How to import Olympus OM-D E-M1 movies to iMovie/FCE/FCP X for editing?


Summary: TheOlympus OM-D E-M1 camera records footage in either MOV (MPEG-4AVC/H.264) or AVI (Motion JPEG) recording formats. If you have import issues while editing the footage in NLEs like iMovie, Final Cut Express, and FCP X, we would recommend that you convert OM-D E-M1 movies to AIC for iMovie/FCE and transcode OM-D E-M1 footage to ProRes for FCP X. This guide displays the detailed steps required to do format conversion.

om-d-e-m1

According to DPReview.com, “If you want to feel like you’re shooting with a DSLR, but still want the size and agility of a mirrorless camera, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the E-M1.”

There is no doubt that the Olympus OM-D E-M1 is a perfect camera for both professionals and serious photo enthusiasts. It is equipped with a brand new sensor that gives images even more definition and sharpness. By pressing a Direct HD Movie Button, you can easily switch from still to movie mode. Speaking of video shooting, the OM-D E-M1 is capable of recording up to 29 minutes of 1080 30p HD video and stereo sound in either .MOV or .AVI formats.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 Recording format: MOV (MPEG-4AVC/H.264), AVI (Motion JPEG)

If you have import issues while loading OM-D E-M1 footage to iMovie/FCE/FCP X to express your creativity, you will need third party software to do format conversion before you start. Considering the ease of use and the optimal output file quality, we would recommend Video Converter for Mac, which works excellently as an Olympus Video Converter for Apple.

Download a free trial of Olympus Video Converter for Apple
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How to import OM-D E-M1 MOV/AVI files to iMovie/FCE/FCP X for editing?

As mentioned above, to be able to import OM-D E-M1 MOV/AVI files to iMovie/FCE/FCP X for further editing, you will need to use HD Video Converter for Mac to do format shifting. Please follow these steps:

1. Install and run Video Converter for Mac as an Olympus Video Converter for Mac. The main interface appears as below:

2. Click on ‘Add File’ to add your OM-D E-M1 MOV/AVI footage to the program.

3. Select output format for iMovie, FCE and FCP X
To create editable files for iMovie and FCE, from the Format bar, choose ‘Apple InterMediateCodec (AIC) (*.mov) as output format from ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column. Note that the AIC codec is also accepted by Final Cut Pro (HD 4.5 through 5), but rarely used in Final Cut Pro as of Version 6 since it now uses the ProRes codecs instead of the Apple Intermediate Codec.

To export the best suited editing codec for FCP X, from the Format bar, select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format from ‘Final Cut Pro’ catalogue. The ProRes is able workable in the former version FCP 6 and FCP 7.

4. Click ‘Settings’ button and go to ‘Profile Settings’ window to custom video and audio settings. (for advanced users)

5. When ready, click ‘Convert’ to start transcoding OM-D E-M1 MOV/AVI footage to AIC or ProRes – the best suited editing format for using within Apple iMovie/FCE or FCP X.

6. When the conversion process is done, click on ‘Open Folder’ button to get the generated AIC/ProRes QuickTime files and open them in iMovie/FCE/FCP X to create your own masterpieces.

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