Working with Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K Videos in iMovie

Summary: Read this thread to learn a smooth workflow guide for importing Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K MP4/AVCHD footage to iMovie.



The HC-VX870 is the second model down in Panasonic's new 4K camcorder range after the HC-WX970. It shoots 4K video (in MP4, MOV format) at 8 megapixels (3840 x 2160) per frame, vs. 2 megapixels (1920 x 1080) of Full HD. If you recorded some videos by Panasonic HC-VX870K, you may like editing the 4K videos in iMovie.

“Hi, there, I purchased a Panasonic HC-VX870K a few weeks ago. I have recorded some 4K files with it. Unfortunately, iMovie can not work with 4K recordings stably. Does anyone know a smooth workflow for HC-VX870K 4K and iMovie? Thanks for any advice.”

As you see, iMovie doesn't seem to open and import Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K footage correctly. Question is, what's causing the issues? According to my experience, it may due to the high video resolution and the video codec incompatibility. Since Apple InterMediate Codec is the best editing video codec for iMovie, so we can convert Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K video to AIC .mov (1080p would be the best settings.) with a top 4K Video Converter, which will save you both time and trouble, and all you need is to drag the result videos for prompt editing.

Here Brorsoft 4K Video Converter for Mac is highly recommended. Developed with the most advanced converting technology, this 4K video converter is capable of outputting Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K MP4/AVCHD to iMovie best suitable editing codec - AIC.mov with very good quality and super fast conversion speed. As a professional video editing codec producer, you can also use our application to encode HC-VX870K 4K MP4/AVCHD to other professional editing codec such as Apple Prores Codec for FCP 6/7/X, DNxHD for Avid Media Composer, MPEG-2 for Sony Vegas/Premiere Pro CC/Premiere Elements/After Effects to meet your diverse demands.




(Note: Click here for OS X 10.5.8)

Converting Panasonic HC-VX870K 4K video to work in iMovie 8/9/11

Step 1: Load the 4K videos to the program

Download and install the 4K Video Converter, and then import the source 4K videos to it. To do so, you can directly drag & drop the files onto the main interface, or you can click the "Add" icon to locate the videos from your local disk. Note that batch conversion is supported, so you can add several files to the converter at one time.



Step 2: Set output video format

Click the Format column to select output format "iMovie and Final Cut Express > Apple Intermediate Codec(AIC) (*.mov)" as the best compatible video format for editing 4K in iMovie.



Tips: Hit the Settings icon, start to adjust the video and audio parameters, including the Bitrate of Video&Audio, Video Size, Sample Rate, Frame Rate, Audio Channels, etc.



Step 3: Begin to convert 4K videos to iMovie

When you finish the settings, you can press the big "Convert" button to kick off the conversion. By using future-proof technology, the conversion will be finished with ultra fast speed and the best video quality kept. After the conversion, you can then edit the 4K videos in iMovie smoothly.

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