Being unable to directly import Canon MXF files into Premier Pro 5, I'm currently converting all footage using NeoHD.

Just have a couple of questions.

1. What are the differences between the two codecs .... Canon MXF and the Cineform AVI? Am I losing something by converting to Cineform or am I gaining something?

2. Would there be any advantage of upgrading to Neo4K?

Thanks

Canon MXFs are either 4:2:0 or 4:2:2 8-bit long GOP MPEG-2. There are generally nice sources to work with. CineForm compression is at a minimum 4:2:2 10-bit, so that will preserve your full dynamic range and color information. CineForm uses I-frame wavelets, the difference is technology is great. Canon designed their codec for acquisition (modifying a codec design for distribution), CineForm designed its codec for post production.

Neo4K for Canon MXF is not really needed. Neo4K is primarily for larger than HD or 4:4:4 source data and alpha channels.

Thanks David.

I'm confused about this as Premiere Pro 5 works directly with MXF files just fine. Use the Canon XF MPEG2 presets when you set up the sequence. This is one of the benefits of PP5.

That said, I tend to use Cineform with MXF files in PP5 so I can use FirstLight - plus what David said.