ok, so how to import mts from GH2 and export to 10bit 4:2:2, if cinefrom free version doesn't support it....through VirtualDUB? and save to avi?

GoPro Cineform Studio will import/convert h.264 files in a .mov or .mp4 wrapper, but not those inside AVCHD or .mts files. All you need to do is unwrap or rewrap (I think people use either term) the GH2 video files with something like Media Converter which is free from SourceForge http://media-converter.sourceforge.net/. It has a preset (which you is an separate download hadnled within the application itself) called Rewrap AVCHD for Quicktime - uncompressed audio.

Cineform Studio should then be able to import and convert the files to 10 bit 4:2:2 which you can then use in your editing/grading workflow. It may be limited in the resolutions it will output though but there's enough to get by with. For additional features and flexibility I gather you need to buy one of the other GoPro applications (Studio Premium or Professional), which will get you wider range of supported formats, FirstLight grading capability, 12 bit 4:4:4 if you have a need for that (probably only useful if you're shooting RAW), yada, yada, yada...

ok, so how to import mts from GH2 and export to 10bit 4:2:2, if cinefrom free version doesn't support it....through VirtualDUB? and save to avi?

@jameshow73 have you test it on the same source video? E.g. Having original MTS video which is additionally recoded into Matrox video. Then encode both (the original video and Matrox version) with Cineform.

Keep in mind that Cineform, like Morgan M-JPEG 2000 codec are using wavelets for encoding video. If the scene is not complex, it does not need high bitrates to achieve practically loseless encoding. When I used Morgan Codec, the output file sizes, when using the same quality presets, were VERY different (in Mbps). Complex scenes with trees and bushes produced very large files.

I suppose that Cineform is not "adjusted" to source data rate but to complexity of the source frames.

Why do you need TMPGenc? It is possible to make it with AviSynth script:

DirectShowSource("yourvideo.mts")

which is imported into VirtualDub by selecting Cineform output codec. At least it's my (free) workflow with Cineform (is TMPGenc free?). However, since I am mostly dealing with 3D full side-by-side footage (3840x1080), I am using Morgan codec (it's unlimited size).

@Ian_T Interesting that Cineform can show side-by-side. I am wondering if it can be used for storing 3D footage (and thus increasing the allowed size to 3840x1080).

Edit: I've tested it now and it still does not allow so high frame size.

Yes I know about the metadata, but surprising the split screen also carries, must be a bug as firstlight is not implemented in the free GoPro studio.

Make sure in Cineform you are using a version (if there is one) that does not resample your video to16-235 unless you want that. In Premiere, you can set your workflow to only use effects that do not rerender the video. I used Cineform for years and was happy with the results. With earlier versions of CS3, the codec would just fly. At that time, there was no i7/cuda combo, and realtime playback was a serious issue: basically, you had to render out chunks in samples just to see what the effects were. I would say, if you are still using CS3, it works great. In CS5 and up, the cuda acceleration, available with literally a $35 dollar card, is just amazing. Why resample? Plus you get the speedy superscaling on pans and zooms, resizing, and the full dynamic range. Another area where Cineform shines is pulldown. It usually does a great job if you need that. OTOH, I have had great results with TMPGenc. But Cineform is great for no hassle pulldown.

Also there's one caveat. Although there is no reason at this point for us to use the software interface that comes with the codec (since it can't read the GH2's AVCHD anyways) be careful not to change any of its default settings. I found out the hard way that depending on what was chosen in its "view" mode on the "Step 2 Edit" page it can affect how your NLEs views the footage. I was playing around in it and accidentaly hit "side-by-side" and couldn't figure out (for at least an hour) why Vegas kept showing me the same view...side by side. I had to backtrack and figured it out. Bottom line is to just leave the "view" at the default "LEFT EYE" or don't use it at all. FYI

@Ian_T What are you using to transcode to the cineform AVI? I'm only getting 50-60mbps even w/ filmscan.

@MrEdd

I don't see why you wouldn't want to use the container that has more options. The only difference is the container.

@Macalincag Finally found the Cineform codec in AME. Does anyone know witch has better quality, Cineform mov (less options) or Cineform avi (more options)?

Oh...and I believe another "gotcha" is that it'a limited to 1080p.

Back in November David Newman mentioned this on DVInfo:

NeoScene is not completely replaced by GoPro CineForm Studio, but we are working in that direction.

Use the free application to get the codec, as it include VfW support."

I get around 150 - 200 Mbps with Filmscan 2. This is a visually lossless wavelet codec so the data rate doesn't need to be super high.

@Rambo - Yeah...I hear you. I was stunned to find out recently that it was offered for free. But the version you have still has the uncompressed option and I believe you get that cool color correcting tool with yours also (now THAT I wish I had).

I downloaded and tested it in Adobe Premiere. The highest bitrate it would create for 1080p was about 53mbps. Even with the highest HD or Film Scan options selected.

Seems low for an intermediate codec. Definitely lower than the Neoscene cineform trial I've used.

I'm not sure what .avi codec I used but have just tried again with the free gopro cineform and will report back.