importing the clips. I setup final cut pro to the easy setup for the type of material I'd be working with. (XDCAM 1080/24p CBR) I used the transfer software to import the clips into my project...
The sequence asks to change the settings to match that of the clip... so I hit ok. I now have a 29.97 timeline with footage that registers as 29.97 interlaced... when I thought this was supposed to be a 23.98 timeline. If I try to set the sequence to 23.98.. the clip needs rendering and gets choppy and stutters... fine, I understand that the footage needs to be conformed...
so I go to tools>remove advanced pulldown and get an error.... (no DVCPRO codec was found)
what do I need to do to get my XDCAM footage correctly to 23.98? preferably with the correct cadence of frames removed in the process?
Justin
My system is all up to date... FCP 6x, OSX 10.4.11, XDCAM Transfer software wise

no worries man...
Sony's codec "claims" to be 24p in the form of a 29.97 clip... (as stated in the manual which i read ) just like the DVX100 when it shoots in 24pA mode. It's a 29.97 clip that gets conformed to a 23.98 clip once FCP captures it into the system.
The easy setup for XDCAM HD 1080/24p CBR states....
"Use this easy setup when working with 1080p XDCAM HD MPEG-2 25 Mb/s CBR source material at 23.98 fps."
well there's a thought..... use that preset when the source material is 23.98..... well ok, how do we get the source material to be 23.98? or better yet, if the footage is already flagged, ready, and waiting to be conformed down to 23.98, why isn't there an option for this on the transfer software? It'd skip all the compressor BS and import all clips as 23.98 source material directly into your project...... just what the easy setup (which states in the description that it wants 23.98 footage) is looking for in the first place.
if you tell an editor that you're going to edit a project in 24p... (who knows... maybe there's film involved later) you'll want to edit in that timeline... correct? If the setting on the camera says it's a 24p format.... (with the understanding that it's hidden in a 29.97 file and can "easily" be extracted) hence... 1080/24p ..... then you should expect that you can get it into a 23.98 timeline just like the rest of my video clips can.
- "The XD Cam Transfer program doesn't change the TIME BASE either."
I know.... I'm just saying that maybe it should for the files recorded that way.
As far as the visual difference of monitoring on a tv... if the cadence is out of wack on a 24pA file that still is running at 29.97 and cram it in a 23.98 sequence (because all the other media is at this frame rate) and let FCP guess at which frames to drop only to have it try and re-add the frames back, then you have all kinds of artifacts showing up on screen.... any motion looks awful... (a visual difference of monitoring 24p on a TV) but beside the point of reference monitoring.... sync issues have to be ironed out when working with multiple production houses. If I send the audio team a 29.97 reference video for a 23.98 project.... I'll be getting phone calls.
Nothing more visually disturbing than a watching your audio drift. Takes me out of a movie everytime
the real kicker though is this:
http://bssc.sel.sony.com/BroadcastandBusiness/markets/10014/docs/FCPXDCAMHDwhitepaper.pdf
page 15.... the image shows the exact setup I'm trying to get...... and the very next image shows an imported clip at ... 23.98.... lol..
Justin

Panasonic HXV 200 vs. Sony PMW EX 1

Hello, I am ready to upgrade cameras from my current Sony HVR-Z1U to a camera to records HD, not HDV, like the Panasonic HVX 200 or the Sony PMW EX1. Both cameras intrigue me with the ablity to record true HD and the ablity to under and over crank.
I have always used Sony camera's and have always been impressed with them which is why the PMW EX1 has caught my eye. I have talked with a friend who has shot with the camera and he says the footage the camera can yeild is incredible and says that it is a better image than the HVX 200. That's impressive as all HVX footage I have seen has been amazing. There is no doubt that both camera's are amazing but the thing I am most concerned about is post production workflow with the P2 format vs. the XD Cam format.
I basically need to be able to work and edit on the road on my MacBook Pro. I understand that I will need to update to the latest version of FCP if I am using the XD Cam format, which isn't a problem as I need to do that anyway. Does anybody have any experience cutting EX1 footage on a MacBook Pro? If so, how was it?
My MacBook Pro is a 2.33 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo Processor with 2 GB of memory.
I also wasn't impressed with the Auto Focus on the HVX the one time I used it. I shoot alot of action sports and documentary type footage where a solid auto focus is key. I have been impressed with the auto focus on my previous Sony cameras and was wondering if the EX 1 continued in that tradition.
Any imput or advice would be appreciated as I don't want to make the wrong decision as to which camera to buy.
Thanks,
Clay

Clay
Before you jump into the tapeless recording world you need to ask yourself how are you going to store this media. Many will argue that true HD is 1920x1080 and you can only do this with the EX1. I'm not sure of your delivery needs but I also have come up using the Sony HDV cameras and find them very useful working along side of my EX1. I believe your friend has found what some here at this forum don't want the hear and the truth is that this EX1 has better image quality. Yes it has a rolling shutter and could be an issue for those working around flash cameras at a wedding, but for me this is a small trade off for a low light camera. I have experience working with my MBP, FCS2 and the EX1 and it works really good. One thing to keep in mind for working on the road is that the files from the HQ or SP record modes are much smaller that the DVC Pro HD file. I'm sure someone here will get into the Mbps specs and try to say how much better one is over the other but that is like comparing a 2 stroke engine to a 4 stroker, the technology has gone into the 4 stroke and competes evenly. Like any camera purchase you must know the limitations of your equipment and make the most of it. The AUTO FOCUS on the EX1 ***** TOO. I am a Sony user and don't think you would go wrong with the EX1. I will say that the P2 system is also great, but if it were me I'd wait until after NAB to see if Panasonic is going to have a HVX-201.
One last benefit on the EX1 is the HD-SDI out, Convergent Design is coming out at NAB with an HD-SDI system that can record at higher bit rates to very inexpensive compact flash cards. To start they will allow all the way up to 160 Mbps 4:2:2 all I-frame and soon completely uncompressed. It can also be used for encoding HDV in real time from your Kona Card back to an HDV deck for very inexpensive archives.
http://www.convergent-design.com/
Good Luck
Z1

Sony PMW-EX1 XDCAM EX Edit Concerns

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