down converting for multi-camera editing

[Michael.Romanyshyn]

Hello all,
First post here. I apologize if this has been addressed, but I could not find any threads in any forum relating to multi camera editing with a Red workflow.

It has been decided by my clients to shoot an event with 16 cameras, half of them Red at 4K at 23.98fps, the other half will be captured to tape (HDCAM). I have experience editing multi camera projects and have come to like standard definition down-converts the best. It provides decent quality viewing and works effortlessly on my machine.

My question is about which is the best way to down-convert. Using Redrushes, I am doing a test right now with the following settings.

Debayer quality is set to Half Res (standard)
Resizing to 640x480
Outputting as QT using ProRes 422 codec (since I don't see DVCPRO50 or NTSC as an option).

The other half of the cameras will be ingested using ProRes 422 as well, even though I like DVCPro/NTSC the best.
1. Would it make sense to convert the raw footage as described above, then make conversions to DVCPRO/NTSC using compressor? Is there a faster or better way to utilize Redrushes (don't know if Redrocket card is in the budget)?
2. Would it make better sense to use the 640x480 ProRes conversions and import the HDCAM tapes to the same size and same codec? My system would handle 16 ProRes angles in FCP, though there would be some choking as the sequence gets cut to shreds.
A third question relates to transfer of media from Red drives to external drives. Is there any additional software needed for my macbook pro to see these drives? Can I daisy chain a Red Drive onto a G-tech external drive?
Just want to make sure there are no unforeseen circumstances.

Thanks in advance for any input, suggestions, etc,

Mike

 

[Mitch Jacobson]

Hi Mike, It's my first reply to your first post, I hope this helps. I like to work backwards from the mastering/deliverable format and downconvert from there. This way you can cut in any format that works best for multicam using the downconverted media and have the ability to point to the master quality files at anytime for screening or finishing (in HD for example). I would also suggest that you keep all the files the same codec and same framerate, if you were not doing that already. Also, why not use ProRes Proxy or LT? They are full raster codecs, small files and work great fro multicam and this workflow. This way, when you point back to your HiRez files, the sequence setting will match frame size and you won't have to mess around with convertinhg sequence settings.

Example: Show master is ProRes 422 HQ 23.98. Convert all HDCam and RED 4k to Prores 422 HQ. Use compressor, Episode or batch export a complete set at ProRez Proxy (do not change File Names) and put in a folder called Downconverts. Make multiclips with downconverted files and edit away. For mastering or screening in full HQ, select the sequence and/or indvidual clips, reconnect media to HQ files and now your are ready to screen or finish in full HD. Switch back to Proxy at anytime to continue cutting. I do this all the time, works like a champ. Good luck!