AVCHD Compressor
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Supports: AVCHD
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Need help?How to Compress AVCHD Videos
- Upload your AVCHD file — Click "+ Add Files" or drag and drop your AVCHD camcorder recordings.
- Choose compression method — Under "File Compression," select "Quality Preset" (Highest to Lowest), "Target file size (%)" to reduce by percentage, "Specific file size" in MB/KB, "Constant Bitrate," "Variable Bitrate," "Constant Quality" (CRF), or "Constraint Quality" (CRF + max bitrate).
- Adjust resolution — Under "Video resolution," keep original, pick a preset (1080p, 720p, 480p, etc.), or enter exact width/height in pixels.
- Trim if needed — Under "Trim," set a start time and duration to extract a specific clip, further reducing file size.
- Compress and download — Click "Compress" and download your smaller AVCHD file.
Why Compress AVCHD Files?
AVCHD (Advanced Video Coding High Definition) is the standard format for HD camcorders from Sony, Panasonic, and Canon, recording in 1080i or 1080p with H.264 compression and AC3 audio. A single hour of AVCHD footage can be 4–8 GB, quickly filling up memory cards and hard drives. Compressing AVCHD files reduces storage requirements while keeping the format compatible with Blu-ray players and AVCHD-aware software.
XConvert offers seven compression methods — from simple quality presets for quick results to CRF-based encoding for precise quality-to-size control. Combining compression with resolution downscaling (e.g., 1080p to 720p) and trimming can reduce file sizes by 70–90%.
AVCHD Compression Methods
| Method | Best For | How It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Preset | Quick compression | Predefined levels from Highest to Lowest |
| Target file size (%) | Predictable output | Set 50% to halve the file |
| Specific file size | Upload/email limits | Target exact MB (e.g., 25 MB for email) |
| Constant Quality (CRF) | Best quality-to-size | CRF 18 = near-lossless, 23 = default, 28 = smaller |
| Variable Bitrate | Streaming | More bits for complex scenes, fewer for simple |
| Constant Bitrate | Predictable streaming | Fixed bitrate throughout |
| Trim | Remove unwanted footage | Start time + duration |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I compress AVCHD?
Typical reductions are 40–70% with "Quality Preset: High" or CRF 23. Combining compression with resolution downscaling (1080p → 720p) can achieve 70–90% reduction. Use "Target file size (%)" for predictable results.
Will compressing reduce video quality?
Any lossy compression involves a trade-off. At CRF 18–23 or "Quality Preset: High," the quality loss is minimal and often imperceptible. More aggressive settings (CRF 28+, "Low" preset) produce noticeably smaller files with visible quality reduction in fast-motion scenes.
Can I trim and compress at the same time?
Yes. Under "Trim," set a start time and duration. Trimming a 60-minute recording to 10 minutes alone reduces file size by ~83%, and compression reduces it further.
Which camcorders use AVCHD?
Sony Handycam (HDR-CX, FDR-AX), Panasonic HC-V/HC-X series, Canon VIXIA/LEGRIA, and JVC Everio models all record in AVCHD format with H.264 video and AC3 audio.
Should I compress AVCHD or convert to MP4?
If you need Blu-ray player compatibility, compress as AVCHD. For web, mobile, or general sharing, converting to MP4 is usually better — MP4 is universally supported and more efficient.