AVCHD is misunderstood by many
AVCHD is divided into .mts files because memory cards are formatted FAT32 which can only handle single files up to 4GB in size. Dividing it into .mts files and then re-combining them in software as a format that an NLE can easily work with is a way around that limitation and enables you to shoot for longer than 15 minutes at a time, and enables you to shoot for hours on end.
You have to think of AVCHD as tapeless tape, in that you still must log it.
Dragging .mts files into an NLE is what rookie editors do when they're used to shooting with cameras who's primary function is not to shoot video but still pictures. Many shooter/editors who get paid "professional" rates get so stuck in that DSLR workflow that they freak out when you give them something that was shot on an actual video camera because they never took the time to learn the difference between delivery, shooting and editing formats and they would never survive in an actual professional environment without significant re-education. FCPX is perfect for them because it allows them to edit multiple formats and frame rates, and they still call it "pro" for all of those "pro" wedding videographers who don't use video cameras but still cameras that also shoot video. It puts all that technical stuff in the background, out of their way so they can get to making "professional" movies.
And for us smartie pants folks who watched the industry go from DVCAM to HDV tape formats to solid state AVC- formats, they still have the log and transfer function.
It should let you drag .mts (AVCHD) files directly into a project like Premiere can, without having to wrap them in a QuickTime file.
AVCHD is divided into .mts files because memory cards are formatted FAT32 which can only handle single files up to 4GB in size. Dividing it into .mts files and then re-combining them in software as a format that an NLE can easily work with is a way around that limitation and enables you to shoot for longer than 15 minutes at a time, and enables you to shoot for hours on end.
You have to think of AVCHD as tapeless tape, in that you still must log it.
Dragging .mts files into an NLE is what rookie editors do when they're used to shooting with cameras who's primary function is not to shoot video but still pictures. Many shooter/editors who get paid "professional" rates get so stuck in that DSLR workflow that they freak out when you give them something that was shot on an actual video camera because they never took the time to learn the difference between delivery, shooting and editing formats and they would never survive in an actual professional environment without significant re-education. FCPX is perfect for them because it allows them to edit multiple formats and frame rates, and they still call it "pro" for all of those "pro" wedding videographers who don't use video cameras but still cameras that also shoot video. It puts all that technical stuff in the background, out of their way so they can get to making "professional" movies.
And for us smartie pants folks who watched the industry go from DVCAM to HDV tape formats to solid state AVC- formats, they still have the log and transfer function.