Aggie_64
On what computer operating system is your Premiere Elements 12 running on? Have you updated 12 to 12.1 using an opened project's Help Menu/Update. If not, please do so.
Given that your camera is recording with AVCHD (MPEG4 AVC/H.264) video compression. But, what is the file extension?
What is the problem - importing the Canon HF-20 files into the Elements Organizer 12 or the Premiere Elements 12/12.1 Editor?
With regard to Premiere Elements Editor import, what have you tried...
a. Add Media/Files and Folder/Project Assets where your camera's files are saved to the hard drive and then imported into the project from there.
b. Add Media/Videos from Flip or Camera/Video Importer
I do not think that we are ready for any file conversion until we know more about the properties of the files that you want to import, into where you want to import them. The H.264.mp4 format would be a good choice for the Premiere Elements Editor.
More later.
ATR