Working with AVCHD cameras and programs

[CJLeslie21]

Ill try to make this short. Im kind of an amateur and need some guidance in the world of AVCHD.

I film in AVCHD. So if I use a program like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X do I need a conversion program for AVCHD?

I have the program TOAST on my computer. Do I need to convert the video through Toast before it can be edited on one of those programs like Adobe Premiere?

Bottom line is, Im trying to figure out the easiest way to edit the video without having to go through a bunch of programs and I'm Not on a budget so whats the best program option for me? Thanks and sorry for the ignorance!

Im looking to learn a professional program so any suggestions would be great thanks

[Baldrick]

Final Cut Pro -> https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3132206?start=180&tstart=0 .

[poisondeathray]

FCPX can edit AVCHD natively , FCP7 and below cannot (log & transfer, encode to prores)

Premiere Pro had native AVCHD support since CS4

[CJLeslie21]

Perfect, thanks poisondeathray, so do you have experience with either of those programs and prefer one to the other? I have read mixed reviews about both

[poisondeathray]

Yes I've used both. They are both fine , each has it's own little quirks . FCPX is probably easier to use if you're new to editing . If you're on a Mac, get FCPX, Premiere doesn't run as well on a Mac compared to PC (has to do with drivers and graphics cards) . FCPX is less expensive as well

I primarily use Adobe because of the tight integration with other Adobe applications in the suite (photoshop, after effects, audition, encore)

[CJLeslie21]

Perfect thank you, Ill look more into FCPX. Ive heard a lot from reviewers about FCPX crashing, have you experienced that? Im hoping thats just issues with specific FCPX users computers

[poisondeathray]

I've never experienced a crash with it (but then again I haven't used it much)