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1. Re: Is it worthwhile color grading H.264 footage in After Effects?
Rick Gerard Apr 10, 2011 10:00 PM (in response to mdubuque)The best workflow is to convert your GOP footage (H264) to an 8 or 10 bit lossless or nearly lossless codec then do all of your production work with the converted files. My standard workflow, for example, with footage from a DSLR is to run it through Magic Bullet Grinder to convert it to ProRez, then do all of the editing and compositing with the converted footage. I even convert all XD cam footage and all P2 footage to 10 bit codecs for post.
I would not ever try anything more than simple straight cuts with AVCHD or H264 footage. The CPU overhead and the compression and even motion artifacts make this an unacceptable workflow.
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2. Re: Is it worthwhile color grading H.264 footage in After Effects?
mdubuque Apr 11, 2011 8:05 AM (in response to Rick Gerard)Thanks Rick, that is very helpful.
Are some transcoding applications much better than others in terms of converting H.264 to ProRes 4.2.2?
I know there are several options out there and I have heard a few horror stories from Canon 5D Mark II folks.
Also, I have done several subtle transitions natively in H.264. To be safe, should I simply remove them before transcoding to ProRes 4.2.2?
Very helpful.
Matt
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3. Re: Is it worthwhile color grading H.264 footage in After Effects?
Dave LaRonde Apr 11, 2011 3:30 PM (in response to mdubuque)mdubuque wrote:
Are some transcoding applications much better than others in terms of converting H.264 to ProRes 4.2.2?
Since you're talking ProRes 422, You must be on a Mac. You might even run FCP. If you do, I recommend you scrutinize this tutorial from the Creative COW on 5D MkII > ProRes workflow via FCP:
http://library.creativecow.net/ross_shane/tapeless-workflow_fcp-7/1
No FCP? MPEG Streamclip (free download) is a viable option. Adobe Media Encoder can do it too, I believe. Telestream's Episode Pro can do it for several hundred dollars or more. I keep trying to talk the people at my station into getting it, but they keep balking.
But whatever you use, the sooner you convert H.264, the better.
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4. Re: Is it worthwhile color grading H.264 footage in After Effects?
Rick Gerard Apr 11, 2011 10:15 PM (in response to mdubuque)mdubuque wrote:
Are some transcoding applications much better than others in terms of converting H.264 to ProRes 4.2.2?
My personal favorite is Magic Bullet Grinder. It's worked just fine from the first day for me and I do a lot of Cannon DSLR work. Just make sure that you have fast enough drives to serve up the video to your NLE. I use a 2 drive array for most work.
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5. Re: Is it worthwhile color grading H.264 footage in After Effects?
mdubuque Apr 12, 2011 7:39 AM (in response to Rick Gerard)TOTALLY helpful everyone. Thanks!
The best way to thank you is to go and help someone else.... off I go to see if someone can benefit from my limited knowledge....
Thanks!
Matt




