[gavin77]

Hi, i'm totally new to camcorders. Just bought a cheap MiniDV one and have purchased a 4pin firewire to use with my laptop.

The camera (Pana GS80) comes with no software and I only have windows movie maker.

My requirement is to only do some simple editing (cutting only) and then burn to DVD (with the laptop DVD burner) at the highest quality DVD setting. I won't be archiving on the Laptop, the DVD will become the master copy (and i'll keep the orginal MiniDV tape).

I don't have another DVD recorder other than the laptop.

Any suggestions on the simpliest way forward - I think I just need some editing software - but what will fit the bill and do I need anything else?

Thank you,

Gav

[redsox_mark]

To do what you have described - simple edits and DVD authoring - I suggest Ulead DVD Movie Factory. It's cheap and easy to use.

If you want to do more advanced editing, then consider:
- Sony Vegas Movie Studio Platinum
- Ulead Video Studio
- Pinnacle Studio
- Premeire Elements

[MarkE19]

I assume that your laptop does have a firewire input - you did say you have a firewire cable

If your laptop is running Windows Vista then you may not need to buy any additional software as Movie Maker in Vista can burn to DVD. If however you are running XP then you will need other software such as the very good DVD MovieFactory mentioned by Mark. It is very easy to use and gives excellent results (I use v5 on my PC).
A free trial download can be found Here and detailed user info for Movie Maker can be found Here.

Mark.

[gavin77]

Yes it does have the firewire port. I have a choice of laptops but both run on XP. Looks like the movie factory is getting the seal of approval.

Thanks for the help.

[senu]

I wouldn't be tempted to get ver 5 on the cheap though . Ver 6 is better especially if you have any editing in mind. Version 6 plus even more so