Final Cut Pro: Tips for archiving memory card-based media
Summary
Standard tapeless workflows involve reformatting and reusing the memory cards used for shooting. Before reformatting the cards, it's prudent to make a backup copy of your media on hard disk, whether for safety or for recapture later on. This article discusses guidelines for reliable backup.
Note: It's important to preserve the original names and folder structure found on the memory card so that the media will be recognized and handled correctly when retrieving the archive. If you try to access media from a memory card that you saved to a hard disk then changed its folder name or structure, Final Cut Pro warns you with a message like this:
Warning
"Folder Name" contains unsupported media or has an
invalid directory structure. Please choose a folder
whose directory structure matches supported media.
Other transfer software may also be unable to open media files copied from memory cards if the folder names or folder structure has changed.
This article discusses archiving memory cards like the following:
- Panasonic P2 cards containing MXF-wrapped media
- Sony SxS cards containing XDCAM EX media
- SDHC cards containing AVCHD media
Products Affected
Final Cut Pro
Important: Preserve the folder structure and folder names as on the memory card.
Although you may wish to rename the content you copied from your memory card to your hard drive (to give it a more meaningful name or to differentiate it from other backups), this can prevent the media from being recognized later. One method of organization that might be helpful to you is to create a folder with a meaningful name (like a reel name) and put the contents of the memory card into that folder.
The following example archives a P2 card, but the same steps can be used for SxS cards (for XDCAM EX) and SDHC cards (for AVCHD). In this example, the folder "Archived Cards" contains all archived memory cards. Inside that folder, individual folders each represent one memory card.
- Create a new folder that will contain the contents of one memory card. In the illustration below, folders have been named with the date, daily card number, and camera. For this example, a new folder is created and named "CARD_2008-04-16_014-A".
- Mount your memory card to your computer.
- Drag the contents of your memory card into the folder you created in step 1.
Note: Don't rename the contents of the new folder. If you need to move this media or give it to someone else, move the entire enclosing folder (called "CARD_2008-04-16_014-A" in this example).
You can access the media using the Log and Transfer window in Final Cut Pro by clicking the Add Folder icon button. Navigate to the new folder you named in step 1 above and the clips within it will be available for transfer.
Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple's recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.