Tech Question: Recording From A Camcorder To Computer.

[Axxman300]

I'm currently researching this, so I figured I'd ask you guys.

I've got a Sony Camcorder and I want to transfer it to DVD via my computer. I figure that I need to buy special software, which I'm going to look at tomorrow. When I plug my USB into the computer it asks for a program disk, which I don't have and the dorks at Sony want me to by a direct-to-DVD recorder.

My mission is to record stuff from Fort Ord and preserve it for veterans.

Any advice will be a giant help.

Thank you in advance...

[snostorm]

pincacle makes some good software and hardware. I would research them first. I work at best buy and they sell like hot cakes. Or you could just get a MAC

[JCJanko]

I have actually had problems with Pinnacle, so I recommend something simple yet powerful for the money. I would look into Ulead VideoStudio. Very good for basic editing and capturing. I actually still use it for capturing, even though I have tons of programs that can capture. It always seems to give me the best results.

[cyberfiddl]

pincacle makes some good software and hardware. I would research them first. I work at best buy and they sell like hot cakes. Or you could just get a MAC

I removed Pinnacle's Studio Plus v10.5 just today for these reasons.

[MikeL]

The solution depends on the camcorder format, Axx. Digital or analog?

[twonabomber]

Ulead Video Studio is great to start out with. i started with VS7 but eventually traded up to Sony Vegas and DVD Architect.

Pinnacle is shit, as is Roxio, Sonic, and Snappy/Dazzle. Adobe is good, but can be pricey.

oh, yeah, as always...www.videohelp.com. start reading.

[Axxman300]

The solution depends on the camcorder format, Axx. Digital or analog?

It records to a 8mm tape, it says Hi-8 digital, but I'm guessing Analog.

[JCJanko]

It records to a 8mm tape, it says Hi-8 digital, but I'm guessing Analog.

Wow. I had written a post assuming it was analog, then erased it and placed what is there now thinking it was stupid to assume analog with today's tech. Shows how much I know...

[JCJanko]

Ulead Video Studio is great to start out with. i started with VS7 but eventually traded up to Sony Vegas and DVD Architect.

Pinnacle is shit, as is Roxio, Sonic, and Snappy/Dazzle. Adobe is good, but can be pricey.

oh, yeah, as always...www.videohelp.com. start reading.

I second all of this, especially www.videohelp.com! I still can't do a thing without checking that site first for reference.

[MikeL]

When you look for a video importing/editing package, make sure it works with the analog format. I've only got experience with digital stuff. Hook'em up with a Firewire cable, and let the computer control the camera. It's slick. The last time I edited analog tape was something like fifteen years ago, using a TV station's editing bay.

If there's a public access station nearby, they might be willing to let you use their equipment. That could result in a pretty slick show.

Otherwise you'll need something to import the video through, hardware-wise. Usually now it's a USB dongle that connects to your RCA or S-Video outputs on the camera. I haven't looked in a while, but I think the prices on a package that includes the hardware and software used to be around a hundred bucks or so.

[twonabomber]

some people say USB isn't fast enough, and that Firewire is the way to go.

i've never tried a USB capture device...i have a Canopus ADC something or other that is the cat's ass. it was close to $300 but it does what i want, and does it well.

[Axxman300]

The camera has a USB and an S-Video output. My computers "sees" it but doesn't know what it is.

Oh, thanks for all of the input, like I said, I'm sure there's a program for this. I don't use the video camera all that much so it's never come up before.

[MikeL]

The USB port is probably for stills.