How to Convert AVCHD to MP4 on Sony Camera?

Sony digital cameras and camcorders frequently record in AVCHD format which is spelled as Advanced Video Codec High Definition and ideal for capturing full high definition (1080) video with the compact design used in these portable devices. So, while AVCHD is perfect for maintaining detail, it can be challenging to play, edit or share as many devices and platforms support MP4.

If you want to capture and convert AVCHD to MP4 on Sony camera, then, this article will explain why to do this, how to do this manually, limitations are and list the most successful professional way to do it.

Know About: Convert Video to MKV

Export AVCHF Recording Video to MP4 – Reasons

There are many reasons that need to convert Sony camera AVCHD recordings to MP4:

• The vast majority of media players, smartphones, TVs, and video editing programs support MP4, but not AVCHD.
• MP4 is a video compression technology that allows much of the file size of the movie to be reduced with extremely little loss of quality.
• Also, it is great for saving hard drive space.
• Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and other popular editing softwares adopts MP4.
• When you upload your videos, whether it’s on YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, the usual format needed is MP4.
• It can be easily played on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices than AVCHD which might need special codec to make it play.
• MP4 is obviously more future proof and convenient for video memories permanent storage.

Ways to Convert AVCHD to MP4 on Sony Camera? Manual Methods

In total, there will be three methods to change AVCHD file to MP4 in the most efficient manner. Let’s follow one by one:

#1. Change Recording Settings on Sony Camera

You can switch directly between various recording formats on most Sony cameras and camcorders.

• Navigate to the Menu > Setup or Movie Settings.
• Look for File Format options.
• Select MP4 instead of AVCHD.
• In the future, recordings will also save automatically as MP4.

Remember: This only applies to any new recording. It will not convert AVCHD files that you have already saved to your card.

#2. Use Sony PlayMemories Home Software – In-built

Sony has its PlayMemories Home desktop software. You can use them to organize, edit and convert video AVCHD video files.

• Download & run the software on your PC.
• Import them from the Sony camera, AVCHD clips.
• Export video to MP4 using export option.

Limitation: The tool won’t be compatible with all versions of AVCHD and in some cases, it will compress files and lower the quality.

#3. VLC Media Player – Free Conversion Method

There are tools like VLC which can also convert AVCHD files into MP4.

1. Open VLC on your system.
2. Select your AVCHD video file.
3. Set the output format as MP4 and set the codec H.264 or H.265 according to the quality you want.
4. At last, start the conversion process.

Note: These free tools may need manual setting adjustment, and limited batch conversion, also compromise in output quality if setting is not properly made.

Limitations of Manual Methods

There are some disadvantages of following manual solution:

• It’s a very slow process processing several AVCHD files one by one.
• There are some tools that compress videos too much, losing sharpness, and clarity.
• Advanced options such as batch processing, keeping subtitles or saving metadata may not be offered.
• Sony’s software sometimes doesn’t like new operating systems.
• Editors, writers, and production crews need full control over video settings that free tools tend to do.

Smart Way to Convert AVCHD to MP4 on Sony Camera

If you prefer to skip the process of changing camera settings and struggling with free tools, you can convert your videos with our dedicated SysTools Video Converter Software. They are built to deal with formats like AVCHD and to rapidly turn it into MP4 content, all without affecting the core video quality. You just need to select your videos, pick MP4 as the format and click on convert to get it converted. It’s simple and easy enough even for beginners.

Why to Choose?

Many AVCHD files can be converted at one go.

• The software ensures your videos always look smooth and clear.
• You are not limited to MP4, although you can convert videos to MOV, AVI, MKV, and more.
• You can modify things like video size, resolution or frame rate if you want.
• It’s easy to do, even if you’re not a tech person.

End Words

Sony camera videos in AVCHD format provide great quality, but among other things, it can be difficult to play back, edit and share. That’s why most people convert AVCHD video to MP4, on Sony camera which run on virtually every device and every platform. You can do so in various ways by adjusting the camera’s recording settings, using Sony’s own software like PlayMemories Home or with free tools like VLC. Those methods do help, but they can take time and may also result in reduced video quality and don’t always offer many options. So, for this, you can go with our professional tool mentioned above. It can bulk convert your video files and provide you smooth conversion.