AVCHD VS MP4: What is the Difference and Which One Should You Choose

February 21, 2024Gerald Christian

Don't know how to choose when you want to choose a recording output in a camcorder? Do you feel confused about AVCHD vs MP4 for editing? Which is better? Here, we've compared these two media formats on their file size, video quality, and other aspects. We've also shared in the article which format you should choose under various circumstances. Now, let us read on and have a look at the difference between them.

Part 1. What are AVCHD and MP4?
Part 2. AVCHD VS MP4: A Comprehensive Comparison
Part 3. Convert Videos from AVCHD to MP4
Part 4. FAQs about AVCHD and MP4

Part 1. What are AVCHD and MP4?

What is AVCHD?

Advanced Video Codec High Definition (AVCHD) is a file-based format for the playback and digital recording of HD video. The AVCHD format, developed by Sony and Panasonic together, adopted high-efficiency compression coding technologies, including H.264 and MPEG-4 Part 10 for video compression, as well as Dolby AC-3 and Pulse-code modulation for audio compression.

AVCHD allows you to record HD video on DVDs, memory cards, and hard disk drives.
AVCHD helps you directly connect to HD TV or other compatible devices using an HDMI port.
AVCHD presents features for slide shows, subtitles, and menu navigation.
It is stored in the MPEG-4 transport stream format to be streamed over a broadcast channel.

PROS

It supports 3D videos.
High image quality
It is compatible with the Blu-ray disc format.

CONS

AVCHD files consume larger space.
AVCHD has error correction codes to prevent corruption during broadcast.
It is incompatible with many popular devices, such as iPhone, iPad, iPod, QuickTime, iTunes, and iMovie.

What is MP4?

MP4, or MPEG-4 Part 14, is a digital multimedia container format. This media format, incorporating a pile of compressed data, was initially created in 2011. In most cases, it is used to store video and audio, and sometimes can also be used to store subtitles and still images.

MP4 has the quality of size reduction, which makes it the most widely-used format to store data online and offline as well as stream over the Internet.
Almost all players support MP4 files.
A majority of data can be embedded in MPEG-4 Part 14 files.

PROS

MP4 format is available on multiple platforms.
High compression of MP4 leads to smaller file sizes.
You can attach metadata to your files with it.
It contains both audio and video data.

CONS

MP4 compression format loses some file information during compression.
MP4 files can be easily and illegally distributed so they may be unsafe.
It may need more processing power while playback and editing for various metadata it contains.

Part 2. AVCHD VS MP4: A Comprehensive Comparison

A simple chart that lists all the main differences between AVCHD and MP4.

Specifications	AVCHD	MP4
Frame size in pixels	1280x720; 1440x1080; 1920x1080	640 x 480;1280 x 720; 1440 x 1080
Frame rate	24 and 60 frames/s for 60 Hz models and 50 frames/s for 50 Hz models	24 frames/s for most movies, 25 frames/s and 30 frames/s for TV video
Video codec	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Audio codec	Dolby Digital AC-3	MPEG-4 AAC LC
File extension	.MTS and .M2TS	.MP4
Compression method	H.264 and MPEG-4 Part 10 for video compression; Dolby AC-3 and Pulse-code modulation for audio compression	H. 264 or MPEG-4 for video compression, AAC compression algorithm for audio compression
Best for	Playback of high-definition video and digital recording	Store video and audio, and stream over the Internet.

AVCHD VS MP4 - File Extension

AVCHD file uses .MTS (on camcorder) and .M2TS (after import to computer) as the file extension, while the MP4-formatted video uses .MP4 as the file extension.

AVCHD VS MP4 - Compatibility

AVCHD is widely used to record video to hard disk drives and recordable DVD media on camcorders such as Canon, Panasonic, Sont, Hitachi, JVC, or Leica Camera. MP4 is widely used as a media container and as a way of streaming video on the Internet. We can play MP4 files on almost all media players, including iPhone, Android, Windows Media Player, etc. However, AVCHD can only be played on Blu-ray Disc players and recorders in most cases.

AVCHD VS MP4 - Compression Method

AVCHD uses H.264 and MPEG-4 Part 10 to compress video data, as well as Dolby AC-3 and Pulse-code modulation to compress audio data. MP4 uses H.264 or MPEG-4 compression techniques to compress video data and the AAC compression algorithm to compress audio data.

AVCHD VS MP4 - Video Quality

AVCHD videos are high in quality compared with MP4 videos. This is because AVCHD is used for capturing videos in 1080p, 50p/60p, and with a maximum bitrate of 28 Mbit/s. The MP4 captures videos in 1080p at 60 frames per second, a little lower than AVCHD.

AVCHD VS MP4 - File Size

MP4 has a higher compression than AVCHD, so an AVCHD file takes up more space than an MP4 file. A 30-minute video in AVCHD with 1920 x 1080 resolution normally takes about 300MB, while MP4 is about 100MB. So, you must.

Summary

AVCHD and MP4 are all highly compressed, but they have a lot of differences. MP4 vs AVCHD? Which is better? It is hard to say which one is better because they all have their advantages and disadvantages. If you want to record high-quality video and don't mind its great size, consider AVCHD as your first choice. But if you prefer a smooth experience, MP4 can meet your demand better. Furthermore, as a digital multimedia container format compatible with most streaming platforms and easy to handle, MP4 is also a better option for editing compared with AVCHD.

Part 3. Convert Videos from AVCHD to MP4

Now, you must know the basic difference between AVCHD and MP4. However, what if you want to edit your AVCHD that isn't supported by most editing tools? Here, I'll introduce software to help you convert AVCHD to MP4, a format that is compatible with most editors.

Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate is a comprehensive converter available on Windows 11/10/8/7 and Mac OS X 10.12 or higher. It can convert your videos easily and help you customize your video with its powerful editing features. It also supports numerous media formats, which saves you the trouble of downloading and installing codecs for different video formats.

Downloads

Video Converter Ultimate

It can reverse any part of your video.
It supports more than 1000 formats, including MP4, MP3, FLAC, AVI, MOV, WMV, WMA, etc.
The converter supports HD, 4K, 5K, and up to 8K converting.
It is user-friendly with its simple interface.
This converter allows you to place more than one video into the frame at a time.
You can use it to rotate, flip, crop, remove watermarks, and adjust video effects.

Free DownloadFor Windows

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Free DownloadFor macOS

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Well, with Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate, you can easily convert your AVCHD video into a more compatible MP4. Here are simple instructions.

Step 1.

Free download and install Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate and then launch it. Click Add Files to choose your MP4, AVCHD, or videos of other formats.

Step 2.

Click the drop-down button beside the file icon and choose MP4 as your output format.

Step 3.

Click Convert All to convert your AVCHD to MP4. You can also choose to merge your videos into one file. Now, you have successfully transformed AVCHD to MP4.

Part 4. FAQs about AVCHD and MP4

What are AVCHD files used for?

AVCHD files were previously used for DVD recording. Now, as a file-based format, it is normally used for the playback of high-definition video and digital recording.

Should I convert AVCHD to MP4?

It depends. If you want to enjoy its high-definition viewing experience on a Blu-ray player, AVCHD is your primary option. But, if you want to enjoy it on most platforms without limitation, you'd better convert AVCHD to MP4.

Is AVCHD full HD?

Yes, it is. Full HD means 1080p image resolution. The AVCHD format can record videos at a range of resolutions, including 720p, 1080i, and 1080p.

Conclusion

At this point, you must have a basic understanding of the difference between AVCHD and MP4. While MP4 is more practical for editing videos, for Blu-ray disc recordings, the better option of AVCHD vs MP4 for Panasonic camcorder is AVCHD. Just choose the format according to your needs. For good measure, if you want to convert your ACVHD to MP4, try Aiseesoft Video Converter Ultimate or other useful tools you prefer.

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