Nikon D5500 Workflow with Final Cut Pro X/7/6

Summary: A fluid workflow for importing and editing Nikon D5500 videos in Final Cut Pro without any problems.


A first for Nikon DSLR cameras, the D5500 incorporates a touchscreen LCD monitor, giving you greater camera control. It features a 24.2 megapixel sensor and an EXPEED 4 image processor that provide high-resolution images and Full HD 1080p video with notable low-light sensitivity up to ISO 25600 and up to 5 fps. The same as other Nikon DSLRs, the D5500 records footage with H.264 codec and save the files in MOV container format. The MOV format is FCP friendly but H.264 codec is not natively supported by Final Cut Pro because H.264 encoded contents are highly compressed and are for delivery only. That's why you will encounter problems like this one:

"I can import my Nikon D5500 video into FCP X. Why I can't play the 1080P .mov video in FCP X smoothly? The rendering time is too long."

If you're experiencing the same issues, here's an useful advice for you - converting the H.264 MOV to Apple ProRes Codec before loading Nikon D5500 footage to FCP. To complete the task, what you need is just a common video converter like EaseFab Video Converter for Mac. This program features high efficiency and seamless conversion. With it, you can do batch conversion from the H.264 MOV to ProRes 422 encoded MOV in simple clicks of mouse. The output videos ensure maximum editing quality and efficiency when working with Final Cut Pro X/7/6. Here's how to do it.

How to import Nikon D5500 video to Final Cut Pro

Step 1: Launch the program, and open the folder where you have saved the MOV files, and then directly drag the files to the program interface, the files will be loaded to the program immediately. Alternatively, you can click "Add Video" button to import your MOV video.



Step 2: Click "Profile" bar and go to "Editing Software", then select "Final Cut Pro" as the output format in the format list. The program has already optimized the video settings for Final Cut Pro. The output videos will keep the original quality of MOV video.

Step 3: Hit the "Convert" button and this Video Converter for Mac will convert your MOV rapidly. After the conversion, you can import the output files to Final Cut Pro (the latest FCP X 10.1.3 supported).

When the conversion is done, you can import the converted Nikon D5500 MOV videos to FCP without any trouble. Congratulations! You have successfully taken the first step to make your own masterpiece.