Canon EOS 70D and FCP Tutorial - transcode H.264 MOV to Apple ProRes

The Canon EOS 70D DSLR Camera features a 20.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+ image processor to ensure high-resolution images and excellent low-light sensitivity. Both the sensor and processor work together to produce well-detailed, clear imagery that exhibits natural tonality and color gradations with minimal noise when working in difficult lighting conditions. The processor also provides notable speed throughout the camera system, including the ability to record up to 7 fps in full-resolution, quickened AF speeds, and full HD 1080p video recording in multiple frame rates with manual exposure and audio level control.

The 1080p HD .mov shootings taken with the Canon EOS 70D gives pretty stunning quality. The thing is, people are having trouble using Log and transfer to import EOS 70D .mov files to FCP X or Version 6 and Version 7. Canon USA EOS site provides plug-in (Canon E-1 Movie Plugin) to get the shootings work with Final Cut Pro and iMovie. However, it seems that some EOS 70D .mov shootings can be recognized while others not, even with plug-in installed. Log and transfer gives error message from time to time when importing Canon EOS 70D directory structure to FCP X.

An optional workaround is converting the Canon EOS 70D H.264 shootings to Apple ProRes codec, which is fully compatible with Final Cut Pro. When a 1080p HD .mov clip is converted into Apple ProRes .mov it can be loaded to FCP instantly. To do format conversion, a third party converter app like HD Video Converter for Mac is required. The HD Video Converter for Mac is a fairly straight forward and easy to use program, which works great as a Canon EOS 70D MOV to FCP X/7/6 converter and output happy results for working with FCP.

Download HD Video Converter for Mac for free



Step 1. Download this HD Video Converter for Mac, run the app and click “Add Files” button to browse to EOS 70D MOV footage either from cam HDD or SD card.



Step 2. Set output video format for your video conversion. Click the “Profile” bar and move to “Final Cut Pro” and then select a 1080p HD video format from drop-down list. Basically, Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov) format is recommended. or you can select one as target format depending on your requirement in post production.



Apple ProRes 422 (HQ) - Keep original video quality for editing in FCP;
Apple ProRes 422 (LT) - Get a smaller file sizes than Apple ProRes 422;
Apple ProRes 422 (Proxy) - SD levels - 480i/p and 576i/p, Used in offline workflows.
Apple ProRes 422 4444 - Edit and finish 4:4:4 material.

Note: If you've loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off 'Apply to All' option before you start.

Step 3. Click the “Settings” button and customize proper video/ audio parameters if necessary. E.g. Set video size to 1920*1080 or set smaller bitrate to further cut down export file size. You may skip this step as well.

Step 4. Click 'Convert to start Canon EOS 70D H.264 MOV to ProRes conversion, After conversion just click the "Open Folder" button to locate converted Canon EOS 70D files for FCP X/6/7 post-production.

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