Summary: This post elaborates a way to transcode 1080p AVCHD/MP4 footage shot on a Panasonic Lumix GM5 to an intermediate format, so as to get iMovie, FCE, and FCP X working with them fluently without a glitch.
The Panasonic GM5 is really tiny! This may be your first impression on this small camera. But one of its noteworthy features should be 1080/60p Full-HD video recording capability in AVCHD progressive and MP4 format with stereo sound. In addition to this, the GM5 also features a “Snap Movie Mode” to enable users to record video for short period of time (2/4/6/8 seconds) as they shoot “moving photos”.
However, in our experience, if you are shooting with a Panasonic Lumix GM5 and intend to import its 1080-60p AVCHD/MP4 footage to Mac iMovie, FCE or FCP X for further editing, you may encounter issues one or another. In that case, you will need to convert GM5 1080-60p AVCHD/MP4 video to a QuickTime format that is well compatible with your NLEs before editing. Please read on to find out a step-by-step guide talking about how to transcode Panasonic GM5 AVCHD/MP4 to AIC .mov for use in iMovie/FCE, and how to encode GM5 60p AVCHD/MP4 to ProRes .mov for editing in FCP X.
Software requirement
Video Converter for Mac
User reviews on Video Converter for Mac
“I am pleased with the performance of your video converter, it is easy and intuitive. I think the speed is great, especially with multiple files to convert. Multiple formats. I Googled Panasonic video converter and got quite a few options but once I downloaded your free install tool I knew I would choose it.” – Alvin
”One of the best software ever. Super easy to download/register the software for my iMac. And it’s super fast to convert movies from any format, and I can do trim, crop or my own replace audio and there’s so much you can.” – Linda
”I have been searching different ways to convert my 50p MTS files for use in iMovie’11. Your program is awesome and can’t wait to really use it. I have been searching multiple programs and out of all that I have used, yours is by far the best and most comprehensive.” – James
How to convert Panasonic GM5 1080p AVCHD/MP4 footage to MOV for editing in iMovie, FCE and FCP X?
To do this:
Step 1: Open up Video Converter for Mac as a Panasonic GM5 Video Converter for Mac. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load your source media.
Step 2: Select output format for your editing program
To convert Panasonic GM5 1080p AVCHD/MP4 for iMovie/FCE, from ‘Profile’ list, choose ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov)’ as output format under ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column.
To transcode Panasonic GM5 60p AVCHD/MP4 for FCP X, select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Final Cut Pro’ column. The ProRes codec is also workable in its former version FCP 6 and FCP 7.
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 Panasonic GM5 1080p AVCHD/MP4 to 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 or ProRes MOV files for editing in iMovie, Final Cut Express or FCP X with optimum performance.
Tips:
If you don’t want to wait for the entire conversion process, you can tick off ‘Showdown computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.
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