If you have AVCHD files on your Mac computer, you'd better convert AVCHD files to MP4 for easy sharing or playing on your mobile devices. Take a look at the detailed guide below. You should first download and install Wondershare UniConverter on your Mac. Step 1 Launch Wondershare UniConverter and import AVCHD files. Free download the professionalAVCHD to HandBrake Converter and HandBrake Alternative - Avdshare Video Converter (for Windows, for Mac), install and then launch it, the following interface will pop up. Step 1 Upload AVCHD file Click the'Add file' button to allow AVCHD file import to this AVCHD to HandBrake converter.
Last updated Mar 26, 2020，by Leo Standy
- Onlineconverterfree.com is a free Panasonic AVCHD video converter tool. You can choose your file, add it in the online software and start converting the file. Users can upload files from their computer, Drobox, and Google Drive. It supports more than 200 formats.
- This AVCHD converter Mac OS free tool supports converting your AVCHD videos to MOV, AVI, and MP4 format in decent quality. In addition to these formats, the conversion to specific devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMovie, Apple TV, and Blackberry is also supported.
“I’m a travel enthusiast. I keen on capturing beautiful scenes with my Sony camcorder. Now, I have a problem that I want to edit my Sony video on Mac computer. When I loaded the video into iMovie, the iMovie can’t open it. So, what’s the reason and how to solve this problem? Anyone can introduce me an AVCHD Converter on macOS?” Bob
AVCHD (Advanced Video Codec High Definition) is a popular and default video format for many camcorders, such as Canon, Sony, Panasonic camcorders. This file format is generated through digital or HD cameras in the form of the .mts file extension.
It uses the MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 standard, supporting a variety of standard, high definition, and stereoscopic (3D) video resolutions. Due to this feature, AVCHD cannot be played on most devices: the computer, iOS/Android phones, DVDs, Apple TV, PSP / PS3, Xbox 360, iRiver and other external players.
How to solve the problem? Here are 2 ways.
- The reason the device mentioned above cannot play AVCHD is the lack of AVCHD video decoding. In other words, we just need to find video playback software that can interpret AVCHD. For example, VLC player or Aiseesoft Blu-ray Player. [If you use macOS 10.8 (Mountain Lion) or later, then the supplied QuickTime Player can play AVCHD files too.]
- If you want to play AVCHD on your phone or edit AVCHD with iMovie, a better option is to convert AVCHD to a format compatible with these devices, such as MP4, MKV, MOV or other wanted formats…
In the next part, I will mainly focus on the second way. Here is the detail information about convert AVCHD to any video format on Mac. Keep reading to find more information.
How to Convert AVCHD with the Best AVCHD Video Converter for Mac
File Converter For Mac Free
First of all, we need to transfer the AVCHD video from the camcorder to the Mac computer.
Step 1 Connect the configured data cable of the camera to the USB interface of the computer.
Step 2 Then turn on the camera power switch.
Step 3 You will see the USB mode words on the camera display. Wait for a second, after the successful connection, click the camera memory card on the computer. Find the PRIVATE folder and select the AVCHD folder.
Step 4 Just copy the required information in the AVCHD folder to your computer.
By the way, some camcorder record AVCHD files to a removable memory card, you need to access AVCHD video files via a card reader, it’s like reading a USB drive on a computer.
Second, in order to convert ACVHD, the AVCHD video converter is necessary. I want to recommend 2 AVCHD video conversion software for you.
Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate can convert AVCHD files to MP4/MOV/MKV and other video formats. Of course, except AVCHD, it also can convert MP4, MOV, MKV, AVI, MP3, FLAC to other video/audio formats. In other words, it can customize optimized presets for iPhone/iPad/Android phones, Mac/Windows computer.
- It also provides a 30X faster conversion speed than any conventional converter.
- As a photographer, Video post-processing is a common operation. This software can help us edit AVCHD files with cropping, trimming, cutting, merging, adding subtitles/watermarks, etc.
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.
Online converter doesn’t need to be downloaded. As its’ name implies, we only need to upload AVCHD files online and then convert it. It supports a maximum of 200MB video loaded, you can transfer AVCHD from your computer or through a link
Comparison of two software:
| Aiseesoft Video Converter | Online Converter | |
|---|---|---|
| Size Limit | no limit | maximum file size support is 200MB |
| Download the software | yes | no |
| Internet Requirement | can be used with or without network | need to be used with internet |
| Converted Output Destination | store directly on your computer | need to be downloaded from the internet |
| Price | $29.40 | free |
| Edit functions | crop, trim, cut, merge, add subtitles/watermarks, etc. | can’t edit video |
Every coin has two sides, my opinion is that if your file size is small and you only need to convert the AVCHD format, then Online converter is a good choice. But if you have high requirements for the output AVCHD video, Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate will be a better choice. It’s totally clean without a virus.
Third, let’s see steps to convert AVCHD to other formats on Mac.
Step 1: Free download Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate, install and run it, a clear interface will pop up on the Mac.
Get Free Trial via Email for Later Download on ComputerOur product is ONLY available on Windows and Mac OS.Enter your Email Address, We will send you the download links of our products.
Step 2: Upload AVCHD files. You can simply drag and drop the AVCHD files to this program or click the Add File button to upload them.
Step 3: Define the output format. Click Profile drop-down button and select the output format. Here, MP4 is recommended, it can be compatible with most devices.
Step 4: Click the Edit button on the top toolbar. In the pop-up window, you can modify your video, like trim or crop, add special effects, add watermark, add subtitles, etc.
Step 5: Complete AVCHD conversion. Just click the Convert button. This software will automatically convert AVCHD for you. After a little while, you will get the converted file. And then, click the Open File button and you will see the converted file.
by Christine Smith • 2020-10-28 17:33:25 • Proven solutions
AVCHD, which stands for Advanced Video Coding High Definition, was introduced by Sony and Panasonic. It’s a video file format that is the default format on many high-definition video cameras and camcorders. Unfortunately, it is not a widely recognized video format. Users can experience a problem when they try to play the recorded AVCHD video on their Mac OS computers, tablets, or smartphones.
Therefore, to watch the recorded AVCHD video on a range of different devices, most people decide to convert AVCHD files to other common formats, like MP4, to compatible different devices better. This article can find the top 5 AVCHD converters for Mac, including online, free ones and desktop solutions.
Part 1. Best AVCHD Converter for Mac to Convert AVCHD Files Easily
To convert your AVCHD files to a commonly acceptable format like MP4, MOV, and others in high quality, Wondershare UniConverter (originally Wondershare Video Converter Ultimate) works as an excellent program. The versatile program supports over 1000 formats for conversion in lossless quality, and with its batch processing support, you can convert multiple files at a time. The built-in editor supports customizing videos with features like cropping, trimming, cutting, and others. Additional features supported include video compression, video download from more than 10,000 sites, DVD burning, video transfer, etc. The program can be installed on Windows and Mac systems.
Wondershare UniConverter - Best AVCHD Converter for Windows/Mac (Catalina Included)
- Best AVCHD Converter for Mac to convert AVCHD files to MP4/MOV and other 1000+ formats.
- Customize optimized presets for almost all of the devices, including iPhone/iPad/Android phones.
- 30X faster conversion speed than any conventional converters.
- Edit AVCHD files with trimming, cropping, cutting, merging, adding subtitles, etc.
- Burn and customize your DVD with free DVD menu templates and playback on TV.
- Download or record videos from 10,000+ video sharing sites like YouTube.
- Versatile toolbox combines fixing video metadata, GIF maker, video compressor, and screen recorder.
- Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.
How to convert AVCHD on Mac using Wondershare UniConverter
Step 1 Launch Wondershare UniConverter and import AVCHD videos.
Run the AVCHD converter Mac software and load the local files to be converted by clicking on the +Add Files button from the Video Converter tab. Expanding the drop-down options at the +Add Files button will allow adding the videos directly from the connected camcorders and other devices. For video editing, choose the editing icons under the added file thumbnail image.
Step 2 Choose the target format for AVCHD files.
The list of supported video formats can be checked by opening drop-down options at the Output Format tab on the interface's top-right corner. From the Video tab, choose MP4, MOV, or other formats as needed. The option to choose the output resolution is also there.
Step 3 Convert AVCHD on Mac.
The Output tab on the interface can be used for selecting the location to save the converted file. Clicking on the Start All button will finally start convert AVCHD on Mac to any other target format.
Video Tutorial to Convert AVCHD Videos to Any Format on Windows/Mac
If you want to learn more details about convert AVCHD files on Windows/Mac, you can go to How to Convert AVCHD to MP4 Easily >> to learn more.
Part 2. Other Mac AVCHD Converters Review
If you are looking for free AVCHD converters for Mac, listed below are the category's popularly used programs.
1. Wondershare Free Video Converter
This is a free version of the Wondershare software that facilitates converting your AVCHD files to various popular video formats. The process of conversion is fast, and the converted files come with a watermark. Resulting in lossless quality files, the software features a simple interface making the tool apt for all types of users. The AVCHD video converter Mac comes with ads and can be installed on Windows systems as well. Additional features include video downloads from YouTube, DVD burning, video editing, and others.
Pros:
- Easy to install free software
- Supports file conversion in multiple formats
- High-quality output files
Cons:
- The software comes with a watermark.
- Functions limited as compared to the paid version Wondershare UniConverter
2. Any DVD Converter for Mac
This free AVCHD converter Mac tool allows converting your AVCHD videos to MP4, MOV, MKV, and other popular formats. The program's interface is simple, where you are required to load the desired files and choose the target format for the process to initiate. In addition to specific formats, the videos can also be converted to playback devices without any compatibility issues. Additional features include extracting audio from the video files, YouTube video download, merging multiple files, etc.
Pros:
- Free software with a simple interface
- Allows conversion between an array of video and audio formats
- Supports multiple editing features
Cons:
- No option or converting DVD movies to video formats
- In comparison to the paid version, the free tool has limited options.
3. MacX Free AVCHD Video Converter
This AVCHD converter Mac OS free tool supports converting your AVCHD videos to MOV, AVI, and MP4 format in decent quality. In addition to these formats, the conversion to specific devices like iPhone, iPad, iPod, iMovie, Apple TV, and Blackberry is also supported. The software also supports video editing features like trimming, cropping, merging, and others. The conversion process takes at high speed, and the tool comes with a user-friendly interface.
Pros:
Any Video Converter Mac Free
- Supports converting videos to MP4, MOV, AVI, and several devices
- Fast conversion speed
- Simple interface with decent quality output files
- Allows creating a photo slideshow
Cons:
- Limited output format support
- Limited additional features
- Does not support Windows system
4. Online converter AVCHD to MP4
If you are looking for a solution to converting AVCHD on Mac without installing third-party software, an online tool can be used. One such popularly used program is Online Converter that requires no software installation and works from the browser window. A maximum of 200MB video from your computer or through a link can be added to the conversion process's program interface. The option to cut the video and change the frame size is also available.
Pros:
- Need no software download or installation
- Allows adding local and online files
- Option to cut the video and also change the frame size
Cons:
- The maximum file size support is 200MB.
- Internet-dependent
- Converted file needed to be downloaded
In most cases, people will first try and look for free software, but it’s not always a good option. If you wish a reliable software, you’ll have to decide on paid versions.
With free video converters, both online and desktop versions, you will save money but lose the quality of the video and time. These programs often have bugs and won’t be able to perform nearly as well as paid versions. They’re also really slow and damage the original quality of the file. Even if you want to risk your files, most of these programs don’t offer much in terms of the file size - you can only convert small files, which is rarely the case with videos.
Paid video converters, on the other hand, offer reliable and quality service. Your original file quality will be protected, and you’ll have no limit regarding the file size or with choosing formats; most of them have a lot of different video formats to choose from. Another advantage is that paid converters offer additional useful features that can take care of everything video-related in one place, from converting to editing and more. Just FREE DOWNLOAD Wondershare UniConverter and follow the steps in Part 1 to convert your AVCHD files easily on Mac.