Problem
An editor copies only visible video files from a card and omits XML, BRAW sidecars, audio metadata, or other camera support files required by the finishing workflow.
Solution
Root Cause / Diagnostic:
Extracting bare `.mov` or `.mp4` video files while ignoring root directory XML manifests, LUTs, and sidecar metadata breaks camera raw color science and multi-track audio routing. The NLE loses color calibration matrices, gyro stabilization data, and lens profile correction maps.
Actionable Fix:
1. Complete Card Structure Mirroring: Copy the entire volume structure from the camera card (including `DCIM`, `PRIVATE`, `MISC`, and all XML sidecars) without altering folder hierarchies.
2. Automated Folder Cloning: Utilize clone tools in DaVinci Resolve or professional DIT offloaders that enforce full-card bit-for-bit directory replication.
3. Metadata Relink Check: Open imported clips in the NLE and confirm that camera metadata, raw ISO/Kelvin controls, and multi-channel audio tracks display accurately.
Pro Tip:
Never cherry-pick video files from a camera card; copy the entire card directory structure root-and-all to maintain full RAW color science and gyro data.
Extracting bare `.mov` or `.mp4` video files while ignoring root directory XML manifests, LUTs, and sidecar metadata breaks camera raw color science and multi-track audio routing. The NLE loses color calibration matrices, gyro stabilization data, and lens profile correction maps.
Actionable Fix:
1. Complete Card Structure Mirroring: Copy the entire volume structure from the camera card (including `DCIM`, `PRIVATE`, `MISC`, and all XML sidecars) without altering folder hierarchies.
2. Automated Folder Cloning: Utilize clone tools in DaVinci Resolve or professional DIT offloaders that enforce full-card bit-for-bit directory replication.
3. Metadata Relink Check: Open imported clips in the NLE and confirm that camera metadata, raw ISO/Kelvin controls, and multi-channel audio tracks display accurately.
Pro Tip:
Never cherry-pick video files from a camera card; copy the entire card directory structure root-and-all to maintain full RAW color science and gyro data.