Can anybody help me with this dilemma?

Question

i have some camcorder footage of a friend on videotape. i would like to send them it but i have baby footage on there also, so i just need the footage of my friend transferred to either computer or dvd but i dont know how.

Answer 1

Video Editing  Process *

*CAPTURE video files directly from vcam; IMPORT files from pc folders, EDIT to make the movie, save as a project, FINISH (render/ save) movie in the desired video format and finally, SHARE …burn to CD/DVD.

- copy video files from vcam to pc / folder, via Windows Explorer: thru USB link or from finalized DVD disk in pc DVD drawer or from flash media thru card reader.

- to learn the ropes, try free Windows XP/Vista movie maker or download video editing app, e.g. Ulead VidStudio (free trial or buy)

- Convert video files if not supported by video editing app.

a. IMPORT video/ audio files from pc folder to video editing app; CAPTURE video stream from miniDVcam thru firewire

b. EDIT...drag & drop selected video files to the video part of the timeline in the desired sequence; enhance- add effects-transition/ filters, create titles & add to the title part; add music or narration to the audio part of timeline

....then, review the muvee created from your vcam files..re-edit as you wish.

c. FINISH/ RENDER/save muvee

d. SHARE - burn to DVD  (if video editing app. has no DVD authoring, use DVD authoring software, e.g. WinDVD;Nero).

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Seems that the footage transfer from tape to DVD is just a one time activity, right?, such that you don't have to spent more than a 3rd party (Walmart) at minimal cost.

Answer 2

Very easy, if you have the correct cables.

Not at all easy if you do not.

I had to move footage from an elderly camera to my PC, and there was no way I was shelling out for the cables. I ended up running the camcorder's TV out (very standard connection) into the back of my DVD recorder, recording it onto DVD, and ripping it to my computer from that.

A bit 'round the houses, but worked well enough.

Answer 3

The other two posters are accurate - but I don't think they exactly answered your question.

You said: "have some camcorder footage of a friend on videotape".

If your camcorder is miniDV or Digital8 tape based, you will transfer using the DV port on the camera to a firewire port on your computer using a firewire (IEEE1394a, i.link) cable. If you use a traditional Windows machine, you may need to install a firewire port. USB will not transfer miniDV tape video.

If your camcorder is Hi8, VHS or VHS-C, you will transfer to computer using the AV cable that came with the camcorder and an Analog/Digital bridge like http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSite/us...

The camcorder connects to the AV cable which connects to the A/D bridge which connects to your computer.

If you have firewire on your computer, Canopus makes good A/D bridges:

http://canopus.com/products/videoconvers...

Once in the computer, you can edit in MovieMaker (Windows) or iMovie (Macintosh) and burn selected video to DVD...

If you don't like either of these solutions and have a VHS tape recorder, you could connect your camera (using the AV cables) to the VHS deck and make a copy to VHS tape.

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Your updates said:

"its not actually on my camcorder any more. it was taped over. its all just on videotape now and i just need that copying either onto computer, video or dvd. is it possible?"

I presume you mean it is on VHS videotape now...

You have two choices:

Using the Analog/Digital bridge instruction - but instead of using a camcorder, use a VHS deck to connect to the A/D bridge - then connect the A/D bridge to your computer.

or

Get a VHS to DVD burner deck like this:

http://shop3.outpost.com/product/4878950...

Answer 4

Well personally, it's not that easy as some might say, but if you have a lot of time and money, you can try doing it your self. I have put together a guide with tips on doing that....check it out...