Mini DVs...?

Question

At my wedding, the videographer took my video on a mini DV. I don't know what one of these is, so, what I want to know is:

When I get the Mini DV tomorrow, will I be able to watch it somehow? I will not have the camera. Does it go into your computer DVD drive or, into the DVD player?

Thanks! x

Answer 1

Congratulations on ur wedding!

Well, normally a contracted videographer will only bring u the finished product - DVD disk plus a photo album (if bundled). It's unusual to receive the source files - in miniDV tape cassettes - but it's best to have an archive of one of the most memorable, if not the best day in ur life.

Of course, these miniDV cassettes would have to be played on a miniDV camcorder, prices of w/c have gone done drastically

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controll...

If u will just get the miniDV cassettes (& not the DvD disc!), you'll have to learn to  (via a video editing application)

- capture/import video files from these cassettes to PC/ editor

- edit - join, cut enhance, etc.

- share/ burn to DvD (shud have a DvD burner)

~~~~~~~~~~~

Sorry, you'll have to do it urself!.. am sure u'll want to edit the raw shoots - some of w/c may have caught you in a compromising angle w/c u wudn't like to share. Of course,  to view the raw shoots, you'll have to connect the miniDV camcorder to your tv w/ the a/v cables that came w/ the box.

here's a short tutorial:

a miniDV vcam must be FIREWIRE400**-connected to pc to upload video thru video capture or video editing* software while vcam is ON PLAYBACK.  Note: DV or Firewire port of vcam is 4pin. Before cable purchase** (Vcam/4pin=>firewireCABLE=>PC (4/ 6pin?), check pc for DV or firewire port, whether 4 or 6 pin. If none, install firewire card: pci for pc or pcmcia for laptop.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire    

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker* (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & easy way to learn the ropes < click help for details>. Upgrade to intermediate video editing applications accdg. to need & skill level

http://video-editing-software-review.top...

      video editing process- XP/wmm2

      >>> open wmm- start/all programs/wmm->TASK pane

1. Capture video stream** - editing software remotely controls vcam operations

2. Edit- drag/drop video files->timeline & enhance w/effects, transition, music & titles

3. Finish (render)- save Movie –OK for youTube, also save Project.msmmw file

      >>> Share-burn to CD (if DvD, use DvD authoring app, e.g.,DvD Flick, Nero, etc.)

For Vista/wmm6, t’is similar: Import/ Edit/ Publish/ WindowsDVD or Nero for authoring

For details, try

http://desktopvideo.about.com/od/desktop...

Answer 2

You need a minidv camcorder, your friend should know that. She should have downloaded it to her computer and put in on a DVD, now you will have to take the minidv (it's a cassette)to a place who can transfer it for you unless you have a minidv camcorder are you sure she said mini dv and not minidvd?

If it's a minidvd….

You will have to finalize your dvd in the camera and then put the dvd in your computer 's DVD burner (top loading only) and then you will have to convert the files (i downloaded handbrake file converter free) and import them into your editing program. Use the HELP feature in your editing program to learn about editing. Once you are ready to burn, your project will be burned to a different DVD and you can file the original away.