Problem Importing MP4 files into Final Cut Pro X

Pavtube post how to import MP4 into FCP X on Yosemite

Overview:
"As to MP4, even if FCPX plays it, it just isn't a codec designed for editing. FCP X is built around ProRes and my advice is always to convert MP4 to FCP X ProRes before editing, even the other formats natively supported, as it just improves performance and saves headaches in the long run."

The below are issues about importing MP4 to FCP X on Mac:
Q1: "I need to convert a 2.7k mp4 from a GoPro Hero 3 at 45mb/s to ProRes so I can edit in Final Cut 7. Which software I can use and how can I convert and keep the 45mb/s bit rate??"

Q2: "I've been searching for a solution but everything I've found relating to this doesn't work for me. I have an MP4 (with AVC Coding, 640 x 360, Millions AAC, Stereo (L R), 48.000 kHz) that I need to edit in FCP 7.0.3. I always get a message that says "Error: can't prepare the movie." I've tried several different codecs to no avail (Intermediate, DV NTSC, etc.) Any ideas on any other ways to get this converted to an editable format? Thanks!"

Q3: "Hi, I need a tool that can help me to import MP4 footage to Final Cut Pro X for editing, the MP4 files are recorded by Sony camcorder which I bought several days ago, the videos are XAVC-S MP4 files, I was told that FCP X native supported codec is Apple ProRes codec, will this codec help me? Please give me some suggestions on the way to import MP4 to Final Cut Pro X, thanks for your time."

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Why can't import MP4 to Final Cut Pro X natively o Yosemite?

In fact, MP4 is a final delivery file type, and is heavily compressed. You need to change the file extentsion from ".mp4" to "a codec" that FCP X can read more easily (without rendering basically). The codec is Apple ProRes, which ensures maximum editing quality and efficiency when working with Final Cut Pro X.

Tips: If you meet any importing & editing problems with kinds of popular videos on FCP X, you can link to FCP X Tips and Tricks colum to get the solution.

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How to Import MP4 into Final Cut Pro X Successfully?

In order to solve can't import MP4 to Final Cut Pro X issue and successfully import various MP4 files to FCP X or FCP 7/6, a recommended solution is to convert MP4 to Final Cut Pro X more compatible video format like Apple ProRes or DV, Pavtube HD Video Converter for Mac is an easy-to-use yet professional app to achieve your goal smoothly.

Pavtube HD Video Converter for Mac is an outstanding video conversion tool for Mac OS X users. With it, you can convert batches of MP4 video files to FCP X compatible format - Apple ProRes. Besides MP4, it can also transcode more video file formats like H.264/HEVC, XAVC, MTS, MXF, MPEG, AVI, MKV, FLV, Tivo, MOD, VOB, etc. to Final Cut Pro X most compatible Apple ProRes .mov without any quality loss. Due to the newest technology, its conversion process can save you a lot of time. In addition, you can enjoy the quality as the original one and the wonderful quality is spotless and beyond your expectation. The user-friendly interface can make you use it masterly without the complicated process. In a very short time, you will become an expert on operating the program.

Moreover, you'll find no difficulty importing HD videos(including H.265/HEVC and XAVC .mxf video) to NLE such as FCP X, FCP 6/7, FCE, iMovie, Apple Aperture 3, Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Premiere Pro CS6/5/4/3, After Effects CC, After Effects CS6, Premiere Elements 13/12, Creative Suite 6/5, DaVinci Resolve, iPhoto, Kdenlive, Keynote, for Pavtube HD Video Converter for Mac can output videos Apple ProRes, AIC, DNxHD, DVCPRO, DV, MPEG-2, AVI, WMV, MOV, VOB, H.265, H.265/HEVC, MPEG-4, and so on.

Now just download its free trail version and follow the below guide to convert .MP4 files to edit in Final Cut Pro X or FCP 7/6 smoothly.


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How to Convert and Import MP4 to Final Cut Pro X on Mac OS X?

Step 1. Load MP4 files to the program

Launch the Mac MP4 to FCP X Converter and click "Add File" button to locate the .mp4 file(s) you want to add. Check the "Merge into one file" box, you can join several .mp4 clips together if necessary.

Step 2. Select Apple ProRes as output format for FCP X

When it comes to choosing the output format for these target videos, you directly one choose "Final Cut Pro" preset. For compression, Apple ProRes 422 will do fine for keeping the original MP4 quality the same and creating a Final Cut friendly file format. Apple has made a few variations to the ProRes family - use ProRes 422(Proxy) or (LT) for smaller file sizes(Applied to FCP 7 and above version)

Step 3. (optional): Adjust the video, audio settings

Click "Settings" to fix the frame rate, bitrate, video size, etc to your needs. If you want to edit in Final Cut without having to render the clips while editing, all the frame sizes must be the same as the sequence settings. You can save a lot of render time by making all the clips the same size with this Mac MP4 converter.

Step 4. Finish converting MP4 to FCP X ProRes format

Click the "Convert" button at the bottom-right corner to start and finish the MP4 to Apple ProRes format conversion on Mac.


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After finish converting MP4 to Final Cut Pro X video, simply import the converted MP4 files to Final Cut Pro X for editing. And you will never be bothered by the following Final Cut Pro X MP4 troubleshooting:

1). I am having trouble importing an .mp4 video I ripped off a DVD file to Final Cut Pro X for editing.

2). I have a Gopro Hero 3 witch records video in MP4 format, when I try to import the recorded MP4 to Final Cut Pro X only to be noticed "File error".

3). When I try to import the recorded MP4 clips from the Samsung H200 SD card to Final Cut Pro X, they appear in FCP X as a black clip with audio only.

4). I like to edit the MP4 file created by Vimeo in FCP. However, whenever I try to import the MP4 video, I'm getting "general error" and it's not importing.

5). Though I use MPEG Streamclip to convert MP4 to Final Cut Pro supported DV, the converted file still fail to import into FCP X.

That's all. Thanks for reading.

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Source: http://handycameratips.jimdo.com/2014/08/28/best-way-to-convert-mp4-files-to-apple-prores/