If you’ve been in the video production game for a while—especially if you're a regular in the EEVblog forums—you’ve likely run into the "E28 vs. MP4" debate. "E28" refers to the high-quality setting found on many prosumer cameras, while MP4 represents the industry's most flexible container.
If you need maximum compatibility and a fast turnaround, stick with MP4 . If you are using older legacy equipment and need to squeeze every bit of quality out of a 1080p sensor, E28 still holds its own—but its days are numbered.
Highly compressed, which can lead to "muddy" footage in high-motion scenes if the bitrate isn't set high enough. The Comparison: Which Should You Use? E28 (AVCHD) MP4 (H.264) Best Use Case Archival, High-End Camcorders Web, Social Media, Quick Edits Editing Speed Can be slower/stuttery Very smooth on most NLEs Compatibility Moderate (Requires specific players) Video Quality Often superior at lower bitrates Requires higher bitrates for parity Verdict: Why "E28" is Fading
Are you still shooting in AVCHD, or have you made the leap to full MP4? Let us know your workflow in the comments! Thoughts on AVCHD vs MP4 for technology videos on YouTube