Summary: The Olympus E-PL3 allows you to record video with audio at 30 frames per second in HD (1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720) or SD (640 x 480) resolutions in either AVCHD or AVI formats. If you have import issues while loading E-PL3 AVCHD footage to FCP X for further editing, you will need to transcode E-PL3 AVCHD to Apple ProRes 422 for FCP X.
The Olympus E-PL3 is a smart choice for people who want an interchangeable lens camera and a HD video camera in one kit. As a matter of fact, no modern camera would be complete without the ability to shoot HD video, and the Olympus E-PL3 is no exception. It allows you to record video with audio at 30 frames per second in HD (1920 x 1080 or 1280 x 720) or SD (640 x 480) resolutions in either AVCHD or AVI formats.
The 1080p AVCHD .MTS footage brings great video quality, but the Full HD experience also brings import issues while loading E-PL3 MTS clips to FCP X for further editing. Let’s see a user question, ‘Hey, guys, I just got an Olympus E-PL3 camera on hand and captured some 1080p movies in AVCHD format with it. I haven’t done much video editing lately and just got the new Final Cut Pro X. (I also use iMovie). I guess FCP X might be able to use the AVCHD files from the E-PL3. Unfortunately, there is no luck. I am far from a video pro, can anyone tell me how to make FCP X work with E-PL3 AVCHD footage?’
If you have import issues while loading E-PL3 AVCHD footage to FCP X for further editing, you will need to transcode E-PL3 AVCHD to Apple ProRes 422 for FCP X. This requires third party software like Video Converter for Mac.
The Video Converter for Mac is a converter program designed for transcoding HD media, including camera and camcorder videos files to whatever format you need with best video and audio synchronization. It supported camera brands include Canon, Sony, JVC, Nikon, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Pentax, Red, Blackmagic, Sanyo, and so on. With this little tool, you are able to create editable files for NLEs like iMovie, Final Cut Express, FCP X, FCP 6/7, Avid MC, DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro CS 6, Sony Vegas, etc. and export playable files for iOS devices, Android devices, HD Media Players, Game consoles and more.
Download a free trial of Video Converter for Mac
Olympus E-PL3 and FCP X workflow – transcode E-PL3 MTS to ProRes 422
For the purpose of converting Olympus E-PL3 AVCHD footage to Apple ProRes for FCP X, follow these steps:
Step 1: Install and run Video Converter for Mac as the best Olympus E-PL3 Video Converter for Mac. As soon as the main interface pops up, click ‘Add File’ button to load source video files.
Step 2: Select output format for FCP X
In order to convert Olympus E-PL3 MTS clips to Apple ProRes for FCP X or the former version FCP 6 and 7, from the Format bar, navigate to ‘Final Cut Pro’ catalogue, and select ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as target format. Apple ProRes is the best suited editing codec for FCP X and FCP 6/7, so when loading them into FCP, you needn’t wait for a long time for the rendering process.
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 （for advanced users）
Click ‘Settings’ button, the ‘Profile Settings’ window pops up, on which you are allowed to custom video and audio parameters like bit rate, frame rate, resolution, sample rate, and audio channels.
Step 4: Start transcoding Olympus E-PL3 AVCHD shootings to ProRes 422
When ready, click ‘Convert’ button to convert Olympus E-PL3 MTS files to Apple ProRes for editing with FCP X.
Tips: if you don’t want to wait around in front of your computer for the converting process, you can tick off ‘Shut down computer after conversion’ and go away to do other things.
Step 5: Click ‘Open Folder’ button to get the generated ProRes QuickTime files
When the conversion is finished, simply click ‘Open’ button to get the exported ProRes files for using in Final Cut Pro X with optimum performance.
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