Opinion poll, what's best video setup?

[George]

Am using WinXP-pro PC and got a Sony digital camcorder that does movies and
snapshots. So far...just getting started...the Sony works great connecting
with USB cable for still-image downloads, but I get impression will need
more for movies. Would like to be able to EASILY connect the Sony, download
movies, edit them, then save to DVD-burner and play on DVD



-Is it possible to connect the camera via USB? Is it "practical" or just
impossibly slow? Do I have to have the IEEE 1394 Firewire video capture
card and software



-What are some MAINSTREAM video packages to look at, I'm assuming Adobe
($1000, right?) Is the top of the line, how about just below that...but
nothing mickey mouse. I'm ok on a reasonable learning curve. Regardless,
want to do some minor editing and have quality videos, not cheezy clip-art
looking overdone effects.



-Is the IEEE 1394 card separate? What's a good brand, about how much? Or
is an all-in-one box the way to go (software/hardware)



-The digital 8mm Sony also "plays" old analog 8mm tapes...can I play them
and download those to the PC? Will the capture card somehow convert them to
digital in the process? How much "loss" in quality is there?



Thanks,

George

PARTIAL DELL Answer 4?/2003. Recommends Movie Studio Plus (includes Roxio
creator)

 

[PapaJohn]

Hi George,

Yes, you should get and use a firewire card/cable.... the bundled packages
are probably cheaper than the individual parts..... today's cameras and
computers use firewire to transfer full digital video, and USB for still
pictures and video clips compressed more than digital video.

Your camcorder does the conversion of the 8mm analog tape info to digital
video, not the firewire card or computer.

Here's an excerpt from the 2003 book by PC Magazine 'Guide to Digital
Video' - Chapter 3 - Choosing Your Video Editor

If needs are modest, use Movie Maker 2

As editing goals grow, move first into consumer editors like:
Pinnacle Studio
Ulead VideoStudio

And then to prosumer products like:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Pinnacle Edition
Sonic Foundry Vegas
Ulead MediaStudio Pro


--
PapaJohn

Movie Maker 2: www.papajohn.org
PhotoStory 2: www.photostory.papajohn.org
..
..

 

[M.L.]

Here's an excerpt from the 2003 book by PC Magazine 'Guide to Digital
Video' - Chapter 3 - Choosing Your Video Editor

If needs are modest, use Movie Maker 2

As editing goals grow, move first into consumer editors like:
Pinnacle Studio

They've got to be joking, Pinnacle editors have the worst reputation
for bugginess of them all. One visit to rec.video.desktop will confirm
this.

Ulead VideoStudio

And then to prosumer products like:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Pinnacle Edition

No, not Pinnacle.

Sonic Foundry Vegas

If you've outgrown MM2, try this one. It's a bargain even though
somewhat pricey.