How to make Sony HDR-SR1 MTS footages editable in Final Cut Express?

If you are Mac fan, Sony Handycam is not a best choice when choosing a camcorder for purchase. Basically, the HD camcorders shoot footages in AVC/ H.264 MTS format, which is not editable in most non-linear editing software. Although the latest version of Sony Vegas (published by Sony) is capable of editing MTS format, it is only designed to run on Windows Platform. Mac users have to figure out another way to settle it down. Videographers would see FCP or FCS as useful tool for audio and video editing, for amateurs who prefer to do some simple editing to their HD footages, FCE (Final Cut Express) is a better choice. This guide is written for Mac users that meet difficulties in importing Sony HDR-SR MTS footages to FCE. Why should the MTS files can not be loaded in FCE while Apple made it clearly that the Final Cut Express 4 work with AVCHD files? Surely FCE4 handles AVCHD footages shot in 1280*720 and 1440*1080. So when your footages are shot in 1920*1080, you need to convert the MTS to editable format for FCE. Hope the following guide helps.

Download the trail version of Pavtube MTS/ M2TS Converter for Mac from here if you would like to give it a shoot. The trial version converts videos with watermark on the screen and you are not advised to test with smaller video files in order to save time.

Step one. Run Pavtube MTS/ M2TS Converter for Mac. Click ‘Add’ button, browse to the AVCHD MTS footages and load them to the converter. You can check the files and take thumbnails in Preview window.

Step two. Select the items to be converted, and click on ‘Format’ bar to specify output format. FCE compatible formats such as MP4, MOV, MPG, DV, AVI can be found in the profile list. For instance, you could follow HD Video-> MOV HD Video (*.mov).

Step three. Click the ‘Settings’ button and set proper video/ audio parameters. My advice is to set the video size, bitrate and fame rate to be exactly as the footages so that you will suffer least quality degradation. For example, when the video is shot at 1920*1080, 5mbps, 30fps, you could set Size-1920*1080, Bitrate-original, Frame rate-30. If you would like to use default settings, simply skip this step.

Step four. Click the ‘Browse’ button next to the Export to field and select a location on your HDD for the output video file.

Step five. Click the ‘Convert’ button to start converting MTS files for FCE.

After conversion you can click the ‘Open’ button to locate converted video files, and edit the video footages for playback on DVD-Video players connected to your TV, as well as on Mac.

Sony AVCHD camcorder video converter for iMovie

AVCHD was announced in 2006 primarily for use in high definition consumer camcorders. It is a file-based format that can be recorded onto DVD discs, hard disk drives, non-removable solid-state memory and removable flash memory.

AVCHD has been designed to be compatible with Blu-ray Disc format and can be authored without re-encoding on Blu-ray or DVD discs, though not all Blu-ray Disc players are compatible with AVCHD video authored on DVD media, a format known as AVCHD disc.

iMovie is a popular video edit software provided by Apple on Mac OS X. It helps you turn ordinary home videos into captivating Hollywood-stle trailers that are fun to watch and share. However, it’s non-available to directly import Sony AVCHD videos into iMovie for editing. We recommend our Sony AVCHD camcorder video converter for turning recorded video into iMovie-supported format. Here are steps following for converting:

1. Run PavtubeAVCHD to iMovie Converter for Mac and add your previously shot AVCHD video to the workspace.

2. Set the output profile to “iMovie” or manually choose the parameter that is available. The MOV format in H.264 codec for example.

3. Set exporting directory and start converting. After you finish, import the converted file to iMovie as a new event. Then you may enhance your movie with wonderful effects now.

Sony AVCHD camcorder video converter for Sony Vegas

AVCHD was announced in 2006 primarily for use in high definition consumer camcorders. It is a file-based format that can be recorded onto DVD discs, hard disk drives, non-removable solid-state memory and removable flash memory.

AVCHD has been designed to be compatible with Blu-ray Disc format and can be authored without re-encoding on Blu-ray or DVD discs, though not all Blu-ray Disc players are compatible with AVCHD video authored on DVD media, a format known as AVCHD disc.

Sony Vegas is a professional non-linear editing system run by Sony Creative Software. Vegas features real-time multitrack video and audio editing on unlimited tracks, resolution-independent video sequencing, complex effects and compositing tools. It’s designed for Microsoft Windows XP (XP x64 not supported) , Vista and 7. For better performance, we recommend converting the recorded videos to a certain format via Pavtube Video Converter before editing in Sony Vegas. Here are steps following for converting:

1. Run Pavtube Video Converter for Mac and add your previously shot AVCHD video to the workspace.

2. Set the output profile to “Adobe Premiere/Sony Vegas” or manually choose the parameter that is available. The MP4 or AVI format in H.264 codec for example.

3. Set exporting directory and start converting. After you finish, import the converted file to Sony Vegas. Continue to produce your own movies now!

From CES,  Sony announces 3 consumer AVCHD camcorders that have a built-in video projector! They are HDR-PJ50V, HDR-PJ30V, HDR-PJ10. European versions on sony.co.uk: HDR-PJ30VE, HDR-PJ10E.

Coupled with an enhanced speaker system, the new Handycam HDR-PJ series sounds like it might offer some appealing capabilities for users who want a better way to share their videos without huddling around a smallish LCD. The projector can throw an image up to 60 inches. The built-in projector might be fun to watch the video of your kids playing while being away from home, but it’s only 640 x 360 and these camcorders optical specs are a bit crippled compared to the HDR-CX560V and HDR-CX700V. It’s like Sony just took the less-performing HDR-CX360V and added LED projectors on top of it, with either 16GB / 32GB Flash memory or a hard drive.

All 3 of them with 1/4″ (4.5mm) “Exmor R” CMOS Sensor, small 30mm filter diameter, 29.8mm focal length (35mm equivalent) at widest angle, optical stabilization, recording AVCHD up to 28Mbps (60p) or 24Mbps (24p 60i). 12x optical zoom (HDR-PJ50V / HDR-PJ30V) or 30x (HDR-PJ10).

The HDR-PJ50V ($1,000) and HDR-PJ30V ($950) differ primarily by storage: the PJ50V incorporates a 220GB hard drive, while the PJ30V has 32GB flash memory. They both include a 12x zoom lens, have a built-in GPS receiver for geotagging and a 3-inch LCD.

The lower-end PJ10 ($700) has 16GB memory, lacks the GPS and has a longer 30x zoom lens, but the lens isn’t one of Sony’s better G series models. All three camcorders offer manual controls, headphone and mic jacks, and have a built-in USB cable with onboard software.

While the PJ50V ships in April, the other two will be available in March.

Sony’s Handycam DCR-SR68 (and larger-capacity SR88) offers up ample storage and a megazoom lens at a reasonable price; one look at the standard-definition video, though, and you might regret not spending a bit more for an HD model.

Reviewed by Joshua Goldman(Cnet.com)

The good: Simple operation; 60x zoom lens; 80GB hard drive; small.

The bad: Soft, noisy video; noticeable fringing on subjects; image stabilization is electronic only; no mic or headphone jacks.

The bottom line: Sony’s Handycam DCR-SR68 (and larger-capacity SR88) offers up ample storage and a megazoom lens at a reasonable price; one look at the standard-definition video, though, and you might regret not spending a bit more for an HD model.

Review:

The Handycam DCR-SR68 is Sony’s entry-level hard-drive-based standard-definition camcorder. The main attractions are its small size, large storage capacity, and megazoom lens, all at a sub-$350 price. It’s also fairly easy to use out of the box; despite what is seemingly a never-ending menu system, there aren’t a lot of shooting options. However, as with most camcorders in its class, the video results are mediocre–especially if you’re watching them full screen on a large HDTV or are used to the detail of high-definition content.

If you’re not terribly concerned with video quality and want a reasonably priced camcorder that’s easy to use, has a megazoom lens, and can fit in a coat pocket, this Sony is worth checking out. If 80GB of storage isn’t enough for you, spend $50 more on the DCR-SR88, which is identical to the SR68, but has a 120GB hard drive.

Available in blue, silver, and red versions, the SR68/SR88 (the SR88 is silver only) is an attractive little camcorder. Its physical controls are textbook camcorder design with a start/stop button at the back and zoom rocker up top in front of a shutter release for snapshots in Photo mode. The whole package is roughly the size of a soda can. The hand strap is comfortable if a little low and because hard drives have become so small and light, there’s barely a bump encasing it, making the body mostly lens. On the top left of the hard drive is a small door hiding a power input. The battery gets charged while attached to the camcorder.

The battery juts from the back; above it is a button for switching between photo and video modes. Below the battery on the bottom of the camcorder is a card slot that supports both Memory Stick Pro Duo and SD/SDHC cards. Up front below the lens is a small door hiding a proprietary AV output; a composite cable is included, but an S-Video cable is available. A slider on the right side of the lens opens and closes the lens cover; using it once your hand is under the strap is awkward.

Flip open the touch-screen display (there is no viewfinder), and you’ll find two rows of buttons in the body cavity for power; backlight compensation; direct-to-DVD recording using Sony’s $149 VRD-P1 DVDirect DVD burner; turning on and off an LED lamp under the lens; and changing over to Playback mode. The last of the I/O ports are in this cavity, too: an uncovered Mini-USB port.

The touch screen is nice and sharp compared to other models in its class. On the left edge of the screen there are virtual buttons for controlling the zoom lens and starting and stopping recordings; very helpful if you’re shooting at a low angle or on a tripod. The touch-based menu system is good for those who don’t make a lot of changes. In other words, it’s responsive, but because all of the options are in one long row, it can feel like the list goes on forever. At least Sony lets you configure an opening menu screen with six items you frequently adjust.

How to transfer Sony DCR SR68 MTS files to MOV and import to Final Cut for edting

Sony today introduced two new alpha cameras (models SLT-A55V and SLT-A33) that adopt Sony’s newly-developed Translucent Mirror Technology, which achieves the highest-level of auto focus speed for both still image and movie shooting. The new Sony digital SLR camera models offer continuous phase detect AF during 10 fps high-speed shooting and full HD movie shooting.

Both capable of shooting full HD video, the A55 has 16.2MP and the A33 14.2mp. The two models also share a 3-inch free-angle LCD between them, along with the usual Sony camera features of 3D Sweep Panorama (a personal favorite of mine), Auto HDR and multi-frame noise reduction.

Check out the details below for the A55 and A33, which are on sale in October and September for $750 and $650 respectively for bodies-only, and $850 and $750 for the bodies plus 18-55mm zoom lens.

Full-resolution shooting at up to 10fps with precise AF tracking
Ground-breaking Translucent Mirror Technology allows high-speed shooting with the a55 at up to 10fps (a33: 7fps) in Continuous Priority AE mode. This represents the world’s fastest burst continuous AF shooting performance of any interchangeable lens camera with an APS-C size sensor.

A newly developed 15-point phase-detection autofocus system assures rapid, accurate AF tracking, keeping even moving subjects in sharp focus during continuous shooting. This enables the a55 and a33 to capture split-second action or fleeting nuances of expression with portrait subjects.

World’s first Quick AF Full HD movie shooting ¹
The large sensor size Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor inside both cameras lets photographers capture stunning, cinematic HD video footage with beautiful background defocus (bokeh) effects.

The a55 and a33 also mark the debut of Quick AF Full HD movie shooting. Translucent Mirror Technology enables AVCHD 1080i video shooting with smooth, precise phase detection AF tracking of moving subjects. Real-time video image preview is now possible via the viewfinder – in contrast with DSLR cameras where the raised mirror prevents light from reaching the optical viewfinder during video shooting.

Effortless composition and image viewing
The a55 and a33 enable exciting new possibilities for framing and viewing highest-quality video and still images. Already prized by step-up DSLR users and enthusiasts alike, Sony’s Quick AF Live View system is now more effective than ever. High-resolution live image preview is teamed with uncompromised phase detection AF performance – even with rapidly-moving subjects.

Tilting and swivelling freely (to maximum 270 degrees) for comfortable framing at any shooting angle, the bright 7.5 cm (3.0″) (16:9) Xtra Fine LCD offers superb detail and contrast.

There’s also a precision electronic viewfinder with 1.15 million dot resolution that delivers a clear, bright image with 100% frame coverage. Adjustments to exposure, depth of field and colour can be previewed instantly, either in the viewfinder or on the LCD. Effortless composition is aided further by switchable grid line in the finder and LCD screen, plus a new digital levelling gauge.

Enriched creative possibilities
The a55 and a33 are compatible with the full range of over 30 A-mount interchangeable lenses and offer SteadyShot INSIDE. This in-body image stabilisation system provides up to 4 exposure steps of anti-shake correction when shooting handheld.

Both cameras also feature 3D Sweep Panorama, allowing photographers to capture detail-packed extra-wide panoramas with a huge field of view. 3D panoramas can be enjoyed on any compatible 3D HD television. The SLT-A55 is also the first ? camera by Sony with integrated GPS, allowing automatic geo-tagging of images and video clips.

The new-generation Exmor™ APS HD CMOS Sensor inside both cameras supports a sophisticated range of digital image compositing and processing functions. This gives even greater artistic possibilities to beginners and photo enthusiasts alike.

Auto HDR is now refined further compared with previous-generation ? models. Data from a burst of three frames at bracketed exposure values is automatically combined, creating a single image with extended highlight and shadow detail Multi-frame Noise Reduction ‘stacks’ a high-speed burst of six frames, creating a single low-noise exposure that boosts effective sensitivity as high as ISO 25600.

The new cameras accept both Memory Stick PRO Duo™ (including Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo™) and SD (including both SDHC and SDXC formats) media (all sold separately).  Memory Stick PRO-HG Duo HX 30MB per second transfer rate offers the best performance during cameras’ continuous shooting mode or when transferring the data to another media.

The new a55 and a33 Single Lens Translucent mirror cameras by Sony are available from September 2010.

January 6, 2010 – Sony announced a slew of new standard definition camcorders with similar processing and optics, but varying media types and capacities. The hard disc drive DCR-SR68 and DCR-SR88 offer 80GB and 120GB capacities, the DCR-SX44 and DCR-SX63 have 4GB and 16GB of internal flash memory, and the DCR-SX43 records solely to removable memory cards. These five models were announced in conjunction with the high-end DCR-SX83, also unveiled today.

Other than media type and recording capacity, little differentiates these five models. All five record standard definition video in the MPEG-2 format and all five identical lens and sensor systems. The 1/8-inch CCD sensor is substantially smaller and lower resolution than the 1/4-inch Exmor R CMOS found elsewhere in the Sony lineup. This will, undoubtedly, prove to be the largest differentiating factor between these five low-end camcorders and the DCR-SX83.

While the higher resolution SX83 is limited to 25x optical zoom, the smaller sensor of these five models allows for an optical zoom ratio of 60x—the same large zoom ratio found on last year’s standard definition camcorders from Sony.

Though these standard definition camcorders are intended to appeal to more casual consumers, they did receive some of the upgrades present elsewhere in the 2010 Handycam line. A new Intelligent Auto feature will allow the camcorders to more effectively tailor image controls (like shutter speed, aperture, and exposure) to your shooting conditions. We’re particularly intrigued by the “Baby” option, as we can’t imagine what kind of special adjustments the camcorder will make for recording a baby. Intelligent Auto should be of interest to users that shoot primarily in auto mode.

The whole Handycam lineup is also receiving a major upgrade in memory card flexibility, as Sony introduced a new hybrid card slot compatible with both Sony brand Memory Stick PRO Duo cards and standard SD/SDHC cards.

The DCR-SR88 and DCR-SX63 will be silver, while the DCR-SR68, DCR-SX44, and DCR-SX43 will be available in silver, blue, and red. All five are due to be released spring of 2010.

From: http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Five-SD-Sony-Cams-Announced–The-DCR-SR88–DCR-SR68–DCR-SX63–DCR-SX44–and-DCR-SX43-37463.htm·

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The good: It has 1080p and 720p video; 2.5-inch swiveling LCD; one-touch video uploading to YouTube, MySpace, and Facebook; removable lithium ion rechargeable battery; HDMI output; compatible with both OS X and Windows machines; dual memory Stick Duo and SD card slot; 5x optical zoom; capable of focusing on objects close up.

The bad: Relatively large; no HDMI cable included for HD output to HDTVs; no bundled carrying case; Picture Motion Browser Portable software is underwhelming and won’t work on some operating systems.

The bottom line: The Bloggie CM5 isn’t as compact as competing models from Flip Video and Kodak, but it delivers an above-average feature set and video for the money.

So far, Sony has not done too well in the fast growing area of good handheld market dominated by Flip Video camcorder, characterized by designs candy bar camera vertical and prices ranging from $ 150 – $ 250. After a flop with the cam misnamed Net-sharing NSC-GC1 few years ago, he redubbed its line of pocket camcorders for misnamed as “Webbie.” This transfer has fallen flat, and now he has now moved a little less badly named “Bloggie” and referred the specimen to the pistol grip design of yesteryear, who remains popular with small camcorders zoom companies like Sanyo and Aiptek. Although redesigned its predecessor, Webbie offer HD-CM1 MHS, the MHS Bloggie HD-CM5 a similar set of features: 1080p video capture, 5x optical zoom, a swiveling 2.5-inch widescreen LCD, and a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that is removable. It adds a mini HDMI connector and the ability to charge via the USB connection.

Weighing 6.9 ounces and measuring 4 inches high by 2.8 inches wide by 1.6 inches deep, Sony suits in big, loose, pockets like cargo pants pocket, but it is more easy bag pocket friendly. Sony is also smaller in MHS-PM5 which updates the PM1, we examined last year.

Both camcorders record 1920 x1 Bloggie true resolution 0.080 pixel HD H.264 recorded as compressed MPEG-4 support SDHC and Memory Stick Duo, add a new 720p 60fps, and can now start the Picture Motion Browser Portable software for Mac .

Overall, we prefer the smaller designs Flip camcorder-style, but goes has its advantages. Firstly, there is a significant difference between digital zoom models in paper and 5x optical zoom, click here. The digital zoom is practically useless because the degradation of the image when you zoom. And while the CM5 optical zoom is not stellar and the autofocus can be slow when you zoom, the image is relatively strong. You must keep your hand ultrasteady at higher zoom levels, however, or your video is very fragile.

This model can do something much better than the Flip camcorders: it can focus on objects as close as about 2 inches. Even Zi8 Kodak can be as close as about 6 inches in macro mode. You can really tight, almost macro-like shots of objects, which may be important for those who want to show close-ups of product details – or people.

Interestingly, in 1080 or 60 720 frames per second capture settings that you can not initiate Sony Steady Shot electronic image stabilizer. It only becomes an option when shooting in 720p at 30 frames per second or lower resolution of 640 x 480 mode. The video looked better without the impact, however, less nervous and less artifacts. For a rock solid image, it obviously helps to use a monopod or tripod, and if you are so inclined to use one, there is a threaded tripod mounting on the bottom of the device.

Overall, we found the image quality to be decent, doing well compared to the “standard” set by the Flip Mino and Ultra HD. The color is very warm and saturated, but the video is clear and the camera exposure rule reasonably fast autofocus responds more slowly, though. Like most models, it underexposes chronic backlit subjects. There is some noise and softness when shooting in low light, and it seems that the CM5 drops from time to time the shutter until it fits, resulting in episodes short idle. But the video seems solid.

Navigating the CM5 is fairly simple, so beginners will have the shooters to read the document memory at startup to get a handle on full settings, Flip camcorders are easier to use, but it did not almost play with the settings, some people prefer. To put the camcorder, you just open the LCD. By pressing a menu button, options such as resolution image stabilization and face detection (which tells the camera to find faces and focus on them). Skip to capture still images (5 megapixel), and opt either to enable features such as face detection.

Sony has signed an agreement with FIFA, after the 2010 World Cup in South Africa will be included in 3D games. Up to 25 lots should be chosen in particular Sony added 3D cameras to viewers in these games in three dimensions. Now, Sony has just announced its intention to  www.slashcam.de/news/single/Sony–2013-chaque second-TV-with-3D – 8036.html (2013 half of all TVs sold will be capable 3D) This agreement represents an important step in that direction. Such a major public event like the World Cup will also be the opener of the home in 3D and to stimulate new sales incentives to persuade consumers the right equipment (3D capable Fernsher or projector and Blu- ray) at home. The forecasts are optimistic: Media Screen Digest forecast Forschungungsinstituts 2013 in Europe, which sold 13.6 million TVs are. Sony will not be limited only to television in 2010, a selection of compatible products such as 3D Blu-ray player, VAIO notebooks and PlayStation 3, and must appear to be recalibrated. The lack of existing infrastructure, 3D and 3D-enabled devices, the 3D content to specific events are shown. In seven cities around the world (Berlin, London, Mexico City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome and Sydney) will host public viewing events – the so-called (sponsored) International FIFA Fan Fest. There the public on 3D displays Sony Highlight Trailer Cup 3D world will be able to see. And even before the official presentation of the 3D film for the World Cup will be able to see the world’s consumers in stores that sell Sony products (including Sony stores), 3D promotional trailer for the film. Not clear, however, in the press release, how and by whom will appreciate the recorded football games to 25 in 3D – at least nothing is sent without the necessary infrastructure in 3D. And the events seem trailer must be shown in 3D, which may well be that some special 3D-TV, which looked with shutter glasses reflect the appropriate spatial impression.

Sony is developing a 3D camera that will give consumers the opportunity to create their own 3D content, the head of Sony digital imaging unit Affairs said Thursday.

The camera, which Sony keeps details secret, are part of a family of products he will use to try to persuade users to adopt 3D technology.

“I do not know the details but we are currently developing a type of product in 3D,” said Masashi Imamura, president of Sony’s personal imaging and solid business group, in an interview on the sidelines of Camera and Photo Imaging Expo in Yokohama.

Driven by a belief that 3D is the next big thing in television, Sony is lagging behind technology dramatically and CEO Howard Stringer pushes the entire company to develop complementary products.

Sony’s first 3D televisions have been launched earlier this week and are payable on worldwide sales in June At about the same time, it plans to release an update for the PlayStation 3 will add support for 3D games and Blu-ray Disc. Sony also said it is working on a Vaio laptop with 3D capability.

The professional division of content creation has already developed 3D television cameras and satellite trucks and works with broadcasters about the launch of 3D chains. He squints the next World Cup as a means of promoting the film in 3D and using technology.

The 3D camera under development would fill a missing piece in the chain of content by enabling consumers to make their own 3D images and movies.

Several competitors are also pursuing the technology 3D camera. Panasonic has recently demonstrated a digital video camera that can record movies in 3D and Fujifilm is already selling a camera that can take pictures in 3D and video.

The FinePix Real 3D W1 went on sale last year and has two goals and two image sensors 10 megapixels. When the trigger is pressed each one takes a picture of a scene from a slightly different perspective, and the camera, then store them in the format MP for photos and 3D-AVI format for movies.