Digital camcorder question

[lostboybinns]

I really want a digital camcorder so I can transfer the film to my pc and make my own home dvds. I heard that you lose a bit of quality when transfering from cam to pc.....is this true?

Was looking at this model - Sony DCR-HC24e Mini DV

[redsox_mark]

No... but...

With a MiniDV camcorder, you do not lose ANY quality when copying to the PC. The data is copied untouched, from the camcorder to your PC HDD.

What is true is that DVDs require mpeg2 format - more compressed than DV. So there is some quality loss in creating the files in DVD (mpeg2) format. But if decent editing software is used, with the right settings (e.g. a good bitrate), any loss should be insignificant.

[lostboybinns]

oh right, awesome...and some good editing program would be???? I have nero on here

[redsox_mark]

Sony Vegas (including the affordable Movie Studio version) has a good mpeg encoder... as does Premiere Elements (uses the same one I think).

[senu]

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

Sony Vegas (including the affordable Movie Studio version) has a good mpeg encoder... as does Premiere Elements (uses the same one I think).

yes it does
Im currrently "playing" with Uleads VideoStudio 10+ and unlike its earlier siblings ( 8 & 9) It is looking promising. ( to me anyway ) Though I must say i like Vegas Movie studio ( and Vegas itself)


Read This thread for an idea of previous posts on video editing software.

The slight drop in quality from miniDV tape to DVD should not be a bother , If done well your nice DVD with great PQ is playable everywhere unlike the tape

[lostboybinns]

My camera came today and I have ulead 10+ so will have a good go tomorrow and report my findings.....thx tho

[lostboybinns]

All is looking very promising thus far. Havent done much yet. But very satisfied with this little beauty.