Top, any advice is helpful and much appreciated

You generally want to go for the editing system's native format. Prores 422 is great for Final Cut, i'm not sure what the best for Avid or Premiere are. I generally use prores422, or XDCam depending on filesize requirements. Prores makes very large files, but they're better for editing. Just make sure that you are converting everything in the same frame size, framerate, and 100% quality as your original clip. You HAVE to convert your footage before you try to edit though, most software doesn't work well with the H.264 files that the camera shoots.

The fact that your footage doesn't look as good probably has less to do with the editing, and more to do with shooting. Unless it's pixelated, it's a shooting issue. Learning the manual controls (especially what they all do and how they work with each other) and figuring out proper exposure is going to be key. As well, basic color correction in your editing program can go a long way.

http://onthatpage.files.wordpress.co...hic-poster.jpg

I'm no expert but I think it might have to do with your S.D. Card... I think with your camera you need a "Class 6 card" or better.

Turn your camera on auto, edit with iMovie. Works wonders for me :mrgreen: