Final Cut Express is a non-linear video editing application created by Apple Inc. It is the consumer version of Final Cut Pro and is designed for advanced editing of digital video as well as high-definition video, which is used by many amateur and professional videographers. Final Cut Express is considered a step above iMovie in terms of capabilities, but a step underneath Final Cut Pro and its suite of applications.

Final Cut Pro ("FCP") is a non-linear editing software application developed by Macromedia Inc. and then Apple Inc. Final Cut Pro 7 runs on Mac personal computers powered by Mac OS X version 10.5.6 or later and using Intel processors. It is a module of the Final Cut Studio product. The software allows users to log and capture video onto a hard drive (internal or external), where it can be edited, processed, and output to a wide variety of formats.

However, I found many people want to know how to import AVCHD to FCE or FCP Mac as below.

Q1: How to log and transfer AVCHD files from a Sony alpha 33 into Final Cut Express?

I've captured a couple of clips using my Sony Alpha 33 DSLR.

I'm now trying to edit those clips in Final Cut Express, but I can't even import them in first.

I understand you have to use the Log and Transfer feature in Final Cut Express 4.0HD to transfer AVCHD files, but FCE can't even find the memory stick, or folder that contains the files.

I've managed to move the .MTS files into my MacBook Pro, but I still can't import them into FCE.

Q2: How can I convert a MTS file?

Ok so keep in mind number 1, i'm broke. I have FCP 5 and don't have the $500 to upgrade to FCP 6.

I just got some footage to edit but its coming off a AVCHD camera so the files are mts files.

Is there any free trial converter that actually works for mts files?? because once again, no money for a legit converter... being a poor college kid is really sucking anybody know???

Luckily, a friend of mine recommended me an AVCHD to FCE Converter which he tried very great. I download the free trial and found it's very easy to use, and can convert M4V to FCE formats MPEG-4, MOV, DV, HDV, etc for Mac OS. Then I bought it without any hesitating. If you have the same problem with me, maybe you can try it. Learn the details about how to import AVCHD to FCE or AVCHD to FCP! Hope to help you.