Sub-$1K AVCHD Camcorder Recommendation

I searched for a bit and did not find anything directly related to my question.
Can anyone recommend a sub-$1K AVCHD camcorder for use with PrE 9? I'm interested mainly in quality of footage and compatibility with editing software but there are probably other considerations that I need to be educated about.
Thanks.
Steve

John,
Thanks. That's the kind of info I'm looking for.
Steve

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A workflow to burn AVCHD camcorder video and 5.1 sound to BluRay disc.

A workflow to burn AVCHD camcorder video and 5.1 sound to BluRay disc.
After weeks searching through many posts by the Forum’s experts with Final Cut Pro and Compressor, I have a crude workflow that seems to work for me, and might be of interest to others. This information I couldn’t find in the Help files of either FCP or Compressor, and would appreciate feedback on other options. Thanks to the Forum contributors who have helped me with suggestions.
I have successfully burned a BluRay DVD of the video and audio outputs of my new Panasonic AVCHD camcorder, that is, 1920x1080 video and 5.1 surround sound, using Final Cut Studio 2 (FCP 7.0.2, Compressor 3.5.4.) on an Intel iMac with OS 10.6.3
Using AUNSOFT-PAVTUBE or CLIPWRAP, I converted the camcorder’s MTS files to ProRes 422 .mov files containing 5.1 six channels of audio.
In FCPro, set the Sequence / Settings / Audio Outputs to 5.1 Monitoring:
     L+R Stereo,     Stereo
     Center             Dual Mono
     LFE                Dual Mono
     Ls +Rs            Stereo
Uncheck the “Downmix…to Stereo” in Warning box that pops up when this step is completed.
Drag the ProRes .mov file into the time line of FCP 7:
The next steps are important for assigning each of the six audio channels to the Dolby 5.1 configuration (L, R, C, Lfe, Ls, Rs). This step was new to me and something I couldn’t find in the FCPro or Compressor Help file manual. If anyone can reference a page number, I would appreciate that info.
In the FCP time line, unlink the video from the audio channels (Linked Selection) in the upper right corner of the FCP time line.
Select each audio channel, then right click in the area of the blank column near the padlock. Assign A1, A2, A3 etc to each of the audio channels as they fit the Dolby configuration ( L+R, C, Lfe, Ls+Rs) This process is kind of clunky and it may take patience to accomplish.
The best Forum ideas that I could find for setting up the six channel audio came from the following posts which I credit for their help:
https://discussions.apple.com/message/9095726#9095726
https://discussions.apple.com/message/12525373#12525373
In FCPro, Mark In and Out points, Select In to Out
Under File / Share option ………Select BluRay job……then Select either “Export” or “Send to Compressor”
(Note: At this point, the Option Export which enables FCPro to burn a BluRay DVD, seems to work well, and the resulting DVD video and six channels of audio seems as good as that produced by the more complicated option of “Send to Compressor”……..which is described below.)
If the Send to Compressor option is selected, Compressor is automatically started by this selection. At this point, do not Quit FCPro, because Compressor needs to transfer file data (or something like that) to Compressor.
In the job pane of Compressor, will exist two targets, H264 for BluRay and Dolby Digital.
I deleted the Dolby Digital and replaced it with Dolby Digital Professional Auto.
Clicking any where in the Sequence 1 job pane (not in H264 nor Dolby target rows) will reveal the A/V attributes:
Under the Job Action tab, select the BluRay unit that will eventually do the burning.
Clicking on the target H264 for BluRay located in the larger Job Pane reveals the settings I chose:
Clicking on the target Dolby Digital Professional (Auto) reveals these settings I chose:
I left settings on the Bitstream tab untouched. However the Preprocessing tab, I set the Compression Preset to “None”.
I found that turning on the BluRay burner with a preloaded BD/RE is best to do at this time, or even better, to energize the burner at the time that the “Send to Compressor” function is activated.
When settings are complete, select “Submit” in the lower corner of the Compressor larger pane and processing will begin, and a status pane indicating time elapsed and time remaining will appear. These estimates are not very accurate.
I have found that my 1 minute test video was initially estimated to require about two hours of processing time, but actually required only 1 hour which is still unusually long. Based on my experience, be prepared for an “overnight” processing to occur for longer movie durations.
This is the part of the overall process I need to understand better: How to estimate the duration to encode and burn 1 minute of video / audio? This 1 hour duration for 1 minute of video/audio was the same whether I SHARE-Exported to FCPro to burn DVD, or SHARE-Send to Compressor option.
Wondering if the encoding of the six 5.1 audio channels caused the lengthy processing(?). Perhaps settings that I made in Compressor affected time to process and burn.
Finally, I hope this poorly written process will help someone who has been looking for the same information as I had been. I would appreciate feedback from those who have already done this; what OS are you using, what hardware are you using? What software package have you tried. And lastly, Thanks to all who contribute to these Community Forums, who take the time to detail their processes. You all have helped me to get this far.
BoBo

Go to https://discussions.apple.com/thread/4719249
BoBo

Video Files Recorded on SD Card Used in Canon AVCHD Camcorder Not Visible Under Mountain Lion

Hello:
Mountain Lion seems to treat the storage media (an SD card) used to record video in my Canon AVCHD camcorder differently than Mac OS X 10.7, 10.6 and 10.5.
When the card is inserted into the built in-card reader, it mounts as one would expect; however, a folder named "Private" appears and nothing seeems to be inside of it. If I use a machine running 10.7, 10.6, or 10.5, I'm able to drill down the fodler structure to the MTS files.
Anyone know of a way to tell 10.8 to see the data structure as 10.7 would?
I'm guessing that 10.8 wants me to use iMovie or Final Cut Pro X to access the video; however, the files need to remain as they are (i.e. mts files) and used in Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects.
This one is kind of obscure, I know.
Thank you for any input.
-Warren

Let's see...
Sounds like you're running into an expected issue if you make an alias to removeable media. The same thing would happen if you made the alias to a folder on a DVD-R disc or CD-R. If you eject the original, you disable the alias.
If you copy the entire SD card volume to your drive, the PRIVATE package should copy across. Then, as a folder on your hard drive rather than a volume on removeable media, you could make an alias to the STREAM package for quicker access later.
I'm pretty sure that Handbrake, like Prmeiere Pro, can see the MTS files directly. That is, it's not dependant on the other folders in the PRIVATE directory sturcture. As such, you could copy the contents of the STREAM package to another folder on your drive. Just be mindful of the default MTS file names if you're using more than one SD card (you don't want to accidentally copy 00001.MTS from one card over 00001.MTS from another card).
As long as Handbrake sees MTS directly, you could even rename the MTS files after you've copied them.
On a side note, I almost always archive my SD cards with the data structure intact. More often than not, that file structure is important to corretly access the video stored within that structure. If something unexpected happens while working with the MTS files, it is good to have the original file structure to go back to. Although, SD cards are getting to be so low cost that sometimes I just label the SD card and store it for archiving.
-Warren

Since upgrading to 10.8 my iMac can't see video files to copy across in Finder when connecting my AVCHD camcorder via USB

Hi, I usually connect my Panasonic AVCHD Camcorder via USB to copy the .MTS files across to my iMac for editing. Since upgrading to Mountain Lion, Finder sees the directories for photos stored on the Camcorder but not the video directories/files. I can see them via Parallels. Any ideas why?
Thanks, Julian

ML will show the AVCHD as a pkg, so you are not able view the directories like BDMV-->Stream-->MTS. You can right click AVCHD file, then choose show package contents. you will see BDMV, then you right click BDMV to choose show package, you will see stream folder, just do it again, you will find MTS files. Next time if you want to check the MTS files you just need to do above again. right click AVCHD....
Another way, rename AVCHD to AVCHD.mts then do it same with BDMV and Stream folder, it will let you see MTS files after that. Those mts files will keep showing on your mac next time.
Hope it helps

AVCHD Camcorder to DVD Advice Needed - Am I Doing This Right?

Hi All,
I have a MacBook Pro 2.4 GHz Intel Core Duo with 2GB memory. I also have a Canon HG10 AVCHD Camcorder. I took a total of 2.5 hours of video footage.
1. I attached the camcorder to my computer via USB and downloaded the movie off of my camcorder onto my laptop - this took about 2.5 hours to do.
2. Then I wanted to make a DVD out of the footage and created a DVD in iDVD. I loaded the movie from iMovie and created a DVD - this took about 5 hours.
3. Then I burned the first DVD - this took over 2 hours.
4. I burned additional DVDs as gifts - and each of these took about 19 minutes.
My questions are: Am I doing this correctly? Does one 2.5 hours of filming really need to take so long to decompress or whatever it is doing? Would I have been better off using iMovieHD? I'm sorry to sound so stupid, but I am very new to camcorders and iMovie/iDVD. Many thanks for your help and understanding.

Let me see if I can describe it easier
Step 1 - transferred 2.5 hours of video footage from my Canon HG10 to my MacBook Pro (took about 2.5 hours to do) this was put into iMovie '08 with no problem
Step 2 - I created a DVD in iDVD with 1 song out of iTunes as the Main Screen of the DVD, created 1 chapter for the Movie itself, and 1 Slideshow of pictures with 1 song from iTunes. I then pressed burn DVD - which it took over 5 hours to burn the first DVD
Step 3 - additional DVDs took 19 minutes to burn after the first one.
I hope this helps. I might of messed up on my first post. Thanks!

Sony avchd camcorder

How can i import my avchd file from my sony avchd camcorder hdrsr7. Final cut express 4 does not recognize those files.

That's correct. You use USB to connect the camera. If the camera is connected and you open log and transfer it is not detected, use the Add Folder button in the upper left corner and point it at the card which should be on your desktop. If the card is not appearing mounted on the desktop, try rebooting.

FCE4 - Export movie to AVCHD camcorder ?

I can import a movie (full HD 1080) in Intermediate Codec from a AVCHD camcorder but can i export the final edited movie in same camcorder or i must buy an HDV cam to use fireware in digital IN?
TY for help me !!

I am not sure what you mean but if you want to send the edited movie out to a camcorder, that camcorder must have Digital In.
Most people just put their finished videos on DVD.
Ian.

Hello there. Any tips for an affordable AVCHD camcorder for Final Cut Pro X?

Hello there.
I am enthusiast for the new Final Cut Pro X.
I am now starting to learn with iMovie '11 and I would like to buy a AVCHD camcorder. It should be affordable and compatible with iMovie '11 and Final Cut Pro X. Any tips? I live in Italy.
Thank you in advance.
Gianluca

I use an SDT 750 and an AC 90, both Pansonic cams, both are set to shoot 1920 x 1080 50P.
FCP X works just fine with this footage as does interlaced.
If you Mac is fast enough you won't need to transcode to Prores/Optimise for simple Projects it works directly with imported media.
Al

Strange audio behavior w/new Sony HXR-NX5U AVCHD CAMCORDER

Help, I just unpacked my Sony HXR-NX5U AVCHD CAMCORDER. All went well with video, CMU software, etc. I have CS5 on the way, but for now am still using CS4. I set up the project with AVCHD 1080i30 (60i). I import my video and the image looks fine, but the audio is all HISS - total clipping. I listened to the file with Sony's CMU software and it sounds perfect. I have eliminated camera error by using multiple mikes, internal mike, headphone audio sounds great and again, with Sony's CMU software the m2ts files sound normal. What am I doing wrong?
Any help would be appreciated as I really want to use this camera tonight.
Regards,
Lisa

How (step-by-step) are you getting the files from camcorder to PPro?
For my Canon Vixia, I simply use WinExplorer to copy the individual MTS files from SD card to hard drive, and then import into CS5
For other cameras, I have read that required "metadata" is contained in the folder structure, so an entire folder must be copied from camera to computer... often or sometimes using the software that came with the camera, since it is designed to do a "complete" copy

AVCHD Camcorder with Final Cut

Does it matter what format AVCHD camcorder is purchased for compatibility with Final Cut Express 4? Format as in Hard Drive, DVD, etc. I'm using Mini-DV now and have heard some new formats will not transfer from camcorder to Mac.
Thanks

All varieties of camcorders will be compatible as long as they are specified as shooting in AVCHD. Make sure you don't buy one that has a nonstandard specification of "AVCHD Lite" or something like that. I've personally found the hard drive or flash drive ones to work quite well.

Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD Camcorder and FCE4

Hi
What are the best settings for using my Panasonic HDC-SD9 AVCHD Camcorder for FCE4. I ma based in the UK so would use PAL over NTSC.
I am looking for the best overall settings for a clean good quality image.
Thanks for all your help
RC

Thanks - what about image stablization and the other features the camera has.
I'd like it to be a bit point and shoot ideally - also are you aware of any good camera stablization equipment that is compact and not ridiculously expensive for use with this camera - I'd love to get really smooth video footage.

Camcorder recommendations

My 13 yr old grandson has been making and editing videos for a number of years. He uses a Macbook and Final Cut Express to edit his films. He films action videos with two or three "actors" both indoors and out. His camcorder until now has been a Flip but it is time to upgrade. The new camcorder must have an external mic jack (and perhaps there are other must-haves that I am unaware of, eg, lights???). budget for the camcorder is $500. Can anyone recommend a particular camcorder that is Apple compatible. Family members are looking to buy camcorder accessories for Christmas presents so any recommendations for those are also appreciated.

I'd suggest the following model lines for your stated price range, but you will have to do your own research to see what specific models best meet your requirements. There are models in each line under $500 that have inputs for external microphones.
Canon Vixia HF series
Sony HDR-CX and HDR-XR series
Panasonic HDC-TM and HDC-HS series.
I can also recommend the Canon HV40 and its predecessors the HV30 and HV20. However they are HDV camcorders and while the HDV format is still very much in use it has largely been overshadowed by AVCHD camcorders in the marketplace.
At a minimum, make sure the camcorder is an AVCHD or HDV camcorder. If those logos are not on the camera and/or in the manual then beware. (Beware if the specs only say H.264, MPEG4, AVC or HD but don't actually specify AVCHD or HDV.)
Also, you are correct in specifying an external mic jack; this is a requirement for any decent video. The other thing I'd recommend is a good tripod with a fluid video head. Make sure it's a good sturdy tripod. I am partial to Manfrotto tripods (for example the 190XB legs or 055xdb legs and 701 head or 501hdv head) but the most important thing is that the tripod be sturdy regardless of brand. A cheap tripod that isn't sturdy will quickly be a wasted purchase. The other starter accessories I'd suggest include a UV or Skylight filter for the lens (to protect the lens from dirt & fingerprints), a case and a spare battery.
One more thing ... may I suggest B&H Photo Video. They are an exellent vendor whose knowledge, selection, prices, delivery & reliability are top notch.
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with B&H in any way except as a long-term, happy customer and I do not receive any compensation of any kind for recommending them.

HD camcorder recommendations that fit FCE workflow?

I hope nobody minds me asking this, but I'm about to enter the world of HD and would appreciate a few experiences/recommendations/tips from those of you who'd put their hands on it.
I'm considering Canon VIXIA HV30 or similar. I understand that using a tape may result in less compressed video footage. Yet, I'm baffled how one can squeeze 1080 footage on a Mini DV. Thanks for your thoughts on this...

Hi(Bonjour)!
HDV can "squeeze" around 25 mbit of video/audio info on standard miniDV tapes by using the MPEG compression sheme with long group of pictures (GOP) of 0.5 second.
So there is one complete image at every 0.5 second with mulitple images in between.
With standard def miniDV tapes, there is more possibility of drop out than with HDV quality miniDV tapes as HDV tapes contains a double layer of oxide. A drop out with a long GOP structure seems an "hole" of 0.5 second... a very bad thing.
Tape based HD camcorder are more "old school" than the newer AVCHD format based on hard drive or PC card camcorder, but tape is an affordable way to archive material.
Google "HDV vs AVCHD" to get more infos about consumer and prosumer HD formats.
Michel Boissonneault

Camcorder recommendation

Purpose is to shoot family events indoors and outdoors.
I would be uploading the final videos to personal website to share with friends.
Price range $1000
HDV or AVCHD?
CMOS or 3CCD?
For HDV, tape or miniDV?
For AVCHD, flash or HDD?
Editing software - iMovie'08 or iMovie HD 6?
Also, Any preference on the hosting sites for better data rate?
Thanks in advance, Eswar
Message was edited by: eswarm

I offer a different perspective. I sold my miniDV camcorder, and bought a AVCHD Canon HF100. I use iMovie 08 to download, and either use that or iMovie 06 or FCE to edit. The camera can be found for around $500 now, though I purchased it for $600 at Amazon. Very small, high quality results.
It uses SD cards, so there are no tapes to mess with. Though I hated iMovie 08 initially, I have found it to be fun when just needed to make clips to upload to YouTube or my Mobileme account. Yes, the MobileMe hosting is slow, but I like the integration with iMovie.
Check out my site, www.humanrightscity.com, and look for the video links at the bottom left. Yes, not professional, but considering it was done without hassle...well, I can recommend the camera and hosting with Apple (Amazon offers discount MobileMe accounts). Hugh

Cannon HD AVCHD camcorder

I am looking for Consumer grade HD Camcorder with AVCHD - equipped with a mic-in jajck and an audio and video jack with 1/8 inch connectors that go to RCA outputs. Firewire is best - analog OK What are your recommendations?

Hi srobinson!
Thanks for posting.
Most of our current lineup of consumer level camcorders will fit your needs. May I suggest the VIXIA HF R52. While it does not have RCA connectors on the camcorder itself, RCA connections are possible with a special mini-jack on the camcorder by using the STV-250N Mini Plug to RCA cable we have. This model, like many others, also has a 3.5mm stereo microphone mini-jack. Our consumer models no longer use Firewire connections, likely because of the improvements that have been made to USB connections over the years and how much more common USB is. This particular model has a USB connector on it.
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Sub-$1K AVCHD Camcorder Recommendation

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