AVCHD vs MP4: Which is the Best Choice for You?

No matter how good people are at video recording, they get confused while selecting the suitable format. MP4 and AVCHD are popular video recording formats, especially among camcorders users. AVCHD videos are high in quality and large in size. So they are not suitable for storing or sharing purposes.

In contrast, MP4 files are easier to copy, store, share and upload on the internet. Choosing a format for your video is tricky. So a comparison of AVCHD vs. MP4 will be of great help.

This guide will cover all the aspects of both AVCHD and MP4. Along with it is a unique software recommendation to get your MP4 files. Let's read on!

What is an AVCHD File?

AVCHD stands for Advanced Video Codec High Definition. Panasonic and Sony developed this compression codec in 2006. It uses MPEG-4 AVC compression standard and supports uncompressed PCM audio & Dolby AC3 for audio compression. Moreover, you can get a stereoscopic video with 50/60 frames/second, the quality of 1080P mode.

Such files are famous for creating Blu-ray discs and digital recordings, suitable for watching on HDTV. Therefore, it should be your go-to format for creating professional videos.

What is an MP4 File?

MP4 stands for Motion Pictures Expert Group. It can store audio, video, images, and subtitles in a container format. MP4 is identical to the Quicktime format, while the only difference is the usage of MPEG compression and IOD (Initial Object Descriptors). So, you will get compatible videos with good playback properties. Moreover, it possesses the quality of size reduction. This feature makes it suitable for storing data offline and online streaming.

The Comparison of AVCHD vs. MP4

Let's dive deep into the details of AVCHD vs. MP4 format. It will help you make the right choice in various situations.

File Extension

From a layman's point of view, the primary difference is in the file extension. Although both use the same encoder, there is a difference in container format. So, AVCHD video offers .m2ts while MP4 comes with a .mp4 extension.

File Size

AVCHD is famous among consumers for HD videos. As the quality affects the video size, you will get larger files than the MP4 format. A 20-minutes 1080P MP4 video will take 100MB of space. In comparison, the same duration and resolution AVCHD file take up to 400MB space. Moreover, MP4 supports the H.265 codec, and it provides you with high-resolution videos of much smaller size than H.264.

One can say that AVCHD files take three times more space than MP4 files. Therefore, the latter must be your choice in terms of file size.

Compatibility

The AVCHD files are compatible with Blu-Ray format to be burned over Blu-Ray discs or DVDs. Formerly, people used it for DVD recordings, and now, it is famous for HDD recordings and memory cards in camcorders. These include JVC, Canon, Sont, Panasonic, and others. In contrast, MP4 is the universal standard and extensively used container format. People mainly prefer it for streaming over the internet and compatibility with various media players and editors.

In AVCHD vs. MP4, the latter can be declared the clear winner.

Video Quality

The video quality's significant factors are the bitrate, frame rate, and resolution. The AVCHD format can go around 50-60fps at 1080 resolution at a maximum of 28 Mbit per second. However, MP4 is near but falls short compared to AVCHD. As the AVCHD files possess high-resolution due to Panasonic and Sony devices, their video quality is fantastic.

Considering the video quality, the MP4 loses the race of AVCHD vs. MP4.

Audio/Video Codecs

AVCHD and MP4, both formats use the same codec of MPEG 4 H.264/AVC (Advanced Audio Coding). However, MP4 uses the MPEG-4 AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) and LC (Low Complexity) codec. In contrast, AVCHD uses Dolby Digital or AC-3 audio codec.

As the output quality of both formats is almost the same, the competition gets drawn in the end.

Playback Properties

You can play MP4 files without limitations on many media players, including iPhone, Android, Quicktime, iMovie, VLC, Windows Media Player, and various editors. However, AVCHD is only compatible with the Blu-Ray player, third-party software like VLC, macOS Mountain Lion Quicktime player, Pinnacle Studio, etc.

You must choose MP4 if you are looking for a simple-to-use or editable format.

Popularity

People prefer the MP4 format because of its higher compatibility and smaller file size. Conversely, professional video creators always use AVCHD files, and its HD video quality and compatibility with HDTV, Playstation 3 Console, Camcorders, etc. So, you should go for one as per your situation.

Concluding AVCHD vs. MP4 comparison, no format can be easily said to be the first choice. So, it's better to go for the best suits your needs in a specific scenario.

Recommendation: Best Converter to Get MP4 File

While comparing AVCHD and MP4 files, it seems that both formats have their pros & cons. However, people usually prefer MP4 videos because of their high compatibility, good playback properties, and smaller size. So, there will be a requirement of the right software to convert your files into MP4.

EaseUS Video Converter proves to be the best whether you need to convert between audio/video formats or perform any other related conversion function. The supported file formats include MP4, WMV, MKV, WAV, etc. Getting high video quality is what you will get with this coherent and efficient software. Moreover, it offers 30X faster conversion speed.

You can quickly get the various files converted into MP4 by utilizing its batch conversion feature. Even you can merge multiple audio/video tracks in moments. It also enables you to change the video aspects like encoder, frame rate, sample rate, and more. You can also preview your MP4 videos with its built-in media player.

EaseUS Video Converter

• Convert video to MP4 with best MP4 converter
• Support almost 1000+ video and audio formats
• Offer various web video and device-based presets
• Extract audio tracks from videos and merge them

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Conclusion

Now, you know all information required for deciding one format between AVCHD vs. MP4. However, which one is better could not be sure because it depends on your needs and the specific situation. Plus, there is a recommendation for EaseUS Video Converter. It helps you complete all your conversion tasks in a snap, along with offering high-quality results. It's better to go for it if you need MP4 videos.