Help Please "VIDEO MAKERS"

[michaeln]

In attempt to take my practice and learning to another level, I'm planning to video my practice sessions or other musicians (what may be viewed as genric shedding).  What type of camera do you video posters uses, I currently have a cheap Walmart camera (web) it captures vid but is very troublesome.  Please share your remarks and Video Setup, thanks.

[ddw4e]

I have a JVC GR-D370U DV camcorder  and have it connected to the PC via Firewire. I either use Windows Movie Maker or Sony Vegas 7.

[SoundofJoy]

I use a Panasonic mini DV camera mounted on my basement ceiling. I use Windows Movie Maker and Arcsoft Showtime DVD software to edit my videos.

[michaeln]

I purchased digital camera that also takes videos.  My only problem with this is the video is in AVI format which is huge.  SOJ does the Arcsoft Showtime DVD software convert the files also.  Or could someone refer me to software that does "FREE IF AVAILIABLE".  Thanks any and all the help.

[ddw4e]

I purchased digital camera that also takes videos.  My only problem with this is the video is in AVI format which is huge.  SOJ does the Arcsoft Showtime DVD software convert the files also.  Or could someone refer me to software that does "FREE IF AVAILIABLE".  Thanks any and all the help.

You trying to convert to dvd?

[michaeln]

No, Sir I want to convert to a small enough file format (.wmv, mpeg, not sure about mp4) so I can post here and other places for feed back and instructions.  I would like to use as a regular recorder and use window movie maker as SOJ suggested but the camera doen't work that way, its stand alone.

[ddw4e]

hmmm...I would thought it would pick it up..what kind of digital camera you have? You may have to get a camcorder (that has firewire which is mostly standard these days) and do it that way

[iweaver]

I use a digital camcorder for the video only (no audio), and I record the audio separately for better sound, copy to PC (video is in avi and is very large, and the sound ends up in mp3) and edit in Vegas Movie Studio to merge the video and sound. Then, I render/compress to wmv to get the file size down to something manageable.

Unrelated to the keyboard videos, I recently tried to edit an avi movie file from my canon powershot. Vegas Movie Studio wouldn't work with the file properly. I haven't solved the problem yet - but I'm sure there is a way around it.

IW

[ddw4e]

Unrelated to the keyboard videos, I recently tried to edit an avi movie file from my canon powershot. Vegas Movie Studio wouldn't work with the file properly. I haven't solved the problem yet - but I'm sure there is a way around it.

IW

Give me some more info on that bro...I may be able to help you...also, you can go here

www.videohelp.com. They have everything you need to know on video.

[michaeln]

camera type is sony cyber-shot dsc-s650.  When I use the software that came with the camera it imports the file as avi.  Where 2 min of recording is about 45mb ( can you say wow).

[ddw4e]

camera type is sony cyber-shot dsc-s650.  When I use the software that came with the camera it imports the file as avi.  Where 2 min of recording is about 45mb ( can you say wow).

That sounds right...it's uncompressed and thats why the big size.  You really need a camcorder to do good video. I wouldn't use a digital camera for video. That's just me.

[michaeln]

I may be on to something!!!!!!  It was mentioned before and I talked to a guy at work about it and he said he use a MAC computer program, but in windows he uses Window Movie Maker.  I tried it and the file size for a 55 second video went from 19mb (.avi) to 2mb (.WMV).  Going to retest and get back to you guys....  Thanks........