How do I get my AVCHD into my computer so I can use MovieMaker?

[sisuparker]

Hi,

I have a Panasonic camcorder that uses AVCHD. I hooked it up to my computer and discovered that it only transfers still pictures, not video.

So, I have video on one of those little disks, which I can't use in my laptop so I can copy the disk into my computer so I can work with the video.

What hardware plays these little disks that would be hooked up to my computer so I can copy the video into my computer so I can use MovieMaker?

Would the video even be playable in MovieMaker and online for YouTube?

Did I make a mistake in buying something that uses AVCHD because it won't go into my computer? If that is true, what kind of camcorder or format could record to a drive or DVD that can the files into my computer and manipulate in MovieMaker?

I appreciate your help.

Eileen.

[neomaine]

sisuparker,

We'll need the model of the camcorder to know what there are for connectivity options. It'll also help to understand what your working with if you can provide more details with your laptop and computer setup.

Note: Why do you go to your laptop before going to your computer?

[sisuparker]

Thank you for replying,

My camcorder is a Panasonic HDC-3X1

I use my laptop because it is super fast. My computer is bogged down and slow, but if necessary, I can use my computer. My laptop has Windows Vista and moviemaker. My computer is XP with no moviemaker.

I appreciate your help.

[minidv2dvd]

the cam records video to sd memory card. if your laptop doesn't have a built in card reader you can buy a usb plug-in reader.

like this - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820208470

[sisuparker]

I'm going to try recording to the SD card in the camera instead of the small disk and see if that works. Thank you!

[edDV]

Vista Movie Maker doesn't support AVCHD format.

[sisuparker]

Darn. So I need to look up what formats Movie Maker takes and buy a camera that matches that.

I have a camcorder for sale then.

Thanks for letting me know.

[aedipuss]

there are other choices for video editing. you might check vegas movie studio platinium.

[edDV]

Darn. So I need to look up what formats Movie Maker takes and buy a camera that matches that.

I have a camcorder for sale then.

Thanks for letting me know.

Vista Premium Movie Maker added some support for HDV but it isn't really suited to HD editing.

What are your computer specs? AVCHD takes major CPU grunt.

[sisuparker]

I don't know my computer specs. I bought the fastest laptop I could--bigger processor and all that.

If I somehow manage to figure out how to get the AVCHD into my computer, will it even play on YouTube?

At this point, I am thinking that I want a camera that records, hooks up to a computer, and puts the recordings into the computer. Like my digital camera does.

I want the movies I make to be compatible with Vista Movie Maker and YouTube.

Is there a camcorder that can do this--make it simple? Or, do they all require specialized knowledge?

I'm sorry. I'm a little frustrated with my camera now and kicking myself because I bought the wrong type of camera.

[edDV]

Do you need high definition?

Otherwise get an SD MiniDV* for image quality or an SD MPeg2 camcorder for simple file transfer.

* Your laptop would require an IEEE-1394 (Firewire) port.

[sisuparker]

Thank you! You're so helpful.

That's what I'm going to do.

Eileen.

[lordsmurf]

Read this: http://www.tvpreservation.com/forum/showthread.php/which-new-video-9510.html