[Shooter1]

Hi Everyone

Before I start, I've never used a camcorder before, but am very eager to learn

Just bought an NTSC Sony HC5 for just over £300. This is in anticipation of our 1st child due in approx 3 Weeks

Maybe I should have asked these questions before buying, but it seemed such a good deal!!

1. If I record in HDV and transfer it to the PC, will I be able to create PAL dvd's. (If so, is it an easy process). IF not, is there a way to share the footage?

2. Can anynone recommend some easy to use editing software. I think my brother has got the latest Sony Vegas 7. Is this any good, and will it allow me to edit my HDV footage? If this is a good piece of software, are there any tutorials available. If this software is too advanced, can you recommend a beginners version?

3. Should I look into buying additional accessories e.g Wide angle lenses and
filters, if so any rocommendations are welcome.

4. If I shoot a movie, can I share it on the Web?

If there is a site/book that can provide tips and hints on how to shoot good movies, can you please let me know.

Sorry for all the dumb questions. All responses welcomed.

[redsox_mark]

Congratulations (on getting the camcorder... )

1. If I record in HDV and transfer it to the PC, will I be able to create PAL dvd's. (If so, is it an easy process). IF not, is there a way to share the footage?

Yes, in the editing software you can create PAL DVDs. Alternatively you could create NTSC DVDs as they play on most PAL DVD players.

2. Can anynone recommend some easy to use editing software. I think my brother has got the latest Sony Vegas 7. Is this any good, and will it allow me to edit my HDV footage? If this is a good piece of software, are there any tutorials available. If this software is too advanced, can you recommend a beginners version?

I'm a Sony Vegas user, so I think your brother has good taste.. I recommend the Vegas Movie Studio Platinum version - does 80% of what the full version of Vegas does for 20% of the price. It comes with some tutorials... but there will be a learning curve with any editing software.

Also consider Ulead Video Studio, Pinnacle 11, Premiere Elements 3...



3. Should I look into buying additional accessories e.g Wide angle lenses and
filters, if so any rocommendations are welcome.

I would start with a UV filter, which can help with haze in bright conditions, but is mainly there to protect the lens. Be sure to get a good multi-coated one. Sony make some... I use one of these.

https://www.harrisoncameras.co.uk/sh...asp?prodid=592

I'd hold off on a wide angle until you see if you need it... if you find yourself not being able to get far enough away from the subject then you need one.


4. If I shoot a movie, can I share it on the Web?

Sure, in the editor you can convert it to various formats and quality for web posting.

If there is a site/book that can provide tips and hints on how to shoot good movies, can you please let me know.

Nice video podcasts for beginners here
http://www.izzyvideo.com/

He keeps adding more and more podcasts and some of the topics may seem a bit advanced, but if you start with tutorial 01 it is aimed at beginner level.

[Shooter1]

Thanks Mark for the as usual excellent advice.

A couple of follow ups

I've ordered some mini dvd tapes from Amazon, can I reuse them, if so is there a limit to the no. of times they can be reused?

What is the difference between a UV filter and a polarising filter?

I've seen the following filter http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/prod...ducts_id=62851 . Will this do?

Re the software, you say there will be a learning curve. If I go with Sony Vegas, are there any resources available to assist me in learning the software. I dont want to do any thing fancy, just some basic editing (I think)

I'm not sure if my ageing PC is up to capturing/ editing / burning HDV footage. The specs are:

AMD Athlon(tm) XP 2000+
1666 MHz
512 MB Ram
Approx 40GB of free hard drive

(I feel a bit embarrassed posting the above spec)

This looks like it could be an interesting and time consuming hobby!!

Once again, thanks.

[redsox_mark]

You can reuse tapes, but it can reduce the risk of dropouts. As these are more significant with HDV I advise to only use them once.

UV filter doesn't do much other than remove some haze, it's mostly clear. Polorising filter darkens the sky, reduces glare. Good explanation here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filter_(photography)

That filter you linked to looks OK.

With any of the software there are user forums and various resources. (And if you go with Vegas I can help )

As for your PC....

You'll want more HDD (HDV is about 13 GB per hour), but that's easy to add. Your PC spec will probably struggle a bit editing raw HDV. Capturing will be no problem, it just may be a bit sluggish when editing. There are workarounds - you can use what is called a proxy - but that adds an additional step to the workflow.