what's the absolute best way to transfer mini dv to my pc...

[kidrocklive]

inorder to allow me to author the vids onto dvd(s). I read something about using a firewire, but that you also need a firewire card. Is this the best option to use? Thanks in advance for any help you could give me.

- Scott

[Chachi420]

miniDV > firewire > computer is the best option

[saltman]

you don't need a specific firewire card. If your computer has firewire already your set. if it doesn't you can buy a card for around $15.

[Evenreven]

Sadly, many PCs don't have Firewire. If you have this input on your pc, you're ok. Like Saltman says, many have one:



Or you can buy a card:

[AAR.oner]

to add to the above, you'll also need a decent capture/editing program...as per usual, "you get what you pay for" when it comes to video editing...let us know what OS yer on and what kinda budget yer workin with and we can make some suggestions.

[kidrocklive]

I'm using windows xp (home edition). I have a friend that "has" sony vegas, is that the best program for video editing? I'm just not exactly sure how to use it and I don' think he does either

when I get home i'll look on my pc and see if I have a firewire port or not already on it.

[bigwurock]

i had to put in a firewire card..works great!..i did use dazzle into USB port, but the daazle i was using was a lower capture...thus not the greatest made dvd...you can by a higher end dazzle capture but it will be cheaper to by the firewire cable & card if needed..

[onemanguitarband]

This is what I use....about $600 but it works great

http://www.canopus.us/US/products/Tw...winPact100.asp

You should use a firewire port with this as well though. And it really shines on doing analog (VHS) to digital conversions as well.

[kidrocklive]

Originally Posted by onemanguitarband

This is what I use....about $600 but it works great

http://www.canopus.us/US/products/Tw...winPact100.asp

You should use a firewire port with this as well though. And it really shines on doing analog (VHS) to digital conversions as well.

that's way outta my league lol, I didn't even buy the camcorder, just borrowing a friends, but thanks anyway. I looked on my pc and it looks like I have the 6m and 4m firewire slots on my pc. There is a 4m on in the front and a 6m in the back.

[Chachi420]

Originally Posted by AAR.oner

to add to the above, you'll also need a decent capture/editing program...as per usual, "you get what you pay for" when it comes to video editing...let us know what OS yer on and what kinda budget yer workin with and we can make some suggestions.

WinDV is a freeware minidv capturing program

[kidrocklive]

i'd probably just try figuring out how to use my friends sony vegas and see how that goes, and if I can't get that to work right, then try other, possibly easier alternatives

[Chachi420]

DoubleTake is a free script for Sony Vegas to allow 2cam mixes.
Excalibur4 is way better vegas script for multicam, but it is not free...

[kidrocklive]

atm i'm just doing single cam authoring stuff and also not syncing the video with new audio, just using what is already on it.

[bigwurock]

if you are going to use the dvd for yourself...not adding new audio or anything..might want to just go out and buy a standalone dvd recorder...capture will not be the best as vegas but still will be good..but might just save alot of headaches + is really easy to do...

[AAR.oner]

since yer not synching multi-cams or seperate audio, Vegas shouldn't be that hard to handle...personally i'd use it