How to Transfer XAVC S Files to iPhone or iPad | No Longer Needed in iOS 13. See Pinned Comment

Been contemplating my video and edit setup for my Appalachian Trail thru hike attempt and had an issue with getting the XAVC S files from my Sony RX100 (mine is 3rd version) to the iPad / iPhone. Really did not want to have to use the MP4 setting due to quality loss. Been researching hard the last two days and finally found a way to do it.
1: Buy/Use Apple's lightning to USB Camera Adapter
2: Change setting on RX100 to USB connection MTP (Media Transfer Protocol)
3: Turn RX100 setting USB Power Supply to OFF
4: connect micro usb cable to Sony camera port and plug other end into Apple adapter
5: Plug lightning end into iPhone / iPad
6: Turn on Sony Camera
7: Success! ALL photos and videos from the RX 100 will pop up for import window just like the window pop ups from the SD card reader
The average person can just connect their SD card or camera to their PC or laptop and transfer the files that way. Out in the wilderness this is an issue as I will have no computer around to do the transferring. This is the only way I could find through research online and trial and error to get this file type onto the iPhone

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Update 4? 3/6/2020 - Appears that this way of transferring is no longer needed as of ios 13. Apple has added their file system to both iphone and ipad so you can now navigate through SD card folders using the lightning to SD card reader or usb c to SD card reader. In short you should be able to transfer these files using the lightning or USB C to SD card reader to easily transfer these files to your IOS device. Its been real people. Hope this video helped along the way! Oct 14 2018 - Just a heads up - I have been hearing from a few people that this method may possibly not work any longer with iOS 12. It worked previously on 10 and 11 but as I no longer own a Sony camera I cannot confirm if it works in iOS 12 or not. If you are able to still use this method successfully in iOS12 please respond to this pinned comment saying so! Thanks!

[@tomsezerietis]

ChrisGoesOutdoors Thanks a lot for this video. This solution really works on (just tried on iOS 11, but sadly iOS 12 tooks this option away, which is so sad. :(

[@jimmynguyen7956]

Same, it worked on IOS 11 for me but I can’t do this now on IOS 12. This is frustrating! Anybody found a solution to this?

[@wptoys]

Not currently working on the new iPad Pro 12.9” with USB-C. I’m working hard to find a fix. I hope one exists!! I have a job to edit and I’m losing a lot of time. Anyone know what changed in iOS 12 to break this functionality?

[@luis-carneiro]

@@wptoys Hi. It works with the new iPAD. Check my video

[@JordanCrawfordSF]

Ok so there are two tricks to using Photos on the new USB-C iPad Pro and iOS 12 to get this to work: 1. Trick one: Change the USB connection mode on your Sony to MTP mode (not sure if this is a deal breaker) 2. Make sure to have at LEAST one photo taken. If you only have videos on your SD Card, iOS 12 will say you have no photos or videos. So take a quick snap before you connect. Then, Luis’ video below should work great!

[@t.mitchell1015]

Hey guys, I found the answer! He still did everything right, the only thing is you HAVE to use the original usb cord that came with the camera, and it WILL work. I changed my cord back to the sony usb that came with the camera and it immediately popped up.

[@kokwai1989]

TMitchell Collection is not working

[@LifeistooshortCK]

Well you just saved me. It’s weird as I am sure I used to be able to import XAVC-S on my previous iPad but my new M2 iPad Pro won’t recognise them. This method shown still works for me. 👍

[@savedpurplecat]

Dear me I have asked countless apple guys in the stores about this issue and none knew! I have searched the web and finally someone has put up a solution!!!!! wish I knew about this two years ago, Sony cameras are I believe excellent video cameras and we deserve to be able to watch the footage in its highest quality. Thanks of much for uploading this, I too am an outdoor channel and have subbed :) Tim

[@DevonOutdoors]

Dude, this is super helpful. Thank You! Not being able to transfer those files was the reason why I was going to not purchase that camera for my thru hike, now that you've figured out how to do it, and passed along the information, I'll be able to have a better recording of my experience on the PCT. Thank you so much Chris. It is very much appreciated.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Devon Outdoors no problem Devon! Certainly have some way to store all the files. Those xavc files are large. Best of luck out there!

[@barparildar]

I come back to this video and watch it when I forget what the settings should be for xavc-s importing. You have no idea how much time you saved me in my workflow. Thanks a million times :)

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

This is a very niche little video that will help mainly thru hikers who have a Sony Camera and want to use the XAVC format to edit out on the trail. It could also benefit others as well so I figured I would create it. Hope this helps someone! If it does please consider commenting, liking, sharing! Cheers!

[@Sarranlove1]

ChrisGoesOutdoors what camera do u use now?

[@TexaPina71]

I just tried this on my A6500 and it worked. Thanks for the tip. I can finally start taking 4k videos and not just photos. :)

[@coolclimber14]

This still works with IOS 13!! Thank you!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

good to know!

[@dickiespostman3648]

I have tried this method on Sony ZV-1 and it worked, even with a 3rd party USB-C adapter on the iPad Pro 2018, no more doing the long way, which looking in the files app and moving them one at time, thanks mate 👍🏿🇬🇧

[@Pergidulu]

This has been the bane of my existence for months. I’ve experimented with so many different solutions and nothing seems to work. I’m going to buy an adapter tomorrow and try it out!

[@jmnz831]

Hey guys this method really works! At first, I experienced my iPhone 6s was not being able to find my camera even though it was set to “mtp” and I would receive a “check device”message on my camera.Turns out the stock Sony micro to usb cable was the problem. I used a different cable with a thicker wire and it works fast and perfectly! Hope this helps you guys having trouble. I use a Sony a7s and iPhone 6s and edit with lumafusion

[@jmnz831]

By the way thanks Chris!

[@tiffanyonwudinanti]

Will this work on iOS 12?

[@RLPhotography]

Chris, YOU ARE THE MAN. Ive been banging my head on a wall for days trying to figure out how to transfer video from my Sony AX53 to Ipad and Sony Tech Support was completely useless. Thanks to your video, I can now sleep at night. IT WORKED lol Thanks again!!!!

[@barparildar]

You solved my biggest video issue forever! Thank you:)

[@facugoru2]

It does work on ios 12. Only needs to switch "USB-LUN" from "multi" to "single"

[@tomsezerietis]

It works, but only for RAW and JPEG's in ios12, it doesn't show up XAVC S video files.

[@badgalpandamanda]

Does it work for pics? I tried and nothing

[@mingyeung8303]

Great tip! Now able to transfer XAVC 4K files from a Sony a7S MKii and a9 to an iPad Pro. Thanks for the tip!

[@ThePlymouthRoadSurfer]

You sir, are an absolute LEGEND! Thank you so much for posting this, I can now shoot videos on my a6300 and edit them on my iPad Air 2! Thanks dude!

[@israelaguilar9642]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH. EXTREMELY HELPFUL! I was trying to figure this out for a while. Can you imagine the anxiety of shooting with a new camera and not being able to import. The horror. Hahah

[@eliseott]

This is life saving as I’m currently in a motel on the CDT trying to figure out what’s wrong! Going to grab some more adaptors thank you!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I dont think this system is necessary since ios 13. I am pretty sure if you just buy the lightning to SD card reader (get the official apple one) you should be able to view both videos and pics through the photos and/or files app on the iphone / ipad

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Just tested with my iphone 11 pro max, official apple lightning to SD card adapter, and the memory card from my Sony A7iv. Have photos and some 4k 24fps 10bit footage as well as some 4k 24fps 8bit footage on the memory card. Using the card reader attached to iphone and inserting the SD card photos pop up under the import tab in the Photos app but the 8 bit and10bit videos do not. However, I can use the Files app to navigate through the memory cards folders where the videos are stored and individually select to save them to the iphone Just trying to save you some more time and money on a janky fix when the lightning to SD should work for you

[@abbiestephen]

OMG thank you so much, I was stressing out that I had bought a camera that didn’t send to my iPad Pro 😁😁😁

[@matthewhunt6262]

You don’t know how long I’ve been trying to figure this out! Fantastic! Thank you subbed

[@tony_r_pierce]

Hey Chris! Thanks for posting. I'll be trying this today and will update you on my results. Appreciate it!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Sounds good man. Definitely let me know!

[@tony_r_pierce]

Chris, my Lightning to USB connector came today, and I was able to use your technique to transfer XAVC S videos (both HD and 4K) from my Sony a7rii to my iPhone 6. FYI, the 4K will of course not play on my iPhone 6, but at least I know I can transfer higher quality video without a computer. Thanks again for your video on how to do this.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Tony Pierce good to know it's working on the other high end Sony cameras too! I need to get my hands on an iPad to test it out. And no problem on the video. Glad to help!

[@thatkeendude8384]

Do you realize how useful this video is to the reams of people out there who can't figure out that USB import on the camera has to be set to MTP?? Great work.

[@yoseft01]

OMG!!!!!! Thank you so much! You helped me solve a major problem that I’ve been dealing with for a long time! Thank you!!!!!

[@stevenvarner9806]

Using the card reader seems to work fine in IOS 13. I used my Sony a6000 to shoot a short video with the setting on XAVC-S. I then pulled the card and put it into the reader. I put it in my iPad (6th Gen, 2018) and opened Files. In Files I saw my SD card on the left. I opened that, and saw the Private folder. In there were three folders, ones of which was named M4ROOT. Open the CLIP folder inside and there is the video. INFO shows it as an MPEG-4, which of course all the formats are, but it's resolution is 1920 x 1080, which is the XAVC-S 60p.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

correct the card reader does work now, I updated the pinned post a few days ago about it. Great you dont have to jump through these silly hoops anymore

[@garykastal8893]

Excellent Instructional Video! Transfer instructions work perfectly when importing XAVC S files from Sony DSC-HX80 to iPhone. Thanks!

[@1910ford]

Gary Kastal I have same set iPhone to hx80 pic pop up with cord no videos please help

[@jaysnappsmediallc]

Fam! You just saved me so much time THANK YOU!

[@idashprints2700]

Wow! Thanks it sure solved my problem, you’re the man, i was really confused when my ipad did not detect the video on my sony 6300, then i saw your video, thanks man, God bless.

[@ScottDBloom]

Thank you so much worked perfect with my iphone 11 pro max

[@IndiaTalksss]

Thank you so much! Your video was so simple and easy to follow. I have the Sony DSC-HX80 and an iPhone 8plus w/iOS 13. And it worked easily. This will make life much easier for editing my videos thank you. ☺️

[@kenk2345]

great camera...better auto focus than many. Some trail videos are pretty out of focus, cause of all the fluttering leaves and foliage.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

For sure. I am hoping to go between this and a GoPro hero 4 silver I have with an external mic for the higher wind situations. The video quality is impressive from the Sony and I'd say fairly decent from the GoPro in ok lighting. I have had good experiences with both!

[@issabrothing]

It does work on IOS 12 AND ABOVE IPHONE X I had to buy and do the following - LIGHTNING TO USB CABLE for iPhone X The one I had before wouldn’t let me transfer even though I saw the files on my iPhone kept getting a red checker indication. Camera setting USB CONNECTION MODE - MTP Camera settings USB LUN SETTING - SINGLE Hope this fixes the issues I was struggling as well to get these files on my IPHONE X RUNNING 12.1.9

[@mattbarnesproductions1255]

Awesome! Been trying to figure out how to get all these videos off of my camera, couldn’t see them on the SD card reader to lightning

[@Justin_Krehbiel]

Thank you!! I couldn’t do anything with my Sony hx80 to my iPhone also thought I couldn’t get the videos sense I use the sd card reader

[@melissaann2473]

This video helped me a lot! Thank you very much.

[@jeandenishaas]

Just what I needed! Will try it on the a6500, thanks!!

[@jeandenishaas]

iRepGuam I only imported 4k movies into iMovie and played them, which works but haven't exported it yet. I would think that works too! :)

[@jeandenishaas]

iRepGuam I haven't. Let me do it right now. Stay tuned.

[@jeandenishaas]

That worked too. Import into iMovie, slowed down footage and then saved to Camera Roll. 4K and 120fps footage doesn't play on Camera Roll right after importing it from camera though (I got a spinning wheel forever, no error message, just keeps spinning).

[@jeandenishaas]

iRepGuam Sure thing!

[@dinoradoncic3752]

Jean-Denis Haas, How were you able to turn USB Power Supply to OFF on the A6500?

[@Mrzippy3]

Great! Thank you. This was frustrating for me.

[@rutatutut]

THANKS for the recap at 5:39!

[@user-oz7ir6jm1e]

Thank you for information

[@photographyinfocusofficial]

I appreciate you so much. Thank you for this info!

[@janmikulenka8440]

hi there. this video helps me a lots and now I can transfer from my sony a5100 all videos. very helpful video..thanks buddy..just like to it is work only with XAVC-S and MP4 ... will be great if it work with AVCHD too... And also need to use only high speed SDXC card...

[@SebHazel]

jan mikulenka hi! I have the a5100 as well and I can't find the setting to turn off "USB power supply"? Does it still work to transfer XAVC-S files? Thanks! :)

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+hazel I cannot get it to work without turning power over USB off. Maybe there is a firmwear update that would allow you to turn it off?

[@SebHazel]

Thanks for your reply! I updated my firmware a couple weeks ago so I don't think there will be another new one. I haven't actually been able to try if it works anyway yet, but I've seen a video of someone using the same technique on a Sony A7s which, like my A5100, doesn't have the "USB power supply" setting. So I'm crossing my fingers that it will work! :) This is the video by the way in case someone is interested: vimeo.com/105277558

[@janmikulenka8440]

hazel hi .. sorry for late reply. Yes it will work if you do same way like video.. for power supply. as I said I got sony a5100 and iPad pro . And all works well. just make sure you record xavc and have correct cables. And also high speed SD card SDXC..i use SanDisk extreme pro . if you will have some problem let me know will try to help you.. good luck

[@SebHazel]

Thank you! :) Where is the "USB power supply" setting please? I can't find it on my A5100.

[@FeranoWibisono]

Thanks, I thought that my lightning sdcard adapter was broken

[@charischarlyn]

Thanks king!

[@beesarts01]

It keeps saying cannot preform this operation with AVCHD files. Can someone help me ?!

[@zarey4111]

It worked!!! Thank You so much.

[@drecion1]

Thanks fo your help with this. Problem solved!

[@theinfinate]

Legend! Thanks for sharing this man, twas the answer to my problem as i'm going into the wild for 2 weeks shooting a promo vid, I can't seem to get the 4k files to work although i'm going to presume its because my Iphone 6 can't record in 4k so it probably doesnt have the hardware to support 4k, do you know?

[@planetatres3829]

Dec 3, 2018. After 5 hours with Apple support call, they told me: you have to go to an apple store to repair the ipad or return it to the Factory.

[@rexnavarrete9173]

Dang, you got it right the first time here.

[@residentialpropertydevelop4549]

Hi, great video. One problem for me, I have an FDR-AX700 and don’t have options under my USB to select what you recommend. It transfers photos fine but no video XAVC-S or otherwise ☹️

[@lasarith2]

Great I’ll uses this for my A6000, as I had bought a SD to lightning and was (?) as to why my video wasn’t showing up 👍

[@AshraffJunior]

Thanks..my problem solved

[@JusJazz]

Thank uuuuuuuu!!!!!!!! You just saved me!

[@keeszmania]

Thanks a lot. Works with Sony a7 III as well :)

[@omermeron7194]

Hey Chris can you please elaborate on the XAVC? is it the only format that can be transferred? what if I want to transfer and edit my photos and/or hfr videos? Thanks!

[@jenaelung9916]

Thank you!!! Exactly what I was looking for

[@moka4618]

It’s perfect

[@darryl_young]

Thanks, Chris. This was exactly what I was looking for. I just got an RX100 V and I'm going travelling soon (without a laptop) so I was looking for a way to get all my photos and XAVC S off my SD cards onto my iPhone so I could then back them up in my large iCloud account. I did exactly what you did in that I just bought the Lightning to SD card reader and it doesn't see the XAVC S files. I guess tomorrow I'll return that cable and get the Lightning to USB. Do you know if it's any better to get the newer Lightning to USB 3 cable as that has a Lightning port on it (to charge the iPhone) as well as the USB. Seeing as the cameras are only USB 2.0, though, I guess not. Either way, thanks again for this. I really hope it solves my problem of wanting to travel without my computer.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Darryl Young I'm not sure if it will work with third party accessories but I have had bad experiences with them so I avoided 3rd party and bit the bullet. Fyi it appears someone is saying it doesn't work on long videos. Like they will appear to transfer but won't play. I don't know how long that is the longest o tried I think was 4 minutes 1080p 60fps. Just something to keep in mind if your going to uselongervideo.

[@michaelcharles007]

Does it have to be the apple's lightning to usb? Or can we use other brands?

[@verehaaleh7413]

Hello Chris! How long will it take to transfer 5 Gb footage from Sony cam to the Ipad ? Reply please..

[@iamwildling1947]

Thank you!!

[@vicktunkuazwil7702]

Mine still wont read/cant see the file on my ipad pro...😩

[@rubperez2005]

Out of the sudden the card reader stopped working for me. It was fine until last week. The changes I can isolate are: new IOS, new camera ( replied old a6400, and added Ronin SC) I've tried this method in here and still is not working, I plug in my Mavic Air SD card and works fine. Somehow the Sony AVCHD format is not working. I've reset the camera and is not working . I'm inclined to conclude it's the new IOS. I'm super frustrated I do all my editing with iPad Pro\Lumafusion. Any new info?

[@user-ej1ur3vo3k]

Hi thanks for the video!! its working for me but not all my videos are showing when i am trying to import from my camera. only my short videos are showing.. do you know why please? sorry for my bad english i'm french

[@zvkvhs3818]

Bad Ass!!! Thanks.

[@davidboston8839]

How to transfer the XAVC S format files onto a Dell window's laptop?

[@chillingwithgabby7739]

Can you make a video on how to put vids and photos from a Sony 10x to a iPhone with no cord?

[@lelyluck]

Hi 👋🏻 Do you notice any difference in quality? I have a Sony A6001 and when I transfer Bluetooth to my phone or even through the Sony app I loose quality. It looks grainier than the actual footage. I’m staring to think it’s my settings..

[@Jordan5876]

this isn’t working with my sony a6000 would you happen to know why?

[@joenelnaraja785]

Hi im trying to transfer my video from sony a6300 to my iphone but it says “cannot perform this operation with XAVC S files”

[@QuicksandMindset]

There is no "USB Power Supply" on the A6000 :( Nor is there anything that resembles that option

[@nikluang6802]

Quicksand Hoops so this won’t work for the a6000?

[@camerontaylor7448]

@@nikluang6802It wont work for me on an a6000. My wife just bought it to make her videos and now it is pointless because she was wanting to do everything only with the ipad pro.

[@danielcucciniello4444]

Thank you

[@KahimoandRachel]

Hello cris, what memory card you using,? Because my a6000 cant record XAVCS, onlyAVCHD AND MP4, maybe because im using samsung memory card but 64 gb, so im importing my video from my a6000 to my iphone 8+ only MP4, thank you if you answer me,

[@ludgro01]

You have to use a SCXC SD Card to record XVACS. You probably are using a SDHC right now.

[@khan1949]

Hi, I did on Sony fdr ax53 works fine but slow transfer cause of files that’s OK Thx

[@thachtranminhthuan6910]

Help reply a question from me. I want to ask you about Sony a6300 can transfer video “xacv s” to iphone 6 ???

[@matthewhunt6262]

I have no problem doing this with my new empty memory card but my old one has thousands of images and vids on it and when I import it’s only importing pictures? Any advice?

[@chyba3433]

Hi, my iPad cannot find any videos to import after upgrade to iOS12 (it worked with iOS11 without flaws) - has this been recognised by others too? If yes - any workaround available?

[@AlAaebrahiim]

Thanks chris

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Alaa Elsherbini np hope it works out for you!

[@AlAaebrahiim]

ChrisGoesOutdoors yes it's working very good I searched more times about it and your video helped me thanks 🙏

[@mattrandal]

Hey Chris (or anyone), have you tried with different quality videos? I am using my A6500 on the highest setting (100MB). I can import the video fine, but my iPhone 7 can't actually play the video. I get a spinning wheel. Wondering if it is a hardware thing OR something I'm doing wrong. Thanks for the video!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+M R I ran into a similar issue recently. Depending on the length of the video and how high quality it seems to bug out. I'm not sure exactly why or at what threshold it does it.

[@_rebel12_]

Iv got a RX100iv and this did not work for me : /. I did both steps of turning off the USB power and changing the USB connection to MTP. Mind you I had many (probably 1000) videos and pictures already on my SD card. So I went to apple, bought the USB lighting connector, went through the steps and all the images showed up on my phone but not the videos. SO FRUSTRATING!! Anybody have any ideas what could be wrong or why it’s not working?

[@TheWackyDuo]

I need this... Does it transfer 4K video to iphone?

[@denitra2011]

All of my pictures automatically imported, but not my videos. I tried deleting the pictures and starting the process again and my iPad is giving me a “no photos to import” message. Any suggestions on getting my videos?

[@phantomshots7854]

Would this work on a Sony a7 mkii? I'm trying to import XAVC S files to either my Iphone7 or MacBook

[@kylestewart4444]

So lets say you've got a collection of videos, some 4K and some 1080, along with a bunch of photos on the same card and you really just need the photos transferred to your phone. Will the regular Apple Lightning SD card reader still copy over all of my raw photo files and just skip all of the video? I don't edit video on my phone but I do like to edit photos on the go sometimes and share them from my phone. I've got a Sony a7III that I use for both video and stills and I record to both cards simultaneously for redundancy. I know I could record photos to one card and video to the other but I like having the immediate backup.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I believe both photos and regular mp4 video popped up with just the SD card reader. I think the issue was only with the XAVC files not popping up. Unfortunately no longer own a Sony camera so can not check.

[@TMTLamonte]

It’s says it’s only looking for photos

[@justonbreshears1003]

Now is the playback on the iPhone playing 4k file or MP4 file?

[@aluches3]

why just short videos can be transfer over 3 minutes not?

[@_itsjan]

Does this work with the new sd cable from apple instead of a usb? would be a7ii and the latest ipad pro 11" with the new cable type

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

You should be able to use the standard lightning or usb-c (ipad pro) to SD card reader and the files app on iOS to import without issue now. You should no longer need to do this process anymore

[@BullworthAcademy4]

wont work with my 6500 :(

[@God07773]

It didn’t worked in sony a6300.

[@TMTLamonte]

Why is it not showing my videos

[@terrym1964]

Does anybody know if this method works on Android phones...Samsung S8 ?

[@PavelOh]

If I wanna import avchd format to my ipad is possible?

[@dinoradoncic3752]

Will this method work with the A6500 trying to upload to the new iPad Pro (2017 version)?

[@savedpurplecat]

This is what I'm trying also, could you let me know if it works thanks :) Tim

[@simplysweet6154]

can u do this with Sony dsc hx80

[@jproaquin123]

Does this work for XAVC 4k?

[@aracelireyes3986]

Can't do this on Samsung:/ awlol

[@betorioss]

Doesn’t work….lies.