View Full Version : Film out Cineform Workflow


Herminio Cordido
March 29th, 2009, 01:31 PM
Hi guys.

I will be shooting a film that is intended for film out on my Sony Ex1 and Canon 5D mark II.

The editor is going to use FCP, he doesn't have Cineform but Neo should do right?

I am a PC Prospect HD user and i think it will be better if i deliver Cineform .MOV files (1080 24P 4:2:2) so they have more flexibility and color sampling for post.
I this the best way with the tools available? or should i deliver the native files from the cameras?

Thanks.

Mike McCarthy
March 29th, 2009, 01:38 PM
How are you planning to get the 5D footage to 24p? Because 5D files don't edit smoothly, converting those to an intermediate format makes sense, especially since you will need to change the framerate. Since the 5D footage will be in an intermediate, converting the EX as well may lead to a smoother editing experience. (Fewer variables and possible conflicts to worry about)

David Newman
March 29th, 2009, 01:51 PM
Mike is correct, NEO HD would the tool that can handle 5D and EX footage. The conversion of 5D 30p to 24p question still remains. Running through AE's timewarp is an option, it is just very slow.

Herminio Cordido
March 29th, 2009, 07:01 PM
Mike is correct, NEO HD would the tool that can handle 5D and EX footage. The conversion of 5D 30p to 24p question still remains. Running through AE's timewarp is an option, it is just very slow.

I am planning to play the 30P footage in 24 fps (not conversion, but slowmo).

I own Prospect HD, is it possible to convert 5d mark II files using HDlink?

Is it faster to edit cineform Files on a Mac (FCP) or should i hand in the original files and that's it?

Thanks

Michael Wisniewski
March 29th, 2009, 08:15 PM
For most film outs, the file format you use for your offline edit doesn't matter. Use the format that makes editing easy for you. Then go talk to the online editor/colorist to iron out how they would like to handle the conform.

Craig Davidson
March 29th, 2009, 10:13 PM
I would second the suggestion of talking to your editor. Both the Sony EX1 and Canon 5D mk II record in 4:2:2.

David Newman
March 29th, 2009, 10:18 PM
Craig, both are 4:2:0, we just upconvert them to 4:2:2.

Herminio Cordido
March 30th, 2009, 01:01 AM
Ok,
so if you have Final Cut Pro lastest edition

is it easier to edit cineform 4:2:2 .MOV files?

or

Ex1 4:2:0 mpeg files?

Michael Wisniewski
March 30th, 2009, 02:30 AM
Cineform will generally give you better editing performance. But you may not notice a huge difference, if you're just doing basic cuts, or you have a really fast Mac.

Here's a really useful Tech Note for editing Cineform files in Final Cut Pro (http://www.cineform.com/products/technotes/FCPSequenceSettings.htm).

Jack Walker
March 30th, 2009, 09:30 AM
Both the Sony EX1 and Canon 5D mk II record in 4:2:2.
There are differences depending on which generation of EX1 camera is used. Apparently recording in 4:2:2 (50Mbs) was not available until third genration EX1 cameras, even though the native resolution of the camera is 4:2:2.

The 35Mbs XDCAM EX is 4:2:0.

XDCAM - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XDCAM#XDCAM_HD422_.28MPEG_HD422.29)

Herminio Cordido
March 30th, 2009, 11:15 AM
Those "Generations" are not generation of one camera (EX1) they are generation as next upgrade camera...

EX1 records 4:2:0 to SxS cards no matter what "generation"

Jack Walker
March 30th, 2009, 11:42 AM
Those "Generations" are not generation of one camera (EX1) they are generation as next upgrade camera...

EX1 records 4:2:0 to SxS cards no matter what "generation"

Yes, I see the generations are referring to XDCAM, the codec, not the camera.

So I guess that is:
Generation 1: XDCAM HD (4:2:0)
Generation 2: XDCAM EX (4:2:0)
Generation 3: XDCAM HD422 (4:2:2)

The EX1 and EX3 (and the new JVC HM cameras) record XDCAM EX.

XDCAMHD422 is on the PDW-700 camera.