Convert Image Sequence to CineForm with FFmpeg

This guide provides a straightforward walkthrough on how to transcode a sequence of images (such as PNG, TIFF, or JPEG) into a high-quality GoPro CineForm video file using FFmpeg. You will learn the exact command-line syntax, key parameter configurations, and how to preserve color depth during the conversion process.

The Basic Command

To transcode an image sequence to a CineForm video, open your terminal or command prompt and run the following command:

ffmpeg -framerate 24 -i input_%04d.png -c:v cfhd -pix_fmt yuv422p10le output.mov

Parameter Breakdown

• -framerate 24: Specifies the playback speed of the output video (24 frames per second). This parameter must be placed before the input (-i) to ensure FFmpeg reads the sequence at the correct rate.
• -i input_%04d.png: Defines the input files. The %04d is a placeholder for sequential numbering padded with four zeros (e.g., input_0001.png, input_0002.png, etc.). Adjust this pattern to match your files.
• -c:v cfhd: Selects the GoPro CineForm video encoder.
• -pix_fmt yuv422p10le: Sets the pixel format to 10-bit YUV 4:2:2, which is highly compatible with video editing software and preserves high dynamic range data.
• output.mov: The output file. CineForm video streams are standardly wrapped in a QuickTime .mov container.

Controlling CineForm Quality

You can control the compression ratio and quality of the CineForm output using the -q:v (quality) flag. The CineForm encoder in FFmpeg maps quality levels from 0 to 11, where lower numbers yield higher quality but larger file sizes:

• -q:v 0: FilmScan 2 (Highest quality, largest file size)
• -q:v 1: FilmScan 1
• -q:v 2: Cinematic (High Quality - recommended for most editing workflows)
• -q:v 3: Medium
• -q:v 4: Low

Example using Cinematic quality:

ffmpeg -framerate 30 -i frame_%05d.tiff -c:v cfhd -q:v 2 -pix_fmt yuv422p10le output.mov

Advanced: Encoding in RGB 12-bit

If your source images are 16-bit TIFFs or EXRs and you want to preserve maximum color information using CineForm’s 12-bit RGB format, use the following pixel format configuration:

ffmpeg -framerate 23.976 -i frame_%04d.exr -c:v cfhd -pix_fmt gbrp12le output.mov