Camera Renter’s Toolbox
Here are helpful tools if you are on a MAC
How do I get my video files off of the camera?
There are various factors to consider when answering this question such as: The version of your operating system, program you are editing in and how involved your edits will be.
The most basic (and hopefully helpful) method to “capturing” your footage to your computer is to watch this YouTube video. (Please note that the button and the connection on the video is slightly different. Please click on this button: 
and select Computer/Printer.)
More MAC useful information coming soon!
FYI: There have been instances when importing into certain OS’s into Final Cut Pro when there has been no other way to import the video besides capturing directly off of the camera. The most recent verion of Final Cut Pro and the most updated version of Snow Leopard CAN import MTS files directly (without having to capture). So please be sure what setup you (or your video editor) has before transfering the video files only and deleting them from th camera). Read more here: http://forum.videohelp.com/threads/309980-How-to-import-MTS-files-in-Final-Cut-Pro-6
Here are helpful tools if you are on a PC
How do I get my video files off of the camera?
There is a software disk included with your camera rental and is included in the camera case on a CD. Install it.
- Plug in the camera and plug the USB cord from the camera into your computer.
- Turn on the camera and open the flip screen.
- Cllick on the button
- Select Computer/Printer
- The camera should be recognized as a drive on your computer.
- Navigate to: /PRIVATE/AVCHD/BDMV/STREAM and select clips you need.
- Copy and paste them to the desired directory on your computer.
How do I convert the .MTS files to something I can use?
The BDA camera utilizes a file format with an extension .MTS. This file type is a type of AVCHD file type. If you don’t have access to fancy video editing software, you still have options. A good way to start is to convert your .MTS files to something that is usable within Windows Movie Maker (a standard program included on Windows operating systems). Windows doesn’t natively have a program natively to convert .MTS files, however you can download Adobe Media Converter (trial version) and use it for 30 days for free: (http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=premiere_pro&loc=en_us&promoid=JTXTG)
There are also other converters out there in case you already downloaded the trial version. You can look them up by Googling “MTS converter free”. Please use trusted sources (i.e. C-Net) when you download software. If you aren’t sure, you could always Google that software company and see reviews for their product.
What format should I convert to?
A good rule of thumb is to start with the highest possible file format, edit that format and then you can export the edited version to the appropriate file format depending on if you are uploading to YouTube/Vimeo, burning a DVD, etc.
With that caviat, a good file format to start with is .AVI. So assuming you have downloaded Adobe Media Converter and have “added” you video file, click on the down arrow next to “format” and select “Microsoft AVI”. Select the appropriate “preset” (widescreen or standard) as well (you will always want NTSC). Press start queue and you are good to go.
How do I edit my video?
If you are doing simple edits, I would suggest to use Windows Movie Maker. If you can’t find it on your system, go here and download Windows Live Essentials:http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/essentials-home. You will only need to install Movie Maker and Photo Gallery.
If you require more advanced editing, you can always take advantage of downloading a 30 free trial of Adobe’s Premier Pro and give it a whirl:http://www.adobe.com/cfusion/tdrc/index.cfm?product=premiere_pro&loc=en_us
I want to export to YouTube/Vimeo
As mentioned before, always edit first with the highest settings and then export for YouTube/Vimeo AFTER editing.
With that caveat, here’s a helpful tool for getting nice looking video onto your favorite video sharing site:
I’m having trouble setting up my Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro file so that playback is smooth. How can I optimize this?
The camera uses a framerate of 60i and it’s component output is 1080i. Make sure your document settings (if available) matches these. Please watch the video for more info: