AC90: best conversion software?

lockie86

Member
Hi guys wondered if anyone could recommend AVCHD converter software that will convert files to Apple Pro Res 422 and 422HQ and work well with FCP7 (7.0.3.).

I currently use iOrgSoft AVCHD Converter which is very erratic. When i pull the converted files in it says 'these files are not optimized for FCP' and if I carry on it runs super slow and is very erratic and unstable (esp compared to 5D footage converted to Pro Res 422s in Compressor etc, which runs fine).

I spent money on this software but it's not doing what it said it'll do, so can anyone recommend another one that's stable with FCP7?

Many thanks,

Mark
Uk
 
Any video conversion software you buy/download that has a title ending in "Soft" is pretty much a ripoff, and likely malware. Many of those spam these forums quite often, and none of them are worth considering.

There are three options with FCP7. The first is the "Log and Transfer" feature within FCP. With the camera connected to the computer, or the card in a card reader, FCP should be able to bring the footage in and convert it during that process.

Since you have FCP 7, that means you have Final Cut Studio, right? Compressor is bundled with that, and its sole job is to convert video between codecs.

Last, the one download that is most reliable and is, honestly, a must-have, is MPEG StreamClip. This is a conversion tool that is fast, stable, and efficient. Oh, and it's free.

Both Compressor and StreamClip can do batch processing.
 
I am going to be a little controversial here and say got to FCPX. (assuming you have an Intel MAC) FCP 7 is end of life for any support or enhancements. You will have to make the jump at some point.

FCPX imports the AVCHD directly from the AC90 and has the outputs you want as native without the need for compressor.
Given the cost of FCPX it is almost a no brainer other than the hit of a new workflow and learning curve.
 
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"Log and transfer" is your best bet with FCP 7. It preserves the timecode and some of the metadata of your original media. Last night I had to re-digitize a show from 2 years ago that I'd deleted all the prores files from. I just selected the offline media, chose batch capture and "log and transfer" popped up, I pointed it to the folders where the original cards were stored and everything was restored perfectly. Always make sure you backup the entire card structure, otherwise Log and Transfer won't recognize the card folder as valid AVCHD media.
 
Many thanks for all this info guys. I think the last time I tried Log and Transfer didn't seem to work, but I'll try again for def. And yes at some point gotta make the jump to X, just a bit scared!

Many thanks for help!
 
Hi, many thanks all.

I have downloaded Mpeg Streamclip for Mac (v 1.9.2) and it doesn't seem to be compatible with .MTS files?? Says file type not recognised.

Could I be doing something wrong? Or have the wrong software??

Many thanks!

Mark, UK
 
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