Knowledge Base/Windows Workflow/GoPro CineForm Studio Techniques
Preparing DSLR Camera Source Files for Editing
Jake Segraves
posted this on October 20, 2011 05:06 pm
So you've shot a bunch of footage on your GoPro or DSLR camera...now what? Since the H.264 file format used in camera is not designed for editing, you should convert your files into the GoPro/CineForm file format. This format was specifically designed for editing and is compatible with most popular non-linear editing applications (iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Premiere, AVID, Vegas, etc.).
Step 1) Launch GoPro CineForm Studio and Import your camera's source files by using the 'IMPORT NEW FILES" button in the top left-hand corner of the application window.
Step 2) Select the first clip in the bin to open it in the playback window. If you only wish to convert a portion of your video, use the playback controls and the IN and OUT buttons to trim the beginning and ending of the clip.
Step 3) Select a File Name and Directory Location for the converted clip.
(Optional Step) Use the "ADVANCED SETTINGS" to set the Resolution, Frame Size, File Format and Quality of the converted file...or just leave these at their defaults. Please refer to the GoPro CineForm Studio User Guide for more information about these options.
Step 4) Click the "ADD CLIP TO CONVERSION LIST" button to send it to the Conversion List Bin.
Step 5) Add more clips to the Conversion List by repeating steps 2-4 for the remaining clips in your bin. Then click the "CONVERT ALL" button.
CONGRATULATIONS! You now have new GoPro/CineForm files saved in the folder you specified in the "SAVE TO" location in Step 3. These new files can be imported into most popular non-linear editing applications... or take them into the GoPro CineForm Studio EDIT room to make color and framing adjustments.
Comments
Yes, good demonstration of the interface. But somewhat tedious compared to my usual batch conversion using HDLink. Excellent for Hero camera users.
For bulk batch conversions using the same settings, HDLink is very sufficient. If you want to trim the source clip's in and out points or have custom conversion settings on a per clip-basis, then Studio is the way to go. Thanks for the feedback, Serena.
What settings are recommended? What is the difference in Film Scan and other options, do I need to choose 4:4:4:, is this important? Is 12-bit an option, what settings are optimal and what do they add when I pull my footage into After Effects? If I'm going to be performing the rest of my workflow in After Effects and Premiere with final color correction in SpeedGrade, do I need FirstLight? Can the CineForm codec's be read by Prelude and upon ingestion of footage can I transcode to CineForm there? Then, if all I really need is the CineForm codec to prepare my footage for intermediary production, will there be a version of CineForm where I can just purchase the codec?
The settings will vary based on your source files and ultimate destination. Please resend this question to support@cineform.com and from there we can tackle your workflow questions. Thanks.