What digital video camera do you have?

[pat83t]

I just got a really good deal on a Panasonic PV-DV52. Just wondering what cameras you guys use and how do you like it. I like mine so far except the small view finder being in black and white. It has a 2.5" color fold out but it sux power fast.

[Lburou]

I'm very happy with my new Fuji S7000 with a 512 Mb memory card....$600

[Benny]

Sony TRV-25.

[PhillyTurboSix]

Sony Mavica MVC-CD500 5.0 mega pixels. Check my links to see how the pictures look. I like it a lot.

[firebird_1252]

i have the cannon zx65

[rastaz]

Cannon PowerShot A40. It's simple enough for a dummy like me to use and ya it goes thru batteries pretty good.

[Buicksx2]

Wondering if I could ask you guys a question about digital video cameras.

Was thinking of getting one and wondering if you guys have made mpegs off of them? How hard or easy is is? Need special software?

I would like to be able to take camera to track record some runs and transfer them to the computer for later use. Has anyone had any experince with the cameras that let you record right to the DVD?

Thanks for any and all tips.

[rastaz]

Super easy to do!!! My camera came with software that lets you download vids and pics to your computer and they are all ready to view, no messing around. I can film for 15 seconds on my camera which is enough to time to even catch Arrfy's/Bruce's car make a pass

[Buicksx2]

Thanks Rastaz appreciate that. Stupid question but once you video something and put it on computer if you wanted to make a DVD you'd just have to burn it to a DVD right? Assuming you hada DVD burner.

Thanks again.

[GSandGN]

Well, most any camera (still) that captures for only seconds at a time will likely NOT be the quality you want or need for DVD - especially audio. Also, its a waste of $ to burn up media like that when a regular blank CD will do just as well.

Many DVD players can handle VCD formats!

___________ more __________

It seems some are talking about still cams here. Your subject says video however. Most any video camera will take sufficient quality footage for DVD (even if one can argue not to potential). As for making the DVD itself, I suggest one of the many packages out there that come with hardware AND software.

If the camera supports firewire (the PV-DV52 should?), Pinnacle makes a card/software combo for PC's that runs about $100 for DVD authoring.

Other options include a capture card, an external device (similar to Dazzle), or running to VHS if you happen to have one of the VHS/DVD hardware combos.

Im sure to have missed something!

[pat83t]

Originally posted by rastaz
Super easy to do!!! My camera came with software that lets you download vids and pics to your computer and they are all ready to view, no messing around. I can film for 15 seconds on my camera which is enough to time to even catch Arrfy's/Bruce's car make a pass

Still not enough time to get one of my runs on video. The PV-DV52 that I got is a MiniDV camera and therefore records right to digital tape. It normally sells for about $375-$400 but I traded my digital still camera that I paid about $200 straight across for it. Like I said, I couldn't argue with the price.

[pat83t]

Originally posted by GSandGN


If the camera supports firewire (the PV-DV52 should?), Pinnacle makes a card/software combo for PC's that runs about $100 for DVD authoring.

Yes it does, that was one of the major factors in getting that one. I needed it for taping footage of Turbo Thunder 5 so we can hook it straight to the editor.

[NCBuickGN]

http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/pr...388880,00.html

HTH

[GSandGN]

I just confirmed. You have both composite and firewire. Are you looking to put to DVD?

What I have done:
Used my Canon Elura40, hauppage capture card, XP, and either:
Windows Movie Maker 2 (with type1/type2 converter)
Adobe Premier 6.5
ArcSoft Showbiz

Once I have the basic file (avi) Im bringing that into one of a few diff DVD programs:
SonicMyDVD
Pinnacle Expression

Edit: whoops. I dont encode direct to MPG because I do my edits then can put back on tape TO the camera in digital format - transistions and all. You CAN go direct to DVD with some software if you dont need or want to edit all right from the camera.

You CAN encode direct to MPG2 format if you wish but depending on what you encode with vs what you author the DVD with you may run into compatibility problems. To start with, that is why I recommend a "one stop shop" for DVD authoring. If your computer lacks firewire you need it anyway. Pinnacle makes a software program (I dont use but others I know do) that comes with a card. Capture and burn all with one application.