Will imovie 11 (version 9.0.8) be able to import the MP4 files from the Canon Vixia HF R 400?

Question

I realize the camcorder is just available now but I assume the MP4 files are the same as in the R300 from last year. I just want to be sure that imovie 11 will be able to import andedit the MP4 files from the canon Vixia before I purchase the camera.I understand that imovie has trouble with some MP4 files and works fine with other ones. I don't want to transcode into another format and generate gigantic files of data. I also understand that the videos with AVCHD has better video but I prefer a easier workflow. I imagine one day Apple in it's infinate wisdom will eventually support AVCHD.

Answer 1

jerry kaplan wrote:
…  I would love to see an article explaining these real world differences and suggestions on which to use. …
two options:
• not exhausting - go to
http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html
these devices are tested by Apple 'bout functioning with iM
choose one = works. guaranteed.
• exhausting - learn about codecs, containers, bitrates .....
in short: AVCHD is a standard, details e.g. here at wiki
standard means: some settings are conform, some not. example: no 120fps in AVCHD.
note: there's vers1 and there's a new vers.2 .......
mp4 - just a container, or 'wrapper'.
means: like a box of chocolate, you could never know what's inside. example: 120fps in mp4.
but ........
AVCHD nor mp4 are 'codecs'.
here comes h.264 - could be in a AVCHD/mts, could be in a mp4.
iMovie: respects standards.
does NOT import non-standards-conform files/videos/datas.
encode a 1080video as 30p/h264 = would 'fit' into AVCHD
encode a 1080video as 60p/h264 = would 'fit' into AVCHD2 (=not supported by iM11), would 'fit' into mp4 (= iM11 supported) ...
mp4 is more ... 'open minded', more general; lacks therefor stuff like gps location data and other meta-tags.
the next iM13 should support AVCHD2, it's bigger brother FCPX does .....
last word:
iMovie is NO general 'cuts all movin' pictures'-app!
it is meant for consumer convenience with consumer devices.
=> supports the most 'popular' standards. not anything.