cindy said:
We are planning to purchase a new DV Camcorder. What are the best cameras
to
use with the moviemaker program? We want to be able to import video more
easily. Are there any special accessories required?
Hi
The DV standard was set and the criteria should be same for all, but...
The established DV format is 4.1, a new generation of "Hi-Definition Wide
screen"
is on the horizon. Read here:
http://www.simplydv.co.uk/
The very basics:
Your PC will require a Firewire card, this is an interface
for devices that conform to a set standard, DV camcorders
should all meet this standard, but also other devices such as
external hard drives etc, see here:
http://www.wave-report.com/tutorials/firewire.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FireWire
http://www.dvcentral.org/
There is a whole pile of factors to consider when purchasing
a DV camcorder. Apart from battery capacity (At present
there is an evolving issue with Sony sourced batteries for
Mac laptops, but this is spilling over to Panasonic sourced
batteries, and implications for some OEM sourced batteries
that maybe used with DV camcorders? It's still a developing
subject, but batteries are the easiest lump to replace.)
Other factors being, night shooting, zoom, etc etc. Basically
what you are going to use it for?
Another issue being that there are some true bargains in the
"pre-owned" market, but be wary inasmuch early kit was
"DV-OUT" only, this maybe an issue with editing and wanting
to transfer back as pure digital data to the DV cam, if an early
model being "DV-OUT" only, this can't be done.
Also not all current models are DV-Out *and* DV-IN, this maybe
an issue when considering a DV camcorder in "Pass thru" or
for archiving VHS tapes...
Pass-Thru is when you use the cam to connect an analog device
such a vcr recorder to transfer recorded tapes to PC for editing
and archiving to DVD. Or for captuing a TV transmission from
a Digital set-top box etc.
Stabilizer: Most VHS recorders have a "stabilizer" function,
this is required if transfering analog VHS tape to digital tape
for archiving etc (All DV camcorders have analog capture inputs)
But if your VCR dosen't have this facility, and archiving of analog
recordings are a requirement, then opt for a DV cam that has a
built-in stabilizer for capturing analog/VHS material.
A DV cam has more potential than just shooting vacation footage.
Connection to your PC is via a pure digital interface - firewire,
Your PC will require such a capture board, if not, these are
easily fitted. WindowsXP comes pre-configured with a basic
capture/editing suite that can utililise this feature - Win Movie Maker.
But there are numerous capturing/editing software available
that can fully exploit the quality of DV footage.
Opt for a DV cam that has both DV-OUT *and* DV-IN.
With DV Hi-Def launched, current models will be soon be at
bargain prices.
