AVCHD Files with a Canon VIXIA

Hi Gang
Trying to understand AVCHD (.mts) with a consumer Canon VIXIA and limited equipment: A Mac Mini "Core 2 Duo" 2.0 (Early 2009)
Using 'Wondershare Converter' for PC, the AVCHD files off the Cannon, are unreadable on a Mac 10.6. After converting, the file was imported into FC6 as a QT file, (1920X1080), but required FULL RENDERING. The subsequent raw HD files, (see the test clips): https://vimeo.com/94284834 were extracted from 2 different older HD cameras and readable as QT directly off those cameras.
Whatever method AVCHD files are converted thru, (for example with ClipWrap), it seems the extra render time is unavoidable. Unless using an intell based Mac Pro Desktop?
With the advent of AVCHD (.mts) progressive piles, the process involves the extra conversion, thus the extra render time.
A 'work-around' with limited equipment, using iMovie 11 does a pretty nice job. Any drawbacks?
Are there 'Other' Pro-sumer Camcorders capable of saving 'QT files' immediately compatible for Mac avoiding the conversions?
BTW - Since there's no option for 'High Profile H.264' in the FC6 drop down, (also as recommended by Vimeo) I tried 'XDCAM' - apologies, the extracted test clip appears stretched.
Thank you!

If you want to work with current cameras, you need to use current tech...more current computers. Now you see the limitations of your workarounds. Wondershare on PC doesn't convert to FCP editing codecs. And not all QT movies are editable. You've been on these forums for quite some time...you should know this. Clipwrap will convert to an editing format...ProRes. Do that. If you use the "re-wrap" option...then you'll need to render in FCP.
iMovie...converts to Apple Intermediate Codec, which is a "lossy" format. Lower quality, and lacks things like timecode. A non-professional format. But, if you want to stick with old OLD tech, then you do what you need to do to band-aid your way to making things work.
The only "prosumer" camera that recorded to QT files that FCP could edit right away were JVC cameras:
http://pro.jvc.com/prof/attributes/category.jsp?productId=PRO4.1
FCP 6 doesn't do "High Profile H.264" as that came out far after FCP 6 was introduced. Again...if you want to work with current formats...deliver current formats...you need current hardware/software. Adobe Media Encoder will do what you want...but it won't work on your old OS, nor your old Mac.
Sorry.
Get a MacMini...they are cheap, and very capable. Oh, but then you won't be able to run FCP 6 on that. But FCP 6 doesn't do what you currently need to do either.

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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.

How to view original video files from my Canon Vixia

Hi -
I have a Canon Vixia camcorder and I cannot find a way to view the original mts files on my iMac. I hate to say this, but my old windows laptop to does this without any issue, so that's what I'll continue to do until something changes.
When I mount the camera on my Mac, it only shows one giant AVCHD file. I have read the posts about using iMovie to import the AVCHD file and then export the individual clips, but frankly that ***** for a few different reasons that I don't really feel the need to explain.
Why does Mac not allow me to simply view the files as they are on the camera? I don't edit with iMovie, I edit with Premiere and the original mts files are just fine with me. I love my iMac and all my other Apple products, but let me view my files! ...please?
Thanks
Joey

AVCHD utilizes a proprietary container format. The MTS files are in there, you just have to know where to look.
Navigate to the root directory of the memory card. You should see a rather large (depending on how many clips are on there) file called PRIVATE. You need to right-click that and select "Show Package Contents". Inside, find the file AVCHD, right-click it and select "Show Package Contents". Inside, find the file BDMV, right-click it and select "Show Package Contents". Inside, find the folder STREAM and open it. You should find the MTS files there.
HTH.

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I have the HD camcorder Canon Vixia HF20 (and love it btw). It creates .mts files. I downloaded the software that came with the camcorder for Macs, but it does absolutely nothing for me (as far as I can tell - maybe I am doing something wrong).
I downloaded VLC so I can watch the .mts files and it works great. However, I am completely stuck on how to a) burn them, b) transfer them to a file format that allows me to burn them.
I have a new Mac desktop and am a novice at using it (I've had a laptop for a while before the desktop). Thus, I don't know how to use iMovie. Everything I read says imovie will be able to burn the files. However, when I open iMovie, choose "import," it doesn't allow me to import anything b/c they are in the .mts file format. It's like they are "blacked out" and incapable of being uploaded from my computer's hard drive to it.
So, I'll quit rambling. I've researched this ad nauseum, so any help on how to burn these files would be so greatly appreciated. I do not have File Cut Pro. Thanks!

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http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/vegaspro/compare
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dave nutter wrote:
I am using a canon mk 5D.
Actually, you're not. That's not an accurate description of any of the Canon 5D models.
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HI -
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Also, some times if there are multiple file formats on the same camera storage, like HD clips, SD clips and still images, this can prevent Log and Transfer from working properly. If that is the case, see if you can off load and delete all the non-HD material from the camera storage so that only HD material is there.
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!http://www.spotsbeforeyoureyes.com/L%26TPrefs.jpg!
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!http://www.spotsbeforeyoureyes.com/L%26TPrefsToPlainStereo.jpg!
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Message was edited by: Kevin Monahan
[rant removed]
This post is not very useful. Please stay on topic and be helpful to other users. If you want to rant about Creative Cloud, please take it to the Video Lounge. Here are our guidelines: http://www.adobe.com/communities/guidelines/
"Exercise moderation and good judgment when responding to a comment or entering a new one. Remember to be constructive and helpful in your comments."
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AVCHD Files with a Canon VIXIA

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