IPhoto converts AVCHD to MOV files - is it down converting?

I just bought a new camera yesterday.  It is a Sony Cybershot WX150 which records HD video (1080i) in AVCHD format.  When I import the files into iPhoto - which are then later exported as "originals" they are very small .MOV files.  I am wondering if my AVCHD files are actually down converting or if they are just small MOV files because the AVCHD files are already compressed?  Basically I want to make sure I'm not losing quality on import.  Ultimately I would prefer that I had the original file instead.  Does anyone have any input on this?  Thank you.

The resolution that iPhoto of the exported photo from iPhoto is 1080 but that does not mean that it hasn't compressed or down converted.  I know the resolution i am shooting at is 1080i.  I would just like to know in the conversion process of AVCHD -> MOV if it is just re-wrapping or if it is actually converting.  I am ok with a small MOV file like it gives but I do not want the original quality adjusted at all.
Unfortunately comparing the two on a computer screen may not tell the whole story and might look ok even if it is compressed. 

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