Transcode and Import Sony a7 IV MP4 files to DaVinci Resolve

Sony’s a7 IV is a compact form-factor camera with a 1′ sensor that shoots 4K UHD to SD cards in Sony’s new XAVC HS codec which is a new proprietary video format for the efficient recording of high-image-quality 4K, 2K and HD video footage. It outputs its files as .MP4 files (the container). For people who are looking for an easy way to work with Sony a7 IV footage with DaVinci Resolve, this is the right place for you to find some beneficial tips about achieving a fast and fluid workflow of Sony a7 IV MP4 in DaVinci Resolve 18, 17, 16, 15, etc.

Sony provided the the XDCAM plug-in but this does not seem to enable me to import or transcode the files for use in DaVinci Resolve. In fact, XAVC HS is still not widely used and it’s not currently supported natively by DaVinci Resolve. To import Sony a7 IV to DaVinci Resolve for smooth editing, a third-party software is required to convert XAVC HS MP4 to DaVinci Resolve more editing-friendly codec, like Apple ProRes 422. Acrok Video Converter Ultimate is an easy-to-use yet professional tool to do the XAVC HS to Apple ProRes conversion on Windows and Mac.

With it, you can effortlessly encode/re-encode Sony a7 IV MP4 recordings to DaVinci Resolve highly compatible Apple ProRes Codec, ensuring maximum editing quality and efficiency when working with DaVinci Resolve. Besides, it also exports advanced encoders like MPEG-2, DNxHD, H.264, etc. allowing you to convert video to seamlessly fit Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, After Effects and more. If you’re editing Sony a7 IV XAVC HS files with DaVinci Resolve, chances are you already installed this great utility. If not, download it from below.

Guide of Transcoding Sony a7 IV XAVC HS for DaVinci Resolve

Step 1. Import Source Video

Download, install and launch the XAVC HS MP4 Converter for DaVinci Resolve. When its main interface comes up, click “Add File” button to load the Sony a7 IV .mp4 files to the program. (Note: batch conversion is supported, so you can load more than one file to save time.)

Step 2. Set ProRes as output format

The product has an optimized preset for DaVinci Resolve. Therefore, you can directly choose “Apple ProRes MOV” under “Editing Software” category as your output format, which will automatically set the appropriate file format, bit rate, and resolution. For Mac users, please select this profile under “Final Cut Pro” category.

Tip: Before the conversion, you can also perform the following operations with the help of this powerful Video Converter: trim large video files into small video segments; adjust video brightness, contrast, saturation and change video effect as a whole.

Step 3. Start the conversion

Click the “Convert” button to start the Canon XC10 4K XFAVC videos to AIC .mov conversion.

After the conversion, click “Open” to locate the result videos and then import the new file into iMovie or FCE with smooth editing without any trouble.