Convert Panasonic P2 MXF to iMovie AIC MOV

As is known to all, Panasonic P2 cameras record video in MXF format to capture high-definition footage. This is a new form of solid-state storage media similar to SSD memory cards and a budding successor to HDV tape. All of Panasonic’s high-end broadcast-quality cameras now use this technology. The benefits of P2 media over HDV are substantial, including the ability to capture extraordinary high definition images in DVCPRO HD and AVC-Intra with full production quality 2/3” CCDs, 1/3” 3-MOS, and 4:2:2.

import MXF to Mac

Another advantage of the P2 format is the user-friendly way in which data is stored, with each recording appearing on the card as a separate clip. This not only makes playback a simple matter of selecting the appropriate thumbnail but also ensures you don't accidentally record over your footage. But this file structure is much complicated and it’ makes editing or playing back the MXF file become a little troublesome.

You may come across the problem of how to import MXF to Mac and edit Panasonic P2 MXF in iMovie/FCE and other NLEs. To edit MXF in iMovie 7/8/9, the best workflow is to convert MXF to Apple Intermediate Codec which iMovie prefers to work with.

Here is the step-by-step right for you.

1. Free download this Pavtube iMixMXF; it works well with P2 MXF files and will keep all the audio channels exactly as how you recorded it.
After installing, click top left icons to import individual videos or the entire folder.
edit Panasonic P2 MXF in iMovie/FCE

2. Click Settings, you will find options for video size, bitrate, frame rate and others for outputting. Customize these figures as your needs.
converting P2 MXF to AIC

You can also trim, crop, edit audio, add 3D effect by clicking the 3D icon on the top.

3. Click the big Convert to start converting P2 MXF to AIC for editing in iMovie. Wait for moments, click “Open output folder” to locate the converted video.

Now launch iMovie, click File>Import>Movies to import the converted video to iMovie on Mac.

FYI: For users who only records one audio track, the Pavtube MXF Converter for Mac is highly recommended and it costs less than the latter Pro version.

You may want to read more details about:
How to import video files or projects to iMovie 8/9/11 on Mac?

How to import Panasonic footage to NLE or portable devices?

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