Can I import 4K Sony XAVC S MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 clips into iMovie?

Hi,

I don't know for sure, so don't purchase a camera based on my comments.

iMovie accepts Mpeg-4, H.264, with AAC audio codec, but doesn't accept some other Mp4 formats. Here's a link that shows 4k cameras that are compatible with iMovie. See if yours is on it.

iMovie supported cameras - Apple Support

The Sony's XAVC S format is listed with most of the Sony cameras that are listed as compatible with iMovie.

If Sony's version of Mpeg-4 doesn't import in, you can convert it to an iMovie compatible format, using the free downloads Handbrake or MPEG Streamclip. With 4k, the recommended fps is 30 rather than 60, and, of course, you need a computer that has sufficient speed.

Hopefully someone who actually has tried downloading the codec you mention will weigh in.

Best,

Rich

You are welcome. 4k is pretty computer intensive, so nothing to do but try it out and see.

-- Rich