Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD MTS and iMovie workflow

Depending on your rig's capabilities, source video specifications and much more factors, you may struggle to use Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD MTS files in iMovie. In that case, we would suggest transcoding them first. Here in this tutorial, we explain an alternative way of converting Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD MTS files to AIC .mov for editing in iMovie with optimum performance.

"iMovie 10.1.7 won't import AVCHD files taken with my Sony Alpha a9 any longer after upgraded to macOS High Sierra. After starting iMovie and Importing Media from SD card reader on iMac - 'Select All' - iMovie stalls. The progress bar shows 'Importing from...reference number .mov' but stops on clip 1. However the clips are displayed and can be run temporarily. The .mts clips then go black with ? mark and 'No Camera'. Up to a month ago I had no such problems for over 5 years with the same Sony Alpha a9 camera and running Sierra on my ageing mid 2007 iMac. Is the upgradation to High Sierra is the cause of the problem? Please kindly advise a solution if you know. Thanks in advance."

If you are having the same frustrating problem, we would recommend converting Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD MTS files to AIC .mov first. Here's a guide displaying how to do this below.

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How to transcode Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD .mts files to AIC .mov for iMovie editing?

To transcode Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD .mts video clips to AIC .mov for iMovie editing, do as below:

Video Converter (It is available for Mac, simply download the proper version depending on your computer.)

Step 1: Add Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD footage. Run Video Converter for Mac, and click "Add File" to load Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD MTS files into this program.

Step 2: Select output format for iMovie from "Profile" list Click "Profile" to select {{export.win.select-profile-steps}} as output format. AIC .mov is iMovie's favorite editing codec, which iMovie will recognize and handle well.

Tips: If necessary, you can click "Settings" button to modify video and audio parameters like encoder, resolution, frame rate, bitrate, aspect ratio, sample rate, and audio channels. You can also "Enable 3D Settings" to add 3D effect to your source media.

Step 3: Start encoding Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD files for iMovie editing. When ready, Click "Convert" to start Sony Alpha a9 AVCHD .mts to iMovie conversion. As soon as the conversion is complete, you can click "Open Folder" to get the generated AIC .mov files for editing in iMovie with optimum performance. Hope this helps solve your problem.