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6 Working with AVCHD
The Log and Transfer window allows you to transfer AVCHD
footage from file-based camcorders.
This chapter covers the following:
 About AVCHD (p. 109)
 AVCHD Formats Supported by Final Cut Pro (p. 109)
 Working with AVCHD in Final Cut Pro (p. 110)
 AVCHD Format Specifications (p. 112)
About AVCHD
AVCHD is an HD video format jointly developed by Sony and Panasonic. AVCHD uses
Advanced Video Coding (AVC) compression (also known as MPEG-4 part 10 or H.264) to
achieve high-quality images and low data rates. AVCHD camcorders record on a variety
of file-based media, including 80 mm DVDs, hard disks, and flash memory (such as
Secure Digital cards and memory sticks).
The AVCHD specification allows most SD and HD dimensions and frame rates, though
each camcorder usually supports only a few formats. The AVCHD color sample ratio is
4:2:0, with 8 bits per sample. Audio can be recorded in 5.1-channel surround sound
with Dolby Digital (AC-3) compression or up to 7.1-channel surround sound
(uncompressed). Some camcorders, such as the Panasonic HDC-SD5 camcorder, use a
two-channel built-in microphone.
AVCHD Formats Supported by Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro does not have native editing support for AVCHD footage. However, the
Log and Transfer window automatically transcodes AVCHD footage to the
Apple ProRes 422 codec or the Apple Intermediate Codec during transfer.
Important: You cannot export footage back to the AVCHD format from Final Cut Pro.