Looking for help with mts video files

[MomToPirate&Princess]

I got a new camera and it records video to an mts file. I'm trying to figure out how to convert it to a file that I can use on my computer. My old camera used .avi files, but another format that works on a computer would be fine too. I have google searched how to do it on the computer and keep running into several different software programs to buy and/or download. I am always leary of downloading random software to my computer.

I was wondering if any of you photo gurus know how to convert my .mts to a format for the computer (my old camera used .avi, but another workable format would be fine too). I was looking for a free way, but don't mind paying for a software if it is reliable, user friendly and not too expensive.

Thanks.

 

[hakepb]

AVCHD? I mostly play them on my BluRay player to view HD video on a bigger screen. I either burn the files to a DVD data disc or plug the camera into the USB port of the BluRay player.

On my computer, I have a Sony camera, so I use the Sony PMB software that came with the camera and is available for a free download..it can view and trim/join clips too.

Or you can upload to a good service like Vimeo..those are easy to play on any device.

 

[photo_chick]

What do you want to do with the video? Just be able to play it on your computer? Or do you want to be able to edit it?

I'd get the free software mentioned already for playback. If you want to get into more serious editing Sony Vegas would probably be the easiest to work with AVCHD files.