We write this post to help those why are having issues importing Sony A7s II XAVC-S footage to iMovie for further editing. You can check this short tutorial to learn a workaround to transcode A7s II XAVC-S 4K video files to AIC .mov format for use in Apple iMovie smoothly.
How can I get iMovie to recognize XAVC S footage from Sony A7s II?
“Hello, everyone! I have some XAVC S 4K footage taken with my new Sony a7s II camera which I want to edit in iMovie. My issue is that iMovie won’t import these files. I searched online and found some said iMovie can’t support XAVC S 4K. Is that true? If so, how can I make iMovie work with my A7s II 4K footage in XAVC S format? Please suggest a solution if you know. Thanks.”
Sony has announced the mirrorless full-frame Alpha 7s II camera that takes its predecessor, the existing Alpha 7s, to the next level. The Alpha 7s II, or simply the A7s II, is capable of recording 4K videos internally (3,840 x 2,160) at 24 or 30fps in the XAVC S format. To be able to import and edit A7s II 4K footage in iMovie flawlessly, we would recommend transcoding the A7s II XAVC-S footage to iMovie preferred Apple InterMediate Codec first. This requires third party software like HD Video Converter for Mac. Here’s a quick guide explaining how to process A7s II XAVC-S 4K to AIC .mov conversion on Mac via using this converter app.
[Guide] How to encode A7s II XAVC-S 4K footage to AIC .mov for iMovie editing?
Software requirement
HD Video Converter for Mac
With this converter program installed, you can effortlessly encode/re-encode XAVC S footage shot on Sony A7s II for editing in non-linear editing systems (NLE) like iMovie, Final Cut Pro 7/X, DaVinci Resolve, Edius, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer and more with optimum performance. Just download & install it and keep reading for a brief how-to on each process.
To do this:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional A7s II XAVC-S to iMovie Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
Step 2: Select output format for iMovie
For the purpose of converting Sony A7s II XAVC-S 4K files for use in iMovie, from ‘Profile’ list, select ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov)’ as output format under ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column. This format is suitable for use in iMovie and the discontinued Final Cut Express.
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: Adjust 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: Click ‘Convert’ to start A7s II XAVC-S 4K to MOV conversion.
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated QuickTime files for using in iMovie or with optimum performance.
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