work flow for iphone video files

Wovian wrote on 8/15/2022, 11:24 AM

I used to have problems with a blank/black screen whilst editing footage from an iphone. I am using VP version 14.

Some kind folks on here referred me to the handbrake program and for some time now I check using the mediainfo program which of my iphone files are variable frame rate and which are constant (I've still no clue as to why some are and some aren't even though the (iphone 13 pro) settings are the same. When the frame rate is variable I use handbrake to convert to a constant frame rate. It adds a lot of time to my workflow but that's what I do.

I now have two questions:

1. Given now time and VP versions have moved on, is the process I use still the best option? I'd be happy to upgrade if the answer was I'd get an easier and/or quicker process

2. The size of the converted handbrake file is much smaller than the original iphone file and the quality is not as good. What are the best handbrake settings for me to use? On the video tab I use currently, I set constant frame rate and quality. All of my iphone clips in my finished product are lower quality the way I do it currently which seems crazy.

Thanks

Comments

Gid wrote on 8/15/2022, 11:37 AM

@Wovian Hi, on your phone camera settings there's an option for HDR, if that's ON your phone will produce HEVC files, switched OFF it will produce AVC files, (I don't have an iphone so you'l have to see, I think there's a Dolby setting too?) both are MP4 but HEVC is a more modern version created for better compression of larger files created by 4k filming, however these HEVC files don't always play well on editors/Vegas,

I use a Samsung S 21 Ultra, (HDR OFF) the video's all come out are AVC, varying frame rates - constant & variable but all lay no prob, I'm in VP19 tho,

The MediaInfo you mention will tell you if it's HEVC or AVC,

fr0sty wrote on 8/15/2022, 11:42 AM

In iphone settings... avoid anything talking about dolby or HDR, turn that off. VEGAS can edit HDR, but unless you are well versed in what HDR is and have an HDR display to view it on, it isn't worth the trouble it adds, as it has to be color corrected to SDR before those displays can properly show its color and contrast.

As for newer versions, the good news is you can download a VEGAS 20 demo today and try your media in it, for free. No limits beyond a 2 minute project length limit when rendering.

Wovian wrote on 8/15/2022, 12:06 PM

Thanks guys. The format is MP4/AVC as I use the "most compatible" setting on the iphone. I can't see anything about HDR or Dolby in the camera settings.

These files have always played OK on the PC its only on the Vegas timeline that I had a problem. I'll have a try of VP 20.

fr0sty wrote on 8/15/2022, 12:16 PM

You'll really like some of the new features... since you're shooting on your phone, if you subscribe to VEGAS 20 instead of buy the perpetual license, it comes with some really handy online enabled features, like an app you can put on your iphone that lets you upload video files directly to your VEGAS timeline from your phone, and an audio and video content library filled with millions of royalty free music and video clips to use in your projects. The color grading panel is also really handy, among a ton of other updates.

Gid wrote on 8/15/2022, 12:30 PM

@Wovian Hi, It hasn't been asked but can you go to your icon at the top, click it - My Profile, & fill in your Signature with your Vegas version, Windows version & system specs, full name of CPU, GPU, & amount of RAM etc. this will then show at the bottom of the comments 👍

Can you share a copy of the MediaInfo., copy & paste the info from the Text View,

& check your Graphics card driver is up to date 👍

Wovian wrote on 8/15/2022, 5:11 PM

I have had a very quick look at the trial version of VP 20. It doesn't look like I have the issue with the iphone clips but in the past it has been sporadic so I'll see what it looks like again tomorrow. In the meantime a quick question...... I have nearly finished a project on VP 14. If I open it in VP 20 can I still go back to it in VP 14?

Gid wrote on 8/15/2022, 5:18 PM

@Wovian Be careful, the fxs in 14 will be different to 20, so save your project from 14 twice with different names & don't touch one of them when you test the other in 20, that way you'll have an orig to fall back on,

Wovian wrote on 8/15/2022, 5:21 PM

Thanks Gid - will do