Media

AVCHD specification allows the use as recording media of recordable DVDs, memory cards, non-removable solid-state memory, and hard disk drives. 

DVD Update 

The recordable DVD was the only storage medium when the AVCHD format was first announced.[2] In order to minimize camcorder size, manufacturers opted for an 8 cm disk, also called miniDVD. The recording capacity of an 8 cm disk ranges from 1.4 GB for a single layer single layer disk to 5.2 GB for a double layer double layer disk.

Pros: Pros 

Most consumers are familiar with DVDs, and therefore considered user friendly. 

Recordable DVDs are relatively inexpensive. 

For most Blu-ray Disc players stored discs can be played back. 

Disks may be used to store stored video for long periods. 

Cons: Counterparts 

Some argue that recordable DVDs may have a shorter longevity than expected. 

Rewritable DVDs cost more than cds writable once. 

To play back on set-top players DVDs must be "finalized" (although DVD-RWs can be incomplete again). 

Double layer recording is less reliable than recording on single layer. 

It must be flipped over to use both sides of a double-sided disk, as camcorders only have pickup from one side.

Also DVD / Blu-ray players specifically built for that purpose will play AVCHD DVDs back. 

The AVCHD specification restricts data rates for DVD-based AVCHD camcorders to 18 Mbit / s, but no DVD-based AVCHD camcorder produced to date can record data rates greater than 12 Mbit / s (Canon, Sony) or 13 Mbit / s (Panasonic). 

A one-sided 8 cm single layer DVD can accommodate only 15 minutes of 12 Mbit / s video, 14 minutes at 13 Mbit / s. 

DVD pickup mechanism is very vibration sensitive. 

In several slot-loading drives, 8 cm DVDs can not be used, and can even damage the drive.

When memory card storage increased and its price dropped, the use of DVDs for recordable media decreased. Since 2008, no AVCHD camcorders based on a DVD were made. Although DVDs are no longer used for purchase, they remain popular as media distribution. Most authoring programs deliver profile "AVCHD" for high definition video recording on a DVD. Such AVCHD disks are incompatible with regular DVD-Video players, but they are playable in many Blu-ray disks. A conventional single layer 12 cm DVD can store 35 minutes of recorded video at the maximum bitrate allowed by the AVCHD specification for DVD media—18 Mbps. 

Hard Drive Disk

Shortly after the introduction of the latest video format, a hard disk drive was introduced as an optional storage medium to AVCHD specification.[17] Currently, built-in HDD size ranges from 30 GB to 240 GB. 

Pros: Pros 

Higher capacity than other types of media which enables longer continuous recording. 

Cons: Counterparts 

Atmospheric Pressure Sensitive. If the camcorder is used at altitudes above 3,000 meters (9,800 ft) the HDD could fail. 

Vulnerable to mechanical shock or accelerated motion. 

All AVCHD camcorders based on HDDs employ non-removable disks. The camcorder need to be connected to a USB cable to transfer video to a computer. For this operation most camcorders require the use of an AC power adapter.

When recording in quiet environment the sound of moving magnetic heads can be heard in the captured video. 

Replacing a broken HDD demands that a camcorder be disassembled, and a customer can not do so. 

Solid-state storage card 

Canon HF100 camcorder with Secure Digital Card, partially inserted. 

Most AVCHD camcorders use memory cards Secure Digital, or "Memory Stick," as portable storage media. Solid-state memory cards provide rewritable storage with no moving parts, in a lightweight form factor. 

For their professional AVCHD lineups, specifically AVCCAM and NXCAM, Panasonic and Sony selected removable flash memory as the sole form of record media.

Sony had insisted on using its own memory card format-Memory Stick until 2010. Since 2010, Sony has allowed its consumer and professional camcorders to use both the Memory Stick and Secure Digital cards. Both Panasonic and other AVCHD camcorder manufacturers use Stable Digital Cards as removable flash media. Most models accept Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) cards, while some models are also compatible with Secure Digital Extended Capacity (SDXC) cards which offer higher transfer speed and size. 

Pros: Pros 

Lightweight and lightweight. 

Needs no spin-up and initialisation period. 

Not weak to magnetic fields.

Can withstand wider air pressure, humidity and vibration compared to HDDs. 

Can be easily backed up to DVD for viewing and archiving in the long term[9]. 

May store mixed media material including still images such as still photographs and captures of still frames. 

The recording section does not contain moving parts, therefore operation is almost silent; a camera can also be made more compact and less prone to mechanical damage if dropped. 

Many modern computers, many TV sets, and Blu-ray Disk players, as well as many personal portable media players have built-in card readers and are able to play AVCHD video directly from a card. 

Cons: Counterparts

Recording costlier per minute than a built-in HDD or DVD computer. 

Not reliable for long-term storage, and can wear out faster than anticipated, particularly cards made with MLC technology as opposed to SLC technology cards. 

Vulnerable to electrical damage and too high temperature, such as static discharge. 

A bad memory card can cause corruption in data, resulting in loss of one or more clips. 

Non-removable Memory in Solid State 

Many AVCHD camcorders come either as a single media or in addition to other media with built-in solid-state memory. 

Pros: Pros 

Allows to make a camcorder smaller by using no other media.

Often available for recording, in case other media forms are complete or absent. 

Cons: Counterparts 

Since recording media is non-removable, the captured images should either be backed up to a device with a USB cable to pass video or (if accepted by the camera) to another FLASH card or even to a DVD or Blu-ray with an externally attached burner. Usage of an AC power adapter can be required. 

Can not exchange, give or store non-removable media separately from the camcorder. 

Unremovable devices can not be quickly replaced like a memory card if damaged or worn out.