entry level camcorder that records highly compressed standard definition video to flash memory to .MOD files.
I have a Panasonic SDR-S50 camcorder which I got in December 2010. It came bundled with VideoCam Suite 3.0.
Unfortunately, since Panasonic in their wisdom decided to use their own proprietory file format, I am required to use VideoCam Suite 3.0. However, for some reason I cannot fathom, it will not see any of the video files recorded on to the SDHC card in the camera.
I have tried making sure the VideoCam software is set to PAL, as the camera is a UK model. I have tried reading the files off the card via the card reader inbuilt into my laptop. I have tried reading from the card while still in the camcorder. No matter what, VideoCam 3.0 simply will not see any of the files recorded by the camcorder.
The files are definitely there - I can play them on the camcorder itself, just not play them on anything else. I can also copy them using Windows Explorer, but of course, since Panasonic's file format won't work with any of the usual players, I now have movies I cannot watch.
I have been through the instruction manuals (no help), there is no online support for Panasonic (thanks guys) and I cannot find any help anywhere. I am loathe to have to mess about finding conversion software, and ultimately, why on earth should I - if Panasonic cannot make their own software work, I am now tempted to send the whole thing back and leave plenty of unpleasant reviews about their hopeless software.
What do I need to do to make this thing work?
Any help gratefully received.

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