AVCHD .mts file help

R

Rookie

New member
O.K here is is what I got and my situation. Remember, I bought this mac and software this summer and am a complete rookie! Don't assume anything. I barely understand how to import and capture at this point.

I'm trying to import .mts files from a Sony NXCAM AVCHD video camera and from a NEX-5 DSLR camera that is also AVCHD format.

Here is my set up. Mac book Pro 2.26ghz intel core 2 duo, 4gb 1067 mhz ddrs. I just purchased FCE 4...as imovie was not getting me anywhere.

First lets start with the NXCAM. I have imported all the .mts files, but did not import the entire file from teh camera...have since deleted those files from the SD card and flash drive. I can't seem to get FCE to recognize these files. I have a feeling transfering only the .mts files to my HD is the issue. So, do I need to get some software package and convert these .mts files. If so, which is a good one. I don't want to loose any quality and I have at least 100GB of this stuff....and plan on getting much more.

For the NEX-5 dslr...when I hook the camera up to my mac via USB and go to log and transfer....the files show up, but when I go convert them they won't convert...I keep getting the red explanation point.

Please help, I am really frustrated I bought this mac...upgraded to a HDD camera from my miniDV cameras that I knew how to use so well!...and am having all these issues with AVCHD. I'm sure its just the operator, but I'm frustrated nonetheless.
 
You can't import MTS files into final cut. They need transcoded. Put the card from the camera in a card reader and connect it to your mac. Open up final cut and choose to "Log and Transfer." Drag the clips you want to the area of the window that says "drag media here" The files will be transcoded to apple intermediate codec (assuming you're using express) and then you can drag them to the timeline to edit.
 
" I have imported all the .mts files, but did not import the entire file from teh camera...have since deleted those files from the SD card and flash drive. "

That was...not smart. Why on earth did you do that? Don't EVER do that. Copy the full card structure...always, every time. If you are going to take a huge chunk of change and spend it on a camera, take the time to figure out how to do things right. That's like buying a Porche and then taking out the carburetor because, "well, it don't look important." Full card structure, all the time.

Software...get CLIPWRAP2. Convert to AIC (Apple Intermediate Codec) as Final Cut Express doesn't to ProRes.

As for the NEX-5...no clue. SOrry.

Now, watch this tutorial. It is for FCP, but VERY relevent here: http://library.creativecow.net/ross_shane/tapeless-workflow_fcp-7/1
 
Shane Ross said:
" I have imported all the .mts files, but did not import the entire file from teh camera...have since deleted those files from the SD card and flash drive. "

That was...not smart. Why on earth did you do that? Don't EVER do that. Copy the full card structure...always, every time. If you are going to take a huge chunk of change and spend it on a camera, take the time to figure out how to do things right. That's like buying a Porche and then taking out the carburetor because, "well, it don't look important." Full card structure, all the time.

Software...get CLIPWRAP2. Convert to AIC (Apple Intermediate Codec) as Final Cut Express doesn't to ProRes.

As for the NEX-5...no clue. SOrry.

Now, watch this tutorial. It is for FCP, but VERY relevent here: http://library.creativecow.net/ross_shane/tapeless-workflow_fcp-7/1
Click to expand...

Why? Because I'm an idiot..I think I framed that up pretty good in my original post...I was in a hurry and made a rookie mistake. I now realize my ignorance, no need to rub it in. My questions and outreach for help are needed to fix my bone head move. I was in a hurry and needed the space on the card and flash drive for another shoot...so I just copied the .mts and .cpi files in seperate folders. I'll never do that again. Still I need to figure out how to use these files and put in a timeline. I'll look at your link to see if that helps.
 
abeas said:
You can't import MTS files into final cut. They need transcoded. Put the card from the camera in a card reader and connect it to your mac. Open up final cut and choose to "Log and Transfer." Drag the clips you want to the area of the window that says "drag media here" The files will be transcoded to apple intermediate codec (assuming you're using express) and then you can drag them to the timeline to edit.
Click to expand...

O.K that will work for all the files I still have on my SD card. But what about the .mts files I saved on my HD that are no longer on my SD card? Like an idiot I only copied the .mts files and not the entire file structure....yes I know..stupid..but its the situation I'm in. The footage is really important so hopefully I can still work with it.
 
Hey Rookie..been there, done that- sucks! If you can get your hands on copy of Toast 9 or 10, you can transcode the files that way. Best of luck.
 
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