I need some advice on the workflow of working with files from the XF100 and XF105.

I have both cameras. A good example of what we do is last week's shoot. In 2.5 days, I ended up with 10 files labeled "CONTENTS" from the Canon cameras. I put each CONTENTS folder into another folder.

I am not using the Canon utility when copying the files from the cards. I always have to spend an hour or so figuring out how to use that utility program, and there just isn't time on the shoot, so I just copy the folders.

Now, I have all these folders on a hard drive. (Actually, on two hard drives, because I'm paranoid.)

Can I use the Canon Utility on these CONTENTS folders?

My goal is to get all the files broken out (not four files per subfolder, as Canon sets them up on the cards). Then I need to be able to view the video, and relabel the file names so I can then give them to the editor.

I'm looking at it taking two or three full days to do this to the files from this shoot.

Any suggestions sure would be appreciated.

Oh, I'm working on a Mac (have a Macbook Pro and a new Imac). Have FCP7 and FCPX on both machines. Just downloaded the latest plugin from Canon for FCPX.

I'm not editing. Just need to see the files, rename them, and give them (and an editing script) to the production house.

Why not use the log and transfer feature into a file format that suits you?

Definitely log & transfer using Canon plugin in FCP7. It'll let you rename the files as you go - they'll be in capture scratch folder as either native files rewrapped in a .mov or as ProRes files, depending on your prefs. Everything joined up as they should be.

Do others transfer the files from the cards to a hard drive in the field, or do you have enough cards to bring them in each day to transfer them in the evening?

Is one way preferred over the other?

I have heard that it is possible to copy the entire directory over and then log and transfer that directory when its already on the hard disk, but I always had enough space on my cards to shoot what I needed and then transfer in one shot.

I would just load the camera up with 2 x 32GB P2's and bring plenty of batteries. Never one problem. Now, when I shoot with DSLR, I have multiple CF cards that I swap and just do it all later, so I would have to say it really depends on price of the storage medium haha

At my old job there were plenty of P2s to go around, but now that I shoot for myself (and Canon, not Panasonic) I find myself using multiple cards and swapping them out during the day.