A video workflow that does not use tapes includes reformatting as well as reusing the memory cards used for shooting. Before reformatting the cards, it is wise to make a copy of your files on a hard drive, either for safety or for re-digitizing later. This article refers to instructions for a reliable copy.
Note: It is important to preserve the original names and folder structure found on the memory card so that the files are recognized and managed correctly when recovered. If you try to access files from a memory card that you saved to a hard drive and then change the name or folder structure, Final Cut Pro warns you with a message like this:
Warning
"Folder Name" includes files that are not supported or have an invalid address structure. Please select a folder whose address structure matches the supported files.
Other transfer software may also not be able to open files copied from your memory cards if the folder names or folder structure has changed.
The article refers to archiving memory cards such as the following:
- Panasonic P2 cards containing MXF-wrapped media
- Sony SxS cards containing XDCAM EX media
- SDHC cards containing AVCHD media
Important: Keep the folder structure and names as they are on the memory card.
Although you may want to rename the content you copied from your memory card to your hard drive (to give it a more user-friendly name or to differentiate it from other backups), doing so may prevent these files from being recognized later. One method of organization that may be useful to you is to create a folder with a more user-friendly name and put the contents of the memory card in that folder.
The following example archives to a P2 card, but the same steps can be followed for SxS cards (for XDCAM EX) and SDHC cards (for AVCHD). In this example, the Archived Cards folder contains all archived memory cards. Within this folder, individual folders each representing a memory card.
- Create a new folder that will contain the contents of a memory card. In the example below, folders named with the date, card number and camera. For this example, a new folder is created and named 'CARD_2008-04-16_014-A'.
- Connect the memory card to your computer.
- Drag the contents of the memory card into the folder you created in step 1.
Note: Do not rename the contents of the new folder. If you need to move this file or give it to someone else, move the entire subfolder (named 'CARD_2008-04-16_014-A' in this example).
You can access the files using the Log and Transfer window in Final Cut Pro by clicking the Add Folder icon. Find the new folder you named in step 1 above and the clips inside it will be available for transfer.
