I'm a newbie using FCP 7, a new MAC, and a SONY NEX VG 10 camera that records in AVCHD high profile. I am looking for the most efficient way to convert my files to a form readable by FCP. Here are my questions:
a) there are several conversion programs for the SONY MTS files to MOV files. Is there one program that is generally regarded as superior?
b) my goal is to convert MTS files to MOV files, correct?
c) some programs I have read about increase the size of the files by up to 10x as they eliminate compression. It is necessary to de-compress as you convert?
d) one suggestion was to first transform the files to mp4's with Handbrake and then to MOV files with Streamclip, a two step process. Doesn't this diminish the quality?
I really really appreciate this. The last film I made was in 16 mm on a flatbed and I'm going nuts.