Is Panasonic HD video format compatible with Video Studio

[ianincrete]

I'm thinking of upgrading my camcorder to a Panasonic X900 but I read a very thorough review of an earlier version, I think the X700, from 2010, which said that the HD file format used by Panasonic wouldn't work in the three video editing programs they tried. These included Final Cut and Adobe Premiere. That was two years ago. Their review of the X900 doesn't mention whether or not the video formats can now be edited in popular video editing programs. It seems insane to me for Panasonic to produce high end cameras whose video cannot be edited in video editing programs. Only people wanting to use such programs would buy such a high end camcorder. So does anyone know if Video Studio has been able to incorporate the Panasonic HD formats since 2010 so that I can edit my video files. If not, then I'm going to have to go for a different brand of camcorder.

[pvreditor]

That looks like a nice camera! Although I have not used it, the Panasonic X900 uses AVCHD as its recording format. AVCHD has worked perfectly for me with VideoStudio x4. There were some mysterious glitches when I rendered AVCHD video using VS x2 and x3, but version x4 completely fixed that and AVCHD now renders perfectly for me. Without trying the Panasonic X900, I can't say for sure that it will work. However, it certainly *should* work, as it uses a format that's supported by VideoStudio.

Bob Kovacs
http://www.bobkovacs.com

[aljimenez]

I have two Panasonic cameras: GH1, and GH2. These are DSLR's that take high quality photos (16MP) and HD with AVCHD, and MJPEG formats. In addition I have hacked my cameras to output AVCHD at very high bitrates (above 50mbps). VS X5 handles anything from this camera. While I do not own the camera you plan to purchase, I fully expect its AVCHD will be very similar to the one produced by my cameras... Al

[pvreditor]

I have two Panasonic cameras: GH1, and GH2. These are DSLR's that take high quality photos (16MP) and HD with AVCHD, and MJPEG formats. In addition I have hacked my cameras to output AVCHD at very high bitrates (above 50mbps). VS X5 handles anything from this camera. While I do not own the camera you plan to purchase, I fully expect its AVCHD will be very similar to the one produced by my cameras... Al

Al, if you're still around, I'd like to know how well your GH1 and GH2 work with VideoStudio. I'm thinking of getting a GH3, which has a variety of different AVCHD bit rates, as well as an "All-I Frame" recording mode that records at 72 Mbps. You probably don't have that last recording mode, but I'd like to hear about your experience with the GH1 and GH2, editing with VideoStudio.

Bob Kovacs
http://www.bobkovacs.com

[Terfyn]

Use the Panasonic HDWriter software to download the video files.

I have the HC-V700 and have no problem with downloading files from the SD card.
You can if you wish download the files directly into VideoStudio but HDWriter sorts it out easier that a direct download, You just tick the video files or the photo files you want to download.
VSx5 handles the HD files with no problem, It works with the V700 so it should be OK with the V900. As I recall, the difference is the 3 chips compared to the 1 chip on the 700. Incidentally the X920 and the V720 are now available.

May I suggest you visit the Panasonic site and compare the X920 with the V720. There is little difference overall but the 920 is better in some areas and the 720 in others. The 920 has a headphone socket for example and the 720 does not - a minor point but it annoys me!
Incidentally the V700 is a super little camera and produces good photos as well as video. Its small size means that I can slip it into my pocket when I go walking and I get stills as well as movies.