How can I expect a smooth workflow between Sony a6500 XAVC-S footage and iMovie? If you are having problems importing a6500 XAVC-S files into iMovie, you may wish to read this post. It guides you through the process of transcoding a6500 XAVC S recordings to AIC .mov for use in iMovie flawlessly.
Issues working with a6500 XAVC-S 4K files in iMovie
“Hi all, I have a new Sony a6500 camera, which records 4K footage using XAVC S codec. I’ve learned that this is a consumer codec for Sony’s consumer cameras. iMovie is able to recognize and load the 4K footage, but the process is very choppy. Does iMovie natively support XAVC-S codec? How can I edit a6500 XAVC-S 4K footage in iMovie smoothly? Can anyone point me in the right direction? Thanks.”
Actually, Apple has announced support for XAVC-S codec since iMovie version 10.07. If you couldn’t handle a6500 XAVC-S 4K files fluidly, it properly because you are using an old version of iMovie or your system is not powerful enough to work with 4K files. In that case, we would recommend converting the footage to a format that is edit-friendly for iMovie, such as Apple InterMediate Codec, iMoive’s favorite editing codec, which iMovie will recognize and handle well. Here’s how.
How to transcode a6500 XAVC S 4K to iMovie preferred AIC?
Software requirement
HD Converter for Mac
The steps:
Step 1: Open up HD Converter for Mac as a Sony a6500 XAVC-S Converter for iMovie. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load your source media.
Step 2: Select output format for iMovie
To convert Sony a6500 XAVC-S video files for iMovie, from ‘Profile’ list, choose ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov)’ as output format under ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column. This codec is also suitable for use in the discontinued FCE.
Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.
Step 3: Custom video and audio settings (optional)
If necessary, you can click ‘Settings’ button and go to ‘Profiles Settings’ panel to modify video and audio settings like video encoder, resolution, video bit rate, frame rate, aspect ratio, audio encoder, sample rate, audio bit rate, and audio channels. 3D settings are also available.
Step 4: Begin a6500 XAVC-S video files to AIC MOV Conversion on Mac
When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start format conversion. Once the conversion process is complete, you can click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the generated AIC MOV files for editing in iMovie with optimum performance.
Tips:
If you don’t want to wait for the entire conversion process, you can tick off ‘Shut down computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.
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