iMovie and Garmin VIRB X/VIRB XE action cam workflow


If you are trying to figure out an easy and direct iMovie workflow with Garmin VIRB X/VIRB XE action cam, you are in the right place. This post introduces a way of transcoding VIRB X and VIRB XE footage to Apple InterMediate codec for use in Apple iMovie with smooth performance.

Garmin has announced two new action cameras, the VIRB X and the VIRB XE. With the still image sensor, both versions can capture sharp still photos and photo bursts with up to 12MP image quality. Shooting rich, wide-angle footage, VIRB XE is designed to shoot professional HD footage at 1440p/30fps and 1080p/60fps with super slow-mo, image stabilization and different zoom levels. VIRB X shoots crisp HD footage at 1080p/30fps and 720p/60fps with slow-mo and zoom options. Plus, VIRB XE has a Pro Mode with more advanced manual camera adjustments such as white balance control, sharpness control, color profile control, ISO limit and exposure bias.
iMovie workflow with Garmin VIRB X/VIRB XE action cam

For a fast and fluid editing workflow, people sometimes need to transcode VIRB X and VIRB XE footage to an intermediate codec that is best suited for their NLEs. In our previous post, we’ve talked about how to encode VIRB X/VIRB XE video to ProRes for FCP X, and here in this post, we would like to continue talking about how to convert VIRB X/VIRB XE media to AIC for iMovie editing without extra rendering process required.

This requires third party converter software like HD Video Converter for Mac.
transcoding VIRB X and VIRB XE footage to Apple InterMediate codec

Read on to find a step-by-step guide regarding how to convert VIRB X and VIRB XE action cams video to AIC .MOV for iMovie editing.

[Guide] How to encode Garmin VIRB X and VIRB XE video to AIC for iMovie?

Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter for Mac as a professional Garmin VIRB X/XE to iMovie Converter. When its main interface comes up, click ‘Add File’ to load source video to it.
use Garmin VIRB X and VIRB XE media natively in iMovie

Step 2: Select ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov)’ as output format for opening with iMovie
From the ‘Profile’ list, move to ‘iMovie and Final Cut Express’ column, and select ‘Apple InterMediate Codec (AIC)(*.mov)’ as target format. AIC is the best suited editing codec for iMovie, which iMovie will recognize and handle well.
Garmin VIRB X/XE to iMovie Converter
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 (for advanced users)
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 Garmin VIRB X and VIRB XE to AIC MOV conversion.

Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ to get generated AIC QuickTime files for transferring and editing in iMovie with optimum performance.

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