AVCHD (*.mts
and *.m2ts files) are tough to handle in Blender VSE, or Cinelerra,
especially 1440x1080 anamorphic interlaced files. (produced by Canon
LEGRIA HF R16)
Using an intermediate file format, better suited for video editing, works for both, Blender and Cinelerra.
Cinelerra (a dedicated NLE)
has come long ways, and the community version offers a lot of features,
I still find it buggy at times. (has good potential though)
Blender VSE, very professional, but it has a very high learning curve. (so much more than a dedicated NLE)