Workflow for the Panasonic AF101

The AF101 uses AVCHD files, which have the .mts extension. FCP 7 does not handle these files natively and need to be converted. There are several ways to do this.

Method 1: Use FCP's Log and Transfer option

1. Copy the PRIVATE folder from the camera's SD card to a new folder on your media drive. Copy the whole folder - do not break the file structure on the card as Final Cut will not understand the files.
2. In Final Cut, use Log and Transfer. This transcodes the AVCHD files to ProRes.

Method 2: Transcode using external application

1. Download Panasonic's free MTS Viewer software http://www.panasonic.com/business/provideo/avchd-home.asp This will enable you to view and play the files in the directory.
2. Copy the PRIVATE folder from the camera's SD card to a new folder on your media drive. Copy the whole folder - do not break the file structure on the card as Final Cut will not understand the files.
3. Download the excellent (and free) MPEG Streamclip from http://www.squared5.com/
4. You can now transcode using MPEG Streamclip to Apple Prores HD, SD etc.