Camcorder help...DV In?

overworked_underpaid

I am thinking of buying a new camcorder and need help regarding the features.
What is the purpose of "DV In" on a camcorder?

I want to be able to connect the camera to my PC to copy to VCD or DVD.

I have short listed my choice to the following models:
Sony HC44
Sony HC46
Sony HC96

Any help in deciding would be appreciated.

fairytooth

It is essential to have dv-in if you want to return movies back to your camcorder digitally edited . Unfortunately the models which have it are more expensive because they fall into a different vat category, believe it or not!

It is possible to 'crack' non dv-in camcorders so that they become dv-in but the degree of difficulty varies. Worth the research if you are a techie. I would bite the bullet and go for a high end model if you can afford it. otherwise you will be left wondering what options you have missed out on.

tomd84

DVIN means if you edit it on a computer using a program like Windows Movie Maker, you can put it straght back on the DV Tape so you can play it back though the camera!
If you just want to import it on to your pc or dvd player and never want to reedit and put it back on the dv tape, you are better off just getting dv out!


Thanks Tom :-)

overworked_underpaid

Ideally, I want to be able to export from mini-dv to PC. Once I have finished editing then I want to be able to burn to CD or DVD. I have no real need for copying the finished movie back to mini-DV.

I have had a look at the camera specs on a few websites but am unclear how the camcorder connects to your PC. Is it DV-out from camera to PC via firewire or USB?

tomd84

DV-OUT is a firewire connection out!
A lot of newer camers have DV-Out and USB Out (Mainly Sonys)

Thanks Tom :-)

overworked_underpaid

I am seriously considering the Sony HC46 which claims to have
- Advanced USB Streaming (video CD burning)
- DV out

When you export from mini-dv to PC via USB or DV-Out what format does the video get saved in Windows XP?

tomd84

USB Out will be whatever software comes with the camera, but if you use DV OUT, it depends what software you use with it

Thanks Tom :-)

MikeyMike_2

Depending on what software package you use you should be able to capture directly to MPEG2 for authoring to DVD or MPEG1 for authoring to VCD.

I tend to capture footage from my cameras DV out to AVI (huge file sizes) simply because I usually want to edit the footage, add titles and so fourth before encoding it to MPEG2 ready for authoring to DVD.

It all depends on what you want to do with the captured video once its on the PC.