How to edit AVCHD footage within DaVinci Resolve?


It is claimed that DaVinci Resolve works with everything in real time, ranging from QuickTime, ProRes, DNxHD, MXF files to AVI, JPEG2000, HQ and HQX in MOV, JPEG, TGA and BMP. However, AVCHD workflow with DaVinci Resolve is such a pain. If you intend to edit AVCHD footage in Resolve, you’ll need to convert .mts clips to a format that is compatible with it, such as Apple ProRes 422 and DNxHD.
avchd and davinci resolve workflow

As an extremely powerful editor in the post production workflow, DaVinci Resolve is well known for its color correction ability as well as a great manager of your entire creative process. It is claimed that DaVinci Resolve works with a wide variety of file formats in real time, including DPX, CIN, EXR, Tiff, QuickTime, ProRes, DNxHD and MXF files. You can even work with AVI, JPEG2000, HQ and HQX in MOV, JPEG, TGA and BMP and multi channel audio. Unfortunately, AVCHD workflow with DaVinci Resolve is such a pain. If you try to create your own masterpieces from AVCHD in DaVinci Resolve, you will need to convert AVCHD to ProRes 422 or DNxHD, the best suited editing codec for Resolve using third party software like HD Video Converter.

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issues loading MTS files into DaVinci Resolveissues loading MTS files into DaVinci Resolve

AVCHD workflow with DaVinci Resolve – convert MTS to ProRes 422/DNxHD

Follow these steps:
Step 1: Run HD Video Converter as a professional AVCHD to ProRes/DNxHD Converter. From the main menu, click ‘Add File’ button to add .mts video files from a camera like Sony HXR-NX5U, FS100/700, a card reader or a folder stored on your computer that contains your AVCHD footage.
convert avchd to prores 422

Step 2: Choose ProRes 422 or DNxHD as output format for DaVinci Resolve
To convert AVCHD MTS to ProRes 422, from “Profile” bar, choose ‘Apple ProRes 422 (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Final Cut Pro’ column. The ProRes 422 is a good option for the .MTS files, and the file size is reasonable.
convert avchd to prores for resolve
Important: If you’ve loaded a number of video clips to do batch conversion, please do remember ticking off ‘Apply to All’ option before you start.

To convert AVCHD MTS to DNxHD for Resolve, from ‘Profile’ bar, select ‘Avid DNxHD (*.mov)’ as output format under ‘Avid Media Composer’ column.
convert mts to dnxhd for resolve

Step 3: Click “Settings” button to custom video and audio parameters on ‘Profile Settings’ panel. (Optional)

Step 4: Click ‘Convert’ button to start converting AVCHD video to Apple ProRes 422/DNxHD.

Step 5: After conversion finished, click “Open Folder” button to get the exported ProRes 422/DNxHD QuickTime files for using in DaVinci Resolve.

Also read
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