serious quality loss with MTS files and i…

serious quality loss with MTS files and iMovie '11

Hello,
I have some issues with my brand new Panasonic HDC SD700 (a full HD camera)
I experience serious quality loss when I use iMovie to create a movie.
I did some tests, but still puzzled int this world of codecs and formats.
Maybe some of you can help.

I have made a short shot of 450 sec with highest mode (1080p 24fps)
It show is finder as a .MTS file size 99MB, I'm very happy with the quality when I play this with VLC.
iMovie turns this file into a .mov file with 635MB size, in Apple Intermediate Codec, Linear PCM, Timecode. This quality is already poor compared to original MTS file.
No wonder that the output file (select 1080p H.264 codecs) results also in unacceptable quality.

I'm running latest imOvie version with all updates etc.
I have no idea were to look to solve this issue. It is quite annoying since I have invested in a top Cam recorder. Not sure is Final cut express will sure the issue either.....

iMac 11.1 with quad core Intel i5, Mac OS X (10.6.5)

Posted on Dec 24, 2010 8:35 AM

Mar 18, 2013 4:17 AM in response to Gibbyice

Thanks for the reply Andrew. Sorry I can't help with the problem of the quality of the "darkest blacks". I really haven't noticed this on my videos, but generally don't have very dark areas in my footage (other than perhaps at wedding receptions when the lights are dimmed).

You could try that suggestion regarding exporting using QuickTime - best to create a short test project containing some of the dark clips. But the suggested settings don't appear much different to what Apple's presets probably use. The presets are optimized to (supposedly) provide excellent quality at reasonable file sizes. There is always a trade-off with this of course. The higher the bit rate (data rate) used, the higher the quality - but also a larger file size.

Note that all the Apple presets (other than Share > iDVD) produce files in the H.264 format (the same as suggested). Some are in the .mov container, with others in the .m4v container (depending on the preset size/resolution exported, such as Large, HD 720p or HD 1080p). Some here recommend the x264 video format as a better alternative to H.264 - but you will need to download it (it's free). I have no experience with it, but you can Google it for more information.

I also use Final Cut Pro X, but am still learning this. It's a very worthwhile investment, being more complex and feature rich than iMovie (and seemingly with less bugs). Due to recent issues with iMovie (and some long standing ones), I'm planning to spend more time with Final Cut - although I still enjoy the iMovie editing experience as I'm very comfortable working with it and usually get good results.

Best of luck with the quality issue!

Regards

John

Message was edited by: John Cogdell