Can i edit videos if i have a mini DV camcorder??

Question

I bought a new Mini DV camcorder, and i have the firewire and everything. But is there anyway to edit my videos? Or do i have to get everything on tape the order i want it?! I really need help and i need it fast!. So is there anyways to edit the videos on my computer? Or does everything i capture on tape have to go straight to a DvD. Please help PLEASE

Answer 1

Video  Editing  Process *

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

for starters, XP/ Windows Movie Maker (wmm**) provides the simple & easy way (& free) to learn the ropes < click Help for fine details>. For enhanced effects, try  SpiceFx  by Pixelan,  Venture later into other video editing app ( http://video-editing-software-review.top... )  according to skill level & need.

Steps:

CAPTURE VIDEO

a.) Connect vcam to pc via firewire (4 or 6 pin) for good transfer (USB can do but possible drop frames with effect on quality)

b.) Set vcam mode to playback desired video, adjust settings for capture, then pause

c.) Open Windows Movie Maker and set to TASKS PANE

d.) In wmm/ Tasks pane/CAPTURE VIDEO, click CAPTURE from video device; wmm should be able to control vcam operations. On play, video files are copied to wmm/COLLECTION (usually several video files, although will not notice during vcam playback)

e.) Import also other desired files (video, pics, sounds, narration) from pc folder to wmm/ Collection

EDIT MOVIE

f.) wmm/EDIT: drag & drop captured video files one by one from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence- can re.arrange

g.) Enhance/EDIT your video further if you wish: drag/drop effects- transition, filter; create titles…test to your liking & re-edit as you wish

FINISH MOVIE (rendering)

h.) Save the video file to pc and/ or share; then Save project file (work-in-progress) for future edits.

Finally, SHARE

i.) Burn to CD or DVD***   (Wmm2 only on CD for XP)

   ***DVD authoring is incorporated in most video editing app., otherwise, use DVD authoring programs, WinDVD, Nero, Encore, etc.

Answer 2

You can edit with Windows Movie Maker (PC) or iMovie (Mac) after transferring the footage to either one.

Answer 3

read my tips on doing that here...

Answer 4

If you want to edit your video MiniDV is the best format!!  All the others are based on MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 and they're lossy formats - not good for editing.

To start off you should be able to use Windows Movie Maker to both capture and edit your footage.  It's not a great editor, but it's probably already on your PC and it'll introduce you to video editing.  Once you've got some idea of what you're looking for in an editor you can start looking at commercial apps - my personal favourite is Vegas Movie Studio, but there others which may be more to your taste.