When recording or sharing videos, choosing the right format is important. Two popular formats are AVCHD and MP4, but they serve different purposes. AVCHD is designed for high-quality video recording and is often used in camcorders. It produces sharp, detailed footage but creates large files that may not work on all devices. On the other hand, MP4 is a more flexible format with smaller file sizes, making it easier to play, edit, and share on different platforms. The right choice depends on what you need. If you want top-quality recordings for editing and archiving, AVCHD is better. If you need a format that plays easily on different devices and uses less storage, MP4 is the way to go. In this guide, we’ll compare and give you more learnings about AVCHD vs MP4 to help you pick the best option for your needs.
What is the Difference Between AVCHD and MP4?
AVCHD Format
Advanced Video Codec High Definition, known as AVCHD, is a video format created by Sony and Panasonic for high-quality video recording. It is mainly used in camcorders and professional cameras to capture clear and detailed videos. Additionally, AVCHD uses advanced file-based format compression to store videos efficiently without losing much quality. However, this also means the files are larger than those in other formats like MOV and MP4. Because of this, AVCHD is best for recording long, high-resolution videos, such as weddings, documentaries, or films.
- It provides high-quality files, making it great for Full HD recordings.
- The file format also supports a high frame rate, ensuring smooth video playback.
- AVCHD is ideal for creating AVCHD content for Blu-ray discs.
- AVCHD is not a universal format, so it does not work on all devices.
- The media format also stores videos as multiple files instead of a single file, making them harder to manage.
- It requires special software for AVCHD video playback on some devices.
MP4 Format
MP4 (MPEG-4 Part 14) is today's top popular video file format developed by the MPEG - Moving Picture Experts Group. It is widely used because it provides good video quality with a smaller file size, perfect for storing, sharing, and streaming videos. Besides, MP4 works on almost all computers, smartphones, and media players without extra software. This makes it a great choice for uploading videos to YouTube, social media, or websites. It also supports audio, subtitles, and still images, making it a versatile format. Moreover, because MP4 uses efficient compression, it keeps the file size small while maintaining clear video quality. This is useful for saving storage space and faster uploading or downloading.
- It is a universal format that works on most devices and platforms like various MP4 video players.
- Compared to AVCHD, MP4 stores video as one file, making it easier to transfer and share.
- You can also stream MP4 videos smoothly over the internet.
- The video format supports initial object descriptors for better metadata storage.
- MP4 may reduce video quality because it compresses files more than AVCHD.
- Some professionals prefer AVCHD because MP4 files may lose details after multiple edits.
AVCHD vs MP4: Video and Audio Codecs
When choosing a video format, it's important to understand the video and audio codecs used in each. Codecs affect the quality, file size, and compatibility of a video. Many people ask, "Which is better MP4 or AVCHD?" The answer depends on how we plan to use the video. AVCHD uses high-quality codecs for professional recording, while MP4 offers better compression and works on more devices. Let's see the codecs used in both formats to see their differences.
AVCHD Codecs
Video Codec:
- H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) – This codec provides high-quality video with strong compression. It keeps the video clear and detailed but results in larger file sizes.
Audio Codecs:
- Dolby Digital (AC-3) – A common codec for surround sound audio, making it great for professional recordings.
- Linear PCM (LPCM) – An uncompressed audio format that offers the best sound quality but takes up more space.
MP4 Codecs
Video Codecs:
- H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) – The most widely used codec for MP4. It keeps good quality while reducing file size, making it great for streaming and sharing.
- H.265 (HEVC – High-Efficiency Video Coding) – A newer codec compresses video even better than H.264, keeping high quality with smaller files.
- MPEG-4 Part 2 – An older, less efficient codec, but still used on some devices.
Audio Codecs:
- AAC (Advanced Audio Codec) – The most popular audio codec for MP4. It provides clear sound with small file sizes, making it perfect for music and video streaming.
- MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) – A widely supported codec, though AAC usually provides better sound quality at the same file size.
- AC-3 (Dolby Digital) – Used in some MP4 files for surround sound, especially in movies.
- Opus – A high-efficiency codec used for streaming and voice recordings.
Differences Between AVCHD and MP4: What Sets Them Apart
Choosing between AVCHD or MP4 depends on your needs. Both are video recording formats, but they have key differences in various features. Below is a simple comparison to help you decide which format is best.
| Features | AVCHD | MP4 |
|---|---|---|
| File Extension | .mts, .m2ts (stored as multiple files) | .mp4 (saved as a single movie file) |
| Video Quality | AVCHD is designed for high-definition video, supporting 60i, 50i, 16:9 aspect ratio. It provides excellent video encoding, making it ideal for professional recording. | MP4 supports high-definition video but compresses files more, balancing quality and size. |
| File Size | Creates large files due to high-quality video data, requiring more storage. | Uses better video compression, resulting in smaller file sizes while maintaining good quality. |
| Compatibility | AVCHD video works well with Blu-ray Disc format, DVD recording, and Blu-ray players. | Plays on compatible devices like smartphones, tablets, computers, and most media players without issues. |
| Playback | AVCHD is best for digital recording on various recording media devices, like camcorders and high-end cameras (e.g., Leica cameras). However, it requires special software for playback on most computers. | MP4 files are easily playable on most devices, including Windows platforms like Windows Media Player, making it the better format for sharing and online streaming. |
| Popularity | Used in stereoscopic video and professional video recording formats. | Most popular container format for sharing, streaming, and general use. |
Extra Tip: Convert AVCHD to MP4 or Vice Versa
Even though AVCHD and MP4 are both best in different aspects, there are instances in which neither works in some 1080P video players or video editing tools. In this case, we searched online and found the best way to convert videos with AVCHD into MP4 without quality loss: the AceThinker VidElement. AceThinker VidElement supports various media formats, including MP4, AVCHD, MKV, MP3, OGG, AVI, and many more. Also, we discovered that it uses advanced GPU technology, which boosts the converting speed up to 50x faster. Not only that, but this converter tool provides us with multiple output preset resolutions for iPhone, iPad, Android Phones, Android Tablets, Smart TVs, and more. With this feature, you don’t need to worry if the converted file will work on your device. Moreover, after the video conversion process, we played the video. We proved that the converted video’s quality is the same as the original video’s.
Try it for Free
Steps in Converting AVCHD to MP4 or Vice Versa
Step 1 Download and Install the Converter
Above this step, you will see the download buttons. Here, click one that works on your computer OS. After that, proceed with the installation process and follow the prompts on your screen. Once successful, AceThinker VidElement will launch automatically.
Step 2 Upload the File
On the main interface, you can see the 'Add Files' button in the upper-left corner. Click on it, and your file folder will appear on your screen. From there, find the MP4 or AVCHD file you have. Once you see it, upload it to the converter tool and proceed to the next step.
Step 3 Convert the Imported File
After the tool analyzes the video file, look for the MP4 dropdown menu to access the different video formats. Here, choose MP4 or AVCHD as an output format with your preferred encoder, resolution, and quality. Finally, click the 'Convert All' button below to start the conversion process.
MP4 vs AVCHD: FAQs
What are the benefits of the two formats?
AVCHD is great for recording videos in high-quality and works well with several recording media devices like camcorders. It is ideal for professional use and supports Blu-ray discs for better playback. Conversely, MP4 is a universal media container that takes up less space, is easy to share, and works on most devices.
Is AVCHD better than MP4?
AVCHD is better if we need high-quality video recordings and plan to store them on a memory stick or Blu-ray. However, MP4 is more convenient because it works on almost all devices and is easier to share. The best choice depends on whether we prefer better quality or better compatibility.
What is the file size limit for AVCHD and MP4?
AVCHD files are limited to approximately 2 GB in size because they store high-quality video. While MP4 uses better compression, files are smaller and easier to save on a memory stick. Additionally, MP4 can be larger by up to a 4GB limit per file, but this depends on the device and application.
Final Thoughts
After comparing AVCHD and MP4, we found that both formats serve different purposes. AVCHD is best for high-quality recordings, especially when using Blu-ray discs or professional cameras. However, it creates larger files and is not as widely supported. On the other hand, MP4 is a universal format that works on most devices, is easy to share and edit, and saves storage space. If we need top-quality video recording, AVCHD is the way to go. However, if we want a flexible streaming, editing, or sharing format, MP4 is the better choice. In the end, the right format depends on your needs, and understanding the differences helps us make the best decision for our videos.
