How do I burn DVD's from a hard disk camcorder?

alison6692

Hiya x

Hubby and I were given some money over xmas and we would love to buy a camcorder to film our little baby due in Feb.

I have never owned a camcorder before and have lots of Q's.

Can anyone tell me - if we go for a camcorder with a hard disk how can I save it to DVD ?
I own a laptop ... ( we have a DVD player but its not a recordable one).
Just tryig to work out what type of camcorder to go for.

Many Thanks x

Alison x

mitchg

Havent done this myself but i am guessing its easy, just plug the camcorder into your laptop via USB or Firewire save the video you want on the laptop then just burn it to dvd using the dvd format or vcd format to view on your dvd player. Depending on the file format you may save it as you may just need a file converting program but i am sure that the camcorder will come with some appropriate software, just guessing as i dont have a hard drive camcorder but i am sure its not too difficult.

Inactive

Personally I wouldn't bother with a Hard Drive Camcorder, just get a tape one, transfer via Firewire or USB to your computer, or a dedicated DVD Recorder, use tape again.

techexpert

HDD Cameras are great! If you get a JVC one it comes with all the software you need.
But your laptop will need a recordable DVD drive.

Inactive

techexpert wrote: »

HDD Cameras are great.

Not sure how they are any better than tape ones, they certainly cost a lot more.

Quality is said to be not as good, from what I have read about them.

To each his/her own I guess.

techexpert

Inactive wrote: »

Not sure how they are any better than tape ones, they certainly cost a lot more.

Quality is said to be not as good, from what I have read about them.

To each his/her own I guess.

Quality is fine, the same compared to tape ones I have used. Alot easier to use too, just plug into PC get the videos you want, and you are done.

alison6692

Thank you all for those replies x

Can I ask 2 other questions?

How do I know if my laptop can record DVD's?

If we get a DVD camcorder - can you edit the DVD or once you have filmed on it do you have to keep the footgae you have shot?

Thanks for your time - I really appreciatte it.

Alison x

stonecoldsteveaustin

Hi Alison
We have a JVC hard drive camcorder, and we bought a dvd recorder from Sainsburys (instead of a video).for £60
The footage that we shoot on the camcorder is fantastic quality and of course you never need to buy tapes or dvd's and it can hold hours and hours of footage and still photos.
When we want to transfer to dvd, all we do is plug in the camcorder to the dvd player you know with the coloured leads yellow blue and white press play on the camcorder, record on the dvd player, and away you go.
Hope this helps!

alison6692

Thanks Steve - wow thats a really good price for the dvd recorder - I had no idea they were soo cheap.

Thanks for your reply. You have all been stars. I think I am gonna get out there and spend some dosh - I start mat leave next week so can have a good old shop.

Alison x