Final Cut Pro Ingest Workflow for AVCHD Footage

Cameras that use AVCHD codecs: Canon HG10 and Sanyo Xacti (if you are using the highest resolution HD setting on the Sanyo Xacti, see the workflow entitled ‘Sanyo Xacti Workflow’).

• Turn on the camcorder and set to PLAY.
• Connect camcorder to the computer using a USB 4.0 to mini.
• The camera’s HD icon will show up on the desktop.
• DO NOT access the camera’s hard disk directly. Doing so may corrupt the data.
• Open Final Cut Pro.
• Here it is important to set all standard operating settings. Go to Final Cut Pro: System Setings and set the scratch disk to the desired location. This will create a folder called “Capture Scratch” where the HD quicktime files will be located.
• Select File: Log and Transfer (Shift+Option+8)
• The Transfer Queue window will open and display all video files on the Canon’s hard disk.
• Choose individual clips or select-all for transfer to the Capture Scratch folder. Click the ‘Add Selection to Queue’ button after you have selected your clips.

AVCHD footage is transcoded to the Apple ProRes 422 codec or the Apple Intermediate Codec. You can choose the destination codec in the Log and Transfer window preferences.

When you choose to transfer AVCHD audio in the Logging area, audio is automatically mixed down to stereo.

AVCHD files are transferred as entire files from beginning to end. It is not possible to set In and Out points before transferring the clips.

• If the import does not automatically begin, toggle the ‘Play/Pause’ button immediately below the ‘Add Selection to Queue’ button.
• Wait for your footage to import. After it has finished, remember to File > Save (Command+S) your project.

Happy editing.