This post is written for people who are planning on importing Canon XF300/305 MXF footage to iMovie/FCE for further editing. It explains how to convert MXF media from Canon XF300/305 to QuickTime AIC in an easy and direct way.
How can I load Canon XF305 MXF files into iMovie or FCE?
”Is there a good way to import Canon XF305 MXF files into iMovie or FCE? I’ve only found the XF plug-in for FCP X on the Drivers & Software area for XF305, but couldn’t find such a plug-in for either iMovie or FCE on Canon’s website. If anyone has any idea how I can get over this ‘unrecognizable format’ issue and get the Canon XF305 MXF footage into iMovie or FCE, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks in advance.”
It’s a pity that iMovie/FCE neither natively supports Canon MXF files nor there’s a XF plug-in for importing Canon XF300/305 MXF footage to iMovie/FCE. To be able to work with Canon XF300/305 MXF video in iMovie/FCE, you will need to download and install third party software like HD Video Converter for Mac to process file conversion. Read on to find a step-by-step guide presenting how to convert Canon XF300/305 MXF footage to .mov format with Apple’s InterMediate Codec.
Download a demo of HD Video Converter for Mac
How to convert Canon MXF files to Apple InterMediate Codec for iMovie/FCE editing?
To do this:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Canon MXF to iMovie/FCE Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
Step 2: Select output format for iMovie and FCE
For the purpose of converting Canon XF300/305 MXF files for use in iMovie/FCE, 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 Canon XF300/305 MXF to MOV conversion
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated QuickTime files for using in iMovie or FCE with optimum performance.
Tips: MXF files are always HD content, so the conversion process may cost a little longer time. In this situation, you can tick off ‘Showdown computer when conversion completed’ and go away to do other things.
Related posts
Panasonic HVX200 P2 MXF and iMovie’8/9/11 workflow
Import Sony RX100 III 60p XAVC S/AVCHD files to iMovie
How to transcode Canon C500 MXF footage to AIC for iMovie?
60p video in iMovie-does iMovie properly handle 60fps video now?