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General discussion

panasonic lumix dmc-zs3 how do I convert avchd

by raccoongirl Aug 3, 2009 6:10AM PDT

We recently returned from Africa where we took movies/pictures with our new panasonic lumix dmc-zs3. Awesome camera, but I didn't realize that the movies are recorded in avchd (I think) and won't play with quicktime, etc; and also can't be played on dvd. We'd really like to be able to email some of our short movies out to people and also put them on dvd. But no one will be able to view these movies in this format. (we don't have bluray)

How can I convert the avchd files? I'm a novice at this and so far the research I've been coming up with is confusing to me.

I have Windows Vista; hubby has a mac.

I'd appreciate any help.

Thanks,
Melissa

Discussion is locked

19 Posts
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AVCHD to Quicktime
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Aug 3, 2009 7:59AM PDT
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avchd conversion
by raccoongirl Aug 3, 2009 10:24AM PDT

Thanks. I downloaded the trial version of Voltaic. It converts the video fine, but the sound is all messed up. I don't see what else I can do any different within the program to correct this. Can you recommend a program that converts avchd properly?

This is a lot more confusing than I thought. I have to look into Pinnacle next to see if that converts. It would be nice if it did because I think I might be able to edit movies with this program (but am a tad unsure). In any case, if it does all this I'll be buying it.

Thanks so much.

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avchd converter
by nichhit25 Aug 23, 2009 12:11PM PDT

I have been using pavtube hd video converter for some time, and it makes audio and video match very well, do not have the problem you mentioned "the sound is all messed up", i find it by google, you can also have a try.hope it helps.

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GOOGLE FORST
by Emilio321 Aug 3, 2009 1:44PM PDT

I always consult the goole first, if google does not work, I have to turn to experts for help...

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HD movies
by hjfok Aug 5, 2009 6:37AM PDT

If you have Mac, then try iMovie HD (the '08 and '09 versions should support it). Also make sure you have the latest Quicktime version.

The Pinnacle studio v12 Ultimate should also work.

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avchd lite
by raccoongirl Aug 5, 2009 7:57AM PDT

Thanks. I don't have a mac. I looked into Pinnacle but they actually say on their website that their latest version doesn't support avchd lite. Maybe they updated their program? That would be nice.

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AVCHD Lite
by hjfok Aug 5, 2009 1:26PM PDT

Sorry, this format is new (only Panasonic) and not compatible with a lot of editing programs.

I just know that Apple iMovie '08 and '09 have updates that can edit this format. VoltaicHD support this format but you are not happy with its performance. Pinnacle and Adobe will not work. Not sure about Sony Vegas.

Sorry, can't help you much. You may have to wait for more updated softwares to deal with this format. Good luck!

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avchd lite help
by raccoongirl Aug 5, 2009 11:45PM PDT

Thanks for this information. I sort of thought this format was so new that the software hadn't caught up yet.

I'm still hoping I can get Votair to work. One of their reps has been emailing me and helping me through the problem.

I also have finally been able to get the prgram that came with the camera to make a dvd. It's a bit choppy so I plan to fool with the setting some more to see if I can work through that.

I really appreciate all the info and guidance provided here. This was all new to me and this forum has been wonderful. Thanks!

Melissa

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Give this a try
by Xanun.com Aug 7, 2009 3:08PM PDT

I found something that could help you, you might want to try the trial version before purchasing:

http://www.avchdconverter.org/

hope that helps and please let me know if it works for you or not.

Hope that helps,

Xanun.

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Switch Format
by ssoler7 Aug 12, 2009 4:45AM PDT

Hi,

Just switch from AVCHD lite to motion JPEG in the menu. I have the same camera and its great!

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Can't Switch Format
by ssoler7 Aug 12, 2009 4:50AM PDT

Sorry, My answer above didn't help. I should have read your post more carefully. You can't change to JPEG after the fact. I didn't realize you have existing video footage. Sorry!

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switch format
by raccoongirl Aug 15, 2009 8:44AM PDT

Thanks for your reply. We realized once we were home from Africa that we should have switched the format. At least now we know. It's just been a bummer trying to convert all the movies we took.

I've found the best way is through the photo fun program that came with the camera. It's not perfect by any means, but the best so far.

Melissa

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A Note from the Moderator
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Sep 8, 2009 12:39AM PDT

A message that was at this location has been deleted.
It was an advertisement for a banned website.

So don't post it again Carl..........

..
.

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AVCHD Converter
by popster70 Sep 13, 2009 3:41PM PDT
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I found the solution
by spideymd Jan 16, 2010 4:50PM PST

I have a Panasonic Lumix ZS3 and a mac. The solution took me a while to find, but it is there and it is easy. If you just shot video in AVCHD format, put the SD card in your mac (directly or with a card reader). Use iMovie 09 --> File --->Import from Camera. A new window opens up with the built in isight. In the bottom left, change the "camera" to the card and you are all set.

If you have just saved .mts files on your harddrive, I'm not sure what to do. On the other hand, if you archived the AVCHD directory (in entirety) on the card, this is what I did: I replaced the AVCHD directory on my SD card with the AVCHD folder I previously archived. I was then able to import the video. I don't know of a way to import from the hard drive. Good luck.

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AVCHD Editor/Converter
by BHShaman Feb 21, 2010 11:46PM PST
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Win7 works now too
by BHShaman Feb 22, 2010 12:30AM PST

Win7 works for AVCHD now too.

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This Thread is Now Locked - by the Moderator
by snapshot2 Forum moderator Jun 15, 2010 12:35AM PDT

This thread is starting to attract advertisers.
Advertising is not permitted on this Forum.
Two advertisements have been deleted.
This thread has been locked.

Snapshot2
The Forum Moderator

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avchd lite
by lakwatsero Jun 24, 2010 3:46AM PDT

i will be buying a panasonic ts2 and would like to ask you if you were able to find a converter for your camera already?

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