Editing software for rookie Canon HV30 owner?

Question

Just bought my first camcorder (Canon HV30) and was surprised to discover that no editing software was included to allow me to put video footage onto my computer, or burn DVDs. Any recommendations for an enthusiastic novice?

Answer 1

If you are an Apple Macintosh user, iMovieHD for importing and editing the video; iDVD for DVD menu authoring and rendering the project to DVD. This is bundled with Macintosh computers. If you want more "power", control and professional options, FinalCut Express and FinalCut Pro are available to purchase.

For Windows, I am not sure if MovieMaker can handle HD video from that camcorder - and I understand Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere are available to buy. There are a few DVD menu authoring/rendering apps out there.

You will be connecting that miniDV tape based camcorder using its DV port to the firewire400 port on your computer - so if you don't already have one, you need to install it and get it working. Macs have had firewire 400 ports for many years, standard - except for the new Mac Air).

Alert: Standard definition video will use about 14 gig of hard drive space per hour of imported video. High definition video will use about 44 gig of hard drive space per hour of imported video.

Yes, when you burn the DVD (presuming your computer has a "normal" single layer or double layer DVD burner), high definition video will be down-sampled to standard def - but whn played back on a regular DVD player using component cables connected to an HDTV, it will be the clearest standard def you've seen.

Another option is to export the finished (high definition) project back the the camcorder and use the camcorder as the playback device (with HDMA or component). It is played back as high def - and awesome.

If you have a BluRay player connected to your HDTV and want to "go for it" (and do not have a BluRay burner, one method is to get one of these:

http://www.lacie.com/us/products/range.h...

Heads up: the blank BluRay discs are pricey...