Best Way to Edit Sony XDCAM Camera Files in iMovie

If you are looking for a solution to convert files from Sony XDCAM format to a file format that is editable/supported by iMovie, you’re in the right place. Just read on an find it now.

I am jumping over hurdle after hurdle trying to get XDCAM footage shot with a Sony XDCAM camera into iMovie. But no success. I've researched almost everywhere and finally found some possible ways to import and edit Sony XDCAM in iMovie perfectly.

I know that Sony has an XDCAM Transfer tool but that only seems to transcode to a format supported by Final Cut Pro. So, you will need another tool to help you convert Sony XDCAM to iMovie. Recommended by more than more guys, Brorsoft Video Converter for Mac is the best utility to fulfill the task.

Overall, this program is better than Sony XDCAM Transfer. XDCAM Transfer will convert XDCAM files into QT MOV when it copies source files from the camera media to the computer. Well, this XDCAM Converter allows you to convert Sony XDCAM to AIC .mov with zero quality loss. Plus, it also supporting transcoding Sony XDCAM, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX to ProRes for FCP, DNxHD for Avid Media Composer, MPEG-2 for Adobe Premiere Pro.

Guide: How to Convert Sony XDCAM footage to iMovie

Step 1: Import XDCAM video clips

Install and run the Sony XDCAM to iMovie converter on Mac, and then click "Add files" icon to import your XDCAM files directly from your camcorder or the copied folder on the desktop.



Step 2: Choose iMovie format

Hit the Format box to select the specially designed video codec for editing in iMovie: iMovie/FCE --> Apple InterMediate Codec(AIC) (*.mov).



Step 3: Advanced video/audio settings (Optional)

Adjust the video and parameters, including the Bitrate of Video and Audio, Audio, Video Size, Sample Rate, Frame Rate, Audio Channels, etc., by clicking the Settings buttion on the main interface.



Step 4: Start Sony XDCAM to iMovie conversion

Click the arrow button to start transcoding Sony XDCAM footage to AIC for iMovie immediately. After the conversion finished, you can directly transfer the AIC .MOV video to iMovie for further editing without any problem(Just launch iMovie, click Import File > Import > Movies to add your videos.).

Editor’s Note: Besides transcoding Sony XDCAM to iMovie, Brorsoft Video Converter for Mac can also convert Sony XDCAM, XDCAM HD, XDCAM EX files (from PMW-EX3, PMW-EX1R, PMW-EX1, PMW-320K, PMW-200, PMW-100, PDW-F800... ) to FCP, FCE, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, etc NLE systems on Mac(Sierra, El Capitan included). Choose a proper format in the second step.

Related Guides:
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