Best camcorders. Pros and Cons of AVCHD format over mp4? Quote: I still think, this does not come down to "making the camera decision based on the codec", but you would rather have to think about what software you use... iMovie (and Final Cut Pro 7, and many other NLEs) will convert all your footage to the Apple Intermediate Codec (respectively some other editing codec) and therefore need a lot of disk space. But it will do so no matter if you import from AVCHD or MP4 containers. Both Sony cameras use H.264 as compression codec, and if your editing software can not handle it natively, it will convert it to some huge files. Those huge files on the other hand are sometimes very usable and what you want. If you do advanced frame-precise, effects-heavy or multicam editing and you have a fast paced workflow, then you will surely discover that H.264, awesome as it may be, is not an editing codec.
Mac software that I know has both options is for example Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere. Just to clear that up for future readers. Making Video In Low Light Conditions. Newer camcorders are becoming more forgiving in low-light conditions. As a result, using a few creative tricks, your work can show a cut above the competition.
You know the drill: lights add sparkle, improve contrast and enhance colors. But you also know that there are times when switching on all the lights in a room or putting a couple of studio lights with umbrellas in the corners will destroy the moment or just take too darn long to be worth the effort. It's become a lot easier for videographers to grab romantic or touching moments without intrusive, glaring lights. Rather than use your camcorder's infrared mode and light with its lovely green glow, you should consider taking a few other steps to ensure your video quality is as good as it can be in low-light conditions.
Low-Light Issues There are several issues that arise in low-light conditions: Video noise. There are easy ways to overcome low-light issues. Switch to Manual: Do not use Automatic Gain Control (Figure 1). Get Good Lux. Must-Have Camcorder Features for Documentary Filmmaking.