Does Canon XF MXF files works ok with After Effects CS6 on Mac?

Summary: This article will focus on talking about how to transcode Canon XF MXF files to Adobe After Effects CS6 compatible format for Canon XF MXF and AE importing workflow on Mac.

Canon's XF series camcorders like Canon XF100, XF105, XF300, XF305 record high-definition MXF video with its own XF codec. 

Does the Adobe After Effects CS6 support Canon XF MXF footage? 

Hi All.. we are considering picking up a Canon XF-100 as our acquisition camera. However I heared that these MXF files can't work with After Effects natively. Will we need to transcode via Prelude? Thanks... 

This is for .MXF files shot on a Canon XF300. Things were working fine, but suddenly I am unable to open those mxf files in AE CS6. Even projects previously created with AE CS6 now won't open, and give me the 'file damaged or unsupported' error message in AE. Why does this happen? Any help would be much appreciated. 

As above, much to the disappointment of filmmakers that are not familiar with the .mxf format, the footage created with Canon XF Camcorders can't be imported to After Effect CS6 smoothly. If you need to edit Canon XF MXF in Adobe After Effects CS6, you are suggested converting the Canon MXF clips to an AE friendly format.  

And here  the professional and powerful MXF to AE Converter can help you do the job. With it, you can easily transcode Canon XF .MXF files to Adobe After Effects accepted AVI, MOV, MPEG or other formats that After Effect can handle well. Below is a quick guide of converting Canon XF .mxf to .mov for editing in After Effects CS6.

Before processing:

1. Back up/Transfer the Canon XF MXF footage to Mac computer – copy the whole XF video folder to your computer hard drive, not just the individual .mxf files.

2. Install Pavtube MXF Converter for Mac ($29). Click here to download a free trial for test.

Step-by-step Guide: Convert Canon XF.mxf to AE CS6 supported format with best  video quality

Note: this is a Mac oriented solution. For Windows users the Pavtube Studio offers alternative MXF Converter for PC, which is very similar to the Mac MXF Converter.

Step 1. Launch the Mac Canon MXF Converter for After Effects. Click “Add Video” and browse to a Canon .mxf clip and the software will add it to file list. Repeat the operation to load multiple mxf videos. Or you may click the “Add Folder” button to import all the .mxf files in the XF file structure.



Step 2. Click on “Format” and choose “Click on “Format” and choose “MOV(AVC) (.mov)” from "Adobe Premiere/Sony Vegas" as the best codec for editing Canon XF MXF file in After Effects CS6.



Tips: You may also use AVI, MP4, MPG, QuickTime mov or any other format that AE supports.

Step 3. Click on “Settings” to redefine output quality. You can also set a different video resolution (1920×1080/1440×1080/1280×720/720×480), frame rate (24p/30p), bitrate, audio channels, etc. For users who would like to retain exactly the same settings (without any quality loss), set target settings the same to source video.

Step 4. Click “Convert” to start transcoding Canon XF MXF to MOV for After Effect CS6 editing on Mac.

After conversion click “Open” to find .mov videos and import converted .mov files to Adobe After Effect CS6 for editing.

If your MXF files have 2 audio tracks or more, here is another worth-buying software from Pavtube named iMixMXF with multi-track preserving and mixing features. You can download the trial version to have a try!

Related links:

Convert MXF on Win/Mac
MXF files not read by Premiere Pro CS6
Transcode MXF to MP4
Convert MXF to multi audio tracks MKV

Seamlessly transcode MXF to MP4 with multiple audio tracks for playing and editing

Having so many MXF collections, and don't know how to edit/play MXF on Mac? You come to the right place. Get the easiest solution here!

Maybe you are a video lover. Have you ever encountered such problem that when you have shot many MXF footage with your lovely camcorder, looking forward to play or edit these mxf files on your mac, but only get the error message. Now just read the article to learn how to solve it in detail.

What is MXF?

According to Wikipedia, MXF is a file format for professional digital video and audio media defined by a set of SMPTE standards. MXF format is often used by more and more professional camcorders like Sony XDCAM, Panasonic P2 and Canon etc. to store video, audio, and programmed data.

What is the problem?

The fact is that MXF is MXF is a container or wrapper format which makes it incompatible with most of popular Mac editing software including iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Final Cut Express, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere ,etc and not playable by many video players and portable players on Mac. Therefore, it will be like a mission impossible for us to edit/play the MXF video footage on Mac directly due to the format issue.

How to solve the problem?

To transport MXF to Mac for post production and playback without the format restriction, we had better convert MXF videos to something more common, like H.264 encoded MP4 video with a solid and intuitive MXF to MP4 Converter for Mac.

Pavtube iMixMXF which is strongly recommended to conduct the MXF to MP4 Conversion on Mac seamlessly. It is professionally designed to deal with the problems of edting/playing MXF on Mac. Particularly it features with keeping multiple audio tracks. In other words, it can help you to transcode MXF to MP4 with multiple audio tracks for playing and editing in a very short time. Refer to the following guides to convert MXF to multi-track MP4 on Mac.

Step 1. Download and install Pavtube MXF audio Mixer. Transfer the MXF files to HDD first and then click "Add" and browse to source .mxf video clips.



Step 2. Click on "Format" and choose "Multi-track Video>Multi-track MP4 (*.mp4)". This format will let you convert MXF to Multi-track MP4 H.264 video at 1920Χ1080 resolution and keep full HD quality.



Step 3. Click "Convert" to start transcoding MXF recordings to MP4 with multiple audio tracks for playing and editing on Mac.

Spare a few minutes to have a look at how to convert MXF to MP4 on Mac quickly and precisely.

After conversion click "Open" to find 1080p HD shootings in MP4 format and use them freely in QuickTime Player,Final Cut Pro and many other media players/editing software. Now you can import MXF on Mac for editing and playing MXF files on Mac without causing any problems.

Additional Contents

If you don't want to get multi-track videos or your videos has less that two audio track, you can try Pavtube MXF Converter for Mac (only $29), an alternative professional MXF to MP4 Converter and a good partner with your simple and efficient MXF to MP4 Conversion workflow on Mac.

Related guides:

Convert Sony HandyCam video to MP4
Transcode AVCHD MTS to MP4
Panasonic FZ200 MTS to MP4 Converter
MXF to AVI/WMV/MOV/MP4/MPEG on Win/Mac
XAVC to AVI/MOV/MP4/MPEG/WMV/FLV
P2 AVC-Intra 50/100 MXF to AVI/WMV/MPG/MP4/FLV

Adobe After Effects Renders Taking Forever? You Can Speed Them Up with Network Rendering

If you don’t have the latest and greatest system (and even if you do), there is a great way that you can actually speed up your renders in Adobe After Effects. If you’ve got another computer system or two hanging around collecting dust, you can put those machines to good use by setting up Network Rendering in AE. Check out the tutorial below from Aetuts+ to get the full scoop and get your renders flying:

 

It’s great that the other machines don’t need another license of After Effects to actually participate, so you can take as many systems as you want and as long as they are on your network, you can get Network Rendering up and running. Faster is faster, so even if it’s an older system, shaving off a few minutes from a render can be a big deal in the end (especially if it means you can go home early, or move on to something else sooner).

Check out this link for more information on different render setups in AE.

Who has set up Network Rendering? What would you recommend if you’ve faced any issues?

Links:

How to Set Up AE for Network Rendering on Multiple Machines — Aetuts+
Automated rendering and network rendering — After Effects Help

Flawlessly Convert Sony HX200V 60p MTS files for using in FCP, iMovie, QuickTime Player

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V is a fast-shooting megazoom with excellent photo and video quality for its class, and plenty of shooting options to make casual and advanced shooters happy. Recently, I take some pictures with it of birds, try to capture flight and movement and want to select individual frames. I'm satisfied with the full HD Movie Shooting capability (1920×1080/60p) and Optical SteadyShot Active Mode.

However, My HX200V camera gave me videos as AVCHD file which I have not acknowledged with. I tried with both FCP, iMovie and quicktime, but none of them could recognize it. Is there any step-by-step work flow for this? Which software can convert video taken with my Sony HX200V Cybershot camera for working with my mac? PS: the footages are on 1080 60p. 

In this case, I googled to search the solutions. I find this 60p MTS and M2TS video format is not friendly for use on Mac, Mac platform best supported format is .mov format. So I tried to seek for the best avchd converter for mac to do convertering. Now I get this MTS/M2TS Converter for Mac from Pavtube.

I have successfully convert Sony HX200V 60p AVCHD to best codec for editing on Mac. This software is top MTS converter for Mac that can transcode AVCHD files to Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC), Apple ProRes 422 codec, QuickTime codec, etc. These output formats are specially presetted, so the conversion quality is guaranteed, I can get lossless video conversion with this tool. 

Here I will share the easy steps that you can follow to transcode Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V 60p AVCHD MTS to MOV for using in FCP, iMovie and QuickTime Player. 

1. Install and run the best Sony 60p MTS Converter for Mac, it's an professional AVCHD to FCP/iMovie/QuickTime Converter which can convert Sony DSC-HX200V 60p AVCHD files to different formats on Mac (including OS X Mavericks 10.9).  Click "Add Video" to load the 60p .mts files from Sony HX200V Camcorder to the Mac Converter. 

2. Click "format" bar to choose output format:

Choose "Final Cut Pro -> Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)" as the best output codec for importing 60p MTS files to Final Cut Pro (X) editing.

 

Choose "iMovie and Final Cut Express > Apple Intermediate Codec(AIC) (*.mov)" as the best video format for editing 60p AVCHD files to iMovie. 

Choose "Common video -> MOV-QuickTime (*.mov)" to play Sony 60p AVCHD mts with QuickTime Player.




Step 4. You can click “settings” to customize the output parameters, adjust the resolution, bitrate as you want. 

Tips:

If you would like to add Anaglyphic 3D effect or Subtitle for your footage, click "Edit" icon to start video editing with your 3D files, such as adding Anaglyphic 3D effect(Red-Blue, Red-Green) as well as adding watermark, trim your videos and so on.

You can also click "Subtitles" option, add srt, ass, ssa suntitle you want.



Step 5. Click convert button to start converting Sony HX200V 60p AVCHD MTS to Prores/AIC/QuickTime mov for FCP, iMovie editing and QuickTime Playere playback.

After the Mac MTS to MOV conversion, you can import the converted footages to FCP, iMovie  and QuickTime Player for editing and playing smoothly on Mac.

Learn more:

Tips on importing Sony CyberShot DSC-HX200V MTS to FCP

How to edit Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V in iMovie
Sony HX30V to FCP X, iMovie, FCE 4, Avid, Premiere

GoPro App 2.0 lets action cam owners save and share their footage

A new version of the GoPro app has been released for iOS devices bringing several important improvements. 

The GoPro App makes it easy to control your camera remotely with your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. New features let you view, play back and share select content—so you can do more with your photos and videos than ever before.



Features:

• Full remote control of all camera functions
• Live preview for easy shot-framing
• Instantly view photos and playback videos*
• Copy photos and videos* to your device, then share via email, text, Instagram, Facebook or other app
• View the GoPro Photo and Video of the Day
• Compatible with all HERO3 cameras and HD HERO 2 cameras + Wi-Fi BacPac

What's New In This Version:

• View photos and play back videos
• Copy photos and videos* to a GoPro album on your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
• Share the photos and videos copied to your device via email, text, Instagram, Facebook or other app
• Browse and delete files on the camera’s memory card

You can download GoPro App from the App Store for free.

Since launch, the GoPro App has primarily served as a remote control; it hasn't been much good for reviewing the day's shooting. That won't be an issue with the newly launched GoPro App 2.0. Both Android and iOS users can now browse their action camera's memory card, save and play media on a mobile device, and share any saved clips through email, MMS and social networks like Instagram. Windows Phone users aren't in line for the update right now, but their Android and iOS counterparts can grab both the new app and corresponding camera firmware upgrades at the source links.

Down-convert Panasonic GH2 MTS footage from 1080p to 720p for editing in FCP/Premiere

Summary: In this article, you can learn the best way to convert Panasoni GH2 AVCHD MTS to a file that FCP/Premiere can recognize on Mac(Mavericks 10.8 included) with downsizing 1080p HD video to 720p.

                                     


Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH2 updates the highly acclaimed if rather pricey GH1 Micro Four Thirds system camera. As such the GH2's styling is closer to that of a baby DSLR than its sibling's, the GF2 compact camera form. While stylistically similar, its size is roughly a third of the size of Olympus' Four Thirds E-5 DSLR, and closer in fact to that of a bridge camera. Except unlike a bridge camera, the Panasonic's added appeal is the ability to swap the lens in use. Therefore it's fair to say that for those who like the feel of a DSLR but not the attendant bulk, the GH2 is potentially a very attractive proposition. It's in effect a DSLR 'lite'. 

Easiest way to convert GH2 1080p .mts to 720p?

I'm a Director, DP-Editor/Gaffer. I do commercials and corporate work. I got my Panasonic GH2 and I shot all the .mts footage myself about Teaching Practices in Public Schools in Maryland. I like One-touch HD video recording and manual controls. And now I need to down-convert GH2 MTS footage from 1080p to 720p for storage and editing in FCP&Premiere. Is there any easy way (free or nominal fee)? 

Why we need to downsize the HD video?

By google search, you can see many folks are asking about how to downsize 1080p to 720p. It is my impression that if I edit with actual 720p files, it will be less strain on the system both in editing and rendering as well has hard drive space. In fact, it really does. After reducing the big video size, we will edit more smoothly, save space and make 1080p video playable on protable device like iPad.

An easy to use 1080p to 720p Converter

As in the above case, you have the need to find a professional MTS Converter for FCP/Premiere to downsize 1080p HD video to 720p. Pavtube MTS Converter for Mac is exactly the one ease of use. I have used it on my project, it is helpful in down-converting Panasonic GH2 1080p full HD video to 720p video quickly and transoding GH2 MTS file to FCP/Premiere editable Prores codec, then I can wok well with GH2 mts file in FCP and Premiere. Overall first impression is excellent. Below I will share the step-to-step guide to you.

Simple way to downconvert GH2 1080p to 720p for editing in FCP/Premiere

Step 1. Download Pavtube MTS Converter for Mac. This professional Panasonic MTS Converter can help you convert 1080p AVCHD MTS files to rich formats for use on Mac(Mavericks 10.9 included). 

Step 2. Install and launch this 1080p to 720p MTS Converter. Import 1080p MTS footage from GH2 to it. 
  


Step 3. Click "Format" bar to choose format for output, you can choose Final Cut Pro > Apple ProRes 422 HQ (*.mov) for editing in FCP and Premiere Pro.

Step 4. You can click “settings” to customize the output parameters, adjust the resolution, bitrate as you want. To down-convert 1080p to 720p, you just need set Size(pix) to 1280*720. That is the exact 720P.

Step 5. Click convert button to start converting Panasonic GH2 1080p AVCHD MTS to Prores for FCP and Premiere editing with 1280*720 definition.

As long as the conversion is done, you will get the 720p mov video files in full screen from its destination folder, and then you can import the files with 720p resolution to FCP/Premiere editing smoothly on Mac (including Mavericks 10.9).

Read more guides here: 

Panasonic G3 AVCHD to FCP
Panasonic DMC-FZ200 MTS to iMovie
Make Panasonic LX7 compatible with Avid MC
Panasonic Lumix GH3 MTS in FCP X
Edit Panasonic HC-V720K 1080 60p/50p MTS in FCP X
Panasonic HS900 AVCHD work with iMovie/FCE
Work with Panasonic V700 1080/50p AVCHD  in FCP

Mix Canon XF300 MXF to ProRes with multiple audio tracks for FCP X

Summary: In this tutorial, you will learn the way importing/editing Canon XF300 MXF files in FCP X smoothly by transcoding MXF to Prores on Mac(including Mavericks 10.9).

Q1: Just got a Canon XF300, it provide extraordinary image quality. I am wondering how to load my videos from XF300 to FCP X directly? Is MXF a supported format for FCP? Is it possible to keep multiple audio tracks?

Q2: Which software do I need to convert XF300 mxf files to be readable in FCP X ? I have more than 200 MXF files, I need to batch process them. Can anyone help regarding this conversion? Can I preserve the multi-track adudio?

As you can see, you will meet some stuttering problem when editing Canon XF300 MXF footage in FCP X on Mac (including Mac Mavericks). In fact, FCP does not support direct editing of Canon XF300 MXF in the timeline. If you want to edit Canon XF300 MXF in Final Cut Pro X, you first need to convert Canon MXF video to FCP compatible ProRes codec.


Required Tool: Pavtube iMix MXF

It can help us to convert Canon XF300 MXF to ProRes for FCP X editing with retaining higher quality and keeping multiple audio tracks. Below are some useful tips for you and you will know how to import Canon XF300 MXF to Final Cut Pro X on Mac (including Mac Mavericks).

Step 1. Add Canon MXF footage to the Canon MXF Converter.

Run Pavtube MXF audio Mixer. Click "Add" to load the source Canon MXF files. When the Canon MXF files are loaded to the MXF Converter, you can view the videos from the Preview window.



Step 2. Set Prores MOV as output format for Canon MXF to FCP X conversion.

Click on "Format", and select output format from the drop-down list. Follow "Multi-track Video>Multi-track Apple ProRes 422(*.mov) for editng XF300 multi-track MXF files in Final Cut Pro 6/7.



When set output folder, or click the icon folder in Output box and browse to the destination folder.

Step 3. You can click settings button to adjust the output video's parameters, such as resolution, bitrate, codec and frame rate, etc.

Step 4. Convert Canon XF300 MXF to Prores 422 for importing to Final Cut Pro X.

Click "Convert" button and the selected Canon XF305 MXF files will be converted to Prores 422 .MOV. You may check the converting progress and set auto shutdown in the convert window.

After conversion, click "Open" folder to find converted Canon XF300 footage for importing to FCP X. The importing steps reference here:

How to direct import media files to Final Cut Pro X on Mac

Additional Editing Features of the MXF Converter for Mac

- Trim, combine, de-interlace Canon MXF footage, capture Canon XF300 frame.

Trim Canon MXF clips: Click "Edit" to enter video editor, by default the "Trim" tab is activated, so just set start time and end time to include the duration you want to remain, cutting others out.

Combine/Join Canon MXF files: If you would like to join several files together, just select these files and check the Merge into one box.

De-interlace Canon MXF: Some footage may be saved as interlaced video with Juggled edges and ghosting. In that case you can set deinterlace effect to eliminate the combing. Follow "Edit"-> "Effect"-> "Deinterlacing".

Capture frame from Canon MXF: To thumbnail video frame, you may click the "Snapshoot" button when it plays to your favorable frame.



Tips:


If you don't want to get multi-track videos or your videos has less that two audio track to be converted, the latest version of Pavtube MXF Converter for Mac is designed to output each audio/video track separately.

Learn more:

Transfer Canon C300 MXF to FCP/Quicktime for editing on Mac
How to Edit Canon C300 MXF recording on iMovie?
Edit Canon XF100 MXF files in iMovie/FCE
Solve Canon XF105 MXF to iMovie importing problem
Convert Canon XF300 MXF to ProRes for FCP/Premiere Pro
Import Canon C300 MXF to Avid Media Composer
Mix Canon C500 MXF to multi-track ProRes for FCP 6/7