Final Cut Pro does not have native editing support for AVCHD footage. You can use the Log and Transfer window to transcode AVCHD footage to an Apple ProRes codec or the Apple Intermediate Codec during transfer. After you have transferred your footage, you can edit using Apple ProRes or the Apple Intermediate Codec and output to the format of your choice.

With the method mentioned above, you could edit AVCHD videos in Final Cut Pro. Also, FCP 7 makes it easy to work with the latest AVCHD file-based devices from Panasonic, Sony, JVC, and Canon, but only several kinds of camcorders like Sony XDCAM HD are involved in the list. Then, what would you do if you want to edit a big mount of AVCHD videos on Final Cut Pro, or the AVCHD videos are recorded camcorders listed above? Don't worry. This guide would solve the problem for you.

Part 1: Warming Up Before Converting AVCHD to Final Cut Pro Video

What is AVCHD video file?

avchd

AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) is a file-based format for the digital recording and playback of high-definition video. Developed jointly by Sony and Panasonic, the format was introduced in 2006 primarily for use in high definition consumer camcorders.

How to play AVCHD video file?

Leawo Blu-ray Player (Windows & Mac):

leawo-blu-ray-player

You can use Leawo Blu-ray Player to play AVCHD video files. No matter you are Windows users or Mac users, you can use Leawo Blu-ray Player or Leawo Blu-ray Player for Mac to play AVCHD video files. It is extremely easy for you to play AVCHD video file with Leawo Blu-ray Player. Most importantly, this AVCHD video player is totally free of charge.

What video formats are accepted by Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro uses QuickTime technology, which means you can import and export almost any almost any QuickTime-compatible file format. But for other formats like WMV, RM, MKV, MPG, etc, you'll need a video converter to make some video conversion to ensure an unlimited video editing in FCP. The best video formats for Final Cut Pro are MOV and MP4.

Part 2: Best AVCHD to Final Cut Pro Video Converter for Mac

Leawo Video Converter for Mac is a professional and multifunctional media converter that could convert up to 1080P videos between various formats, including: MTS, M2TS, HD MP4, MOV, FLV, MKV, WMV, AVI, etc. It could perform as a professional Mac AVCHD to Final Cut Pro converter for easily converting AVCHD videos to Final Cut Pro compatible formats like MOV or MP4 on Mac to help you easily import AVCHD to Final Cut Pro X or Final Cut Pro 7 for editing. Follow the below steps to learn detailed guide on how to convert AVCHD to FCP on Mac.

Reasons why Leawo Video Converter for Mac is the best AVCHD to Final Cut Pro Video Converter for Mac:

1. This video converter can import video and audio sources in any formats, and realize mutual conversion between them with ease. You can get movies, songs and more in formats of sorts for enjoying.
2. It is the best video converter to convert 2D video to 3D with 6 different 3D effects available: Red/Cyan, Red/Green, Red/Blue, Blue/Yellow, Interleaved, Side by Side. 3D Depth is adjustable as well.
3. The video converter could convert video and audio for Apple/Android/BlackBerry/Windows Mobile/Symbian/Palm users, and more device/player/software users.
4. This video converter supports video-folder reading for batch files loading, and batch conversion feature. You can fulfill video conversion within a few simple mouse-clicks.

Download and install this Mac AVCHD to Final Cut Pro converter on your computer, and then follow the guide below to convert AVCHD to Final Cut Pro on Mac. After converting, you can import AVCHD to Final Cut Pro X.

Part 3: How to Convert AVCHD to Final Cut Pro Video on Mac

Guide on how to convert AVCHD to Final Cut Pro on Mac:

Step 1: Import source AVCHD video files

import-source-avchd-video-files

Under the "Convert" module, click the "Add Video" button or directlry drag source AVCHD video files that you've stored on your Mac into this AVCHD video converter for Mac. You could get all information on the left processing list, import multiple AVCHD video files for batch AVCHD to Final Cut Pro video conversion, edit loaded AVCHD video files, add 3D effect, etc.

Step 2: Set output format

set-output-format

After importing source AVCHD files, click the drop-down box before the big green "Convert" button and then select "Change" option to enter the Profile window for output format setting. Since Final Cut Pro accepts MOV and MP4 format, you need to open "Format > Common Video" group to select MP4 or MOV as output format.

detail-video-and-audio-parameters

Optional: If you're not satisfied with the video and audio parameters of preset output format like video codec, bit rate, aspect ratio, quality, frame rate, audio codec, audio quality, audio bit rate, sample rate and channel, you could reset them. After setting output format, re-open the drop-down box and then select "Edit" option to enter the Profile Settings panel. On the Profile Setting panel, you could freely set the parameters.

Step 3: Set output directory

set-output-directory

When all the format settings are finished, save the settings and return to the main interface. Click the big green "Convert" button on the main interface to set output directory on the popup sidebar. You could open "Save to" box to browse desired folder as output directory.

Step 4: Convert AVCHD to MP4/MOV for Final Cut Pro on Mac

convert-avchd-to-final-cut-pro

At last, start converting AVCHD to Final Cut Pro MP4 or MOV format on Mac by clicking the bottom "Convert" button on the sidebar. When the conversion is finished, you could import the converted AVCHD files into Final Cut Pro (X) for editing.