I need camcorder suggestions!

[ThurlFan]

I'm trying to settle on the best method for converting my old VHS-C home movies (Disney and otherwise) to something useful. My ultimate goal is to transfer them to the PC for archiving, editing, and producing DVDs that will be fun to watch as a family.

I'm reasonabaly accomplished with the video editing software, including Pinnacle Studio and Premeire Elements, along with the Sonic DVD burning utilities.

My problem is how do I get them from the tapes to the PC? I've looked at DVD recorders and dual VHS/DVD recorders. Some of these even come with digital tuners so I could record TV shows.

I've also looked at DVRs which could be used to record the video and then move the files to PC

Though I'm comfortable with new technologies, I don't have any experience with any of these devices so I can't figure out which would be best. If I burn the tapes directly to DVD with the dual deck, can I just rip the discs to something useful on my PC? While the promotional material is good at speficying formats for the media (+R, -R, etc) I don't know what to expect in terms of file format or level of resolution.

One final note: I have a Pinnacle Dazzle which connects my standard VCR to the computer via USB but I'm not satisfied with the picture quality. I had been using our old Canon Mini-DV camcorder to capture the VHS-C movies and then transferring those to the PC in a rather time consuming (but visually satisfactory) process. Unfortunately the camcorder crapped out so now I am looking at all options.

Thanks!

 

[Super]

I did this recently with a digital camera.

VHS -> Camera
Camera -> Premiere

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

A major issue with going from VHS (or VHS-C) to the computer is the fact that VHS is an analog medium that is being translated to a digital format. The VHS spec was written to support the NTSC format of 230-320 scan lines. That is pretty poor in today's standards. Super VHS was designed to increase the resolution to what is now described as standard resolution of 480 scan lines. High Definition standards by comparison call for a minimum of 720 scan lines at the low end and 1080 scan lines at the upper limit. So as you can see it is an uphill battle due to lack of data contained on the VHS medium. There are some VCR devices that will do a resampling of the data and attempt to increase the scan line output. That is usually a good step but depending on the subject matter may result in ghost images or stuttered outlines of the subject. I have had some luck connecting a VHS camera output to a Digital-8 camera input. The Digital-8 captures in a digital format and does some resampling that I found acceptable at least for home movies. Once in a digital format I can move the data to the computer and work with software such as Adobe Production Studio that can convert and save into various output formats such as DVD, Blu-Ray, etc. This can be pretty time consuming if you let it so be prepared to spend a lot of time.

Jeff

 

[skr8pn]

I'm subscribing to this thread because I'm curious too. I was fully planning on the using the pinnacle setup so maybe now I'll wait until I hear other wise. I figured you'd never get as clear as a current DVD but would at least be able to get as clear as the VHS looks on the TV.

 

[seashoreCM]

A VCR or camera using S-video output (pretty much restricted to S-VHS grade VCR's) will give a better picture from any VCR tape compared with using the yellow video jack. An S-VHS VCR will also play any regular VHS tape.

You should have the adapter box that you snap the VHS-C tape cassette into and which you then insert into a VCR.

It is usually better not to re-record the VHS program on another tape, even a digital tape, compared with playing the tape directly into the DVD burner or PC or whatever.

Any DVD burner or other recording device that will record a standard (NTSC) broadcast will re-record a VHS tape program. Despite the relatively low resolution of the tape I still suggest using the maximum quality selection the recorder offers.

If you feed a VCR's output to a DVD burner and make a DVD, that DVD can be ripped to a PC equally as easily as a DVD made in another fashion but using the same subformat. Except that some DVD players that play silver DVD's might not play blue or gray (undersided) DVD's or vice versa.

Video hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/video.htm

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

It is usually better not to re-record the VHS program on another tape, even a digital tape, compared with playing the tape directly into the DVD burner or PC or whatever.

I would have to disagree with this statement. Tape is an adequate storage medium if the information is in digital format. Re-recording analog will continually degrade the signal but not digital. Zeros and ones will always remain zeros and ones. I would not suggest using tape for long-term storage but it is acceptable for short to medium storage. In fact many of the DVD pressing houses I've used in the past prefer tape as the medium for delivering a master. The key here is to get the video into a digital format. Once there then you can move it to whatever storage type you feel is appropriate for your use. When I transfer footage I will keep work-in-progress in a tape format then move it to disk for re-sampling and modification. Once there I will save a copy of the raw footage to an external hard disk or optical drive. I will also utilize DAT tape for back-up. Once I have the footage the way I want it I will usually create a ISO file and two master discs. That way I can copy from a disc or an ISO file for any subsequent copies of the finished product.

I do agree with your point that composite video (the yellow cable) is the lowest of the connection formats. A lot of people don't think about how important the interface cables are during a transfer. Composite is the lowest resolution. S-Video will give you better quality. Component video (Red-Green-Blue cables) will give you higher resolution still. DVI will provide slightly better resolution than component. HDMI is currently the best interface from a resolution perspective. HDMI is also the only one of the above that provides audio and video signal in the same interconnect. All the others are video signal only.


Jeff

 

[NostalgicDad]

I have a TV tuner and capture card on my PC that I've used to copy video from different sources to the PC. There are all sorts of variations to these cards such as USB, PCI, PCIexpress, etc. I've never used the USB ones but those would be the easiest for you to install unless you are comfortable with installing the PCI cards. Depending on the quality you are looking for, the prices can vary greatly. The link below is one example of an inexpensive but really well reviewed Leadtek card. For better quality cards, Hauppauge probably makes the best ones but are more expensive.

Leadtek TV Tuner Card

 

[singjenn]

I bought a Canon DVD Camcorder and it arrived today! YAAAAY!!!

I was reading the manual and I have a question for those of you who have a camcorder like this. There is a small section on finalizing the disc but it does not answer this question.



Here is the scenario:

We go to MK or DHS etc. I record for a while and use a disc. I put in another disc and use it the rest of the day.


Question:
Can the first disc wait to be finalized when we get back to out room later that night? Or do I have to do it right away?

 

[Merrywheather]

I bought a Canon DVD Camcorder and it arrived today! YAAAAY!!!

Question:
Can the first disc wait to be finalized when we get back to out room later that night? Or do I have to do it right away?

My DVD camcorder is a Sony (so I don't know if this answer applies to you), but I CAN switch the discs in & out and wait to finalize them at a later time. It says to avoid any vibrations when finalizing, so I always wait until the end of the day when I am home. Also, I plug it in so that I don't have problems with the battery dying before it is done finalizing. Hope a Canon owner can confirm this for you.

 

[VVFF]

I bought a Canon DVD Camcorder and it arrived today! YAAAAY!!!

I was reading the manual and I have a question for those of you who have a camcorder like this. There is a small section on finalizing the disc but it does not answer this question.



Here is the scenario:

We go to MK or DHS etc. I record for a while and use a disc. I put in another disc and use it the rest of the day.


Question:
Can the first disc wait to be finalized when we get back to out room later that night? Or do I have to do it right away?

You can finalize whenever you choose. You will be able to always view it through your camcorder without finalizing. It's simply other players that won't be able to play it until you do that.

 

[singjenn]

You can finalize whenever you choose. You will be able to always view it through your camcorder without finalizing. It's simply other players that won't be able to play it until you do that.

Ahhhhhhhhh, I see! Thank you so much. I can't wait to use it

 

[disny_luvr]

DH and I are in need of a new camcorder. We currently have a Sony Handycam but it has "fits" a lot and only works when it wants to. I need to have a reliable camcorder for our upcoming vacation. I need suggestions. We want something reliable but don't want to break the bank. Please help!

 

[Amy162]

DH and I just bought a flip.
http://www.theflip.com/store/
It's a tiny camcorder, all digital. We love it! It's tiny compared to a regular camcorder, fits in your pocket, and it's so easy to upload the videos to the computer. We just got a very basic one, but there are lots of options. I think it's a good alternative to an actual camcorder. We have a sony handycam (I think that's what it is...), but I usually don't carry it around much at all.
Good luck finding one that works for you!

 

[Feistygirl916]

I will completely agree with the previous post! I just recently bought a flip video camera and it works really well for my travels. We took it with us for spring break and each night I uploaded my videos to my laptop so it was empty and ready to use each morning. It holds 60 minutes of video, and puts them in little clips for easier viewing. My 6 year old loves it, and it's not a "bank buster" at $100 to $150. I bought mine off Ebay for $134 brand new which included 2 day shipping. It was an amazon seller... Good luck!

 

[RN4Babies]

Based on recommendations from Consumer Reports, as well as numerous positive reviews online from people who own it, I bought the Panasonic
SDR-S7 for our trip to WDW. It's a memory card camcorder, and transferring from the memory card to DVD's is really simple (and I'm technically challenged ). Love the image stabilizer and the auto focus. It's tiny and very lightweight. I found it at Wal-Mart for abour $270.

 

[DB&KS]

Based on recommendations from Consumer Reports, as well as numerous positive reviews online from people who own it, I bought the Panasonic
SDR-S7 for our trip to WDW. It's a memory card camcorder, and transferring from the memory card to DVD's is really simple (and I'm technically challenged ). Love the image stabilizer and the auto focus. It's tiny and very lightweight. I found it at Wal-Mart for abour $270.

I was also thinking of purchasing that camcorder and I think you just gave me the push to do it. Thanks.

 

[wdwwishes]

I got the Sony Handycam DCR-SR45 in December. It has the capabilty of recording to the built in hard drive or a memory stick. I think it records 10 hours to the hard drive. I'm more into my pictures and use my camera more than than the Handycam though. For what I use it for right now, it's nice.

 

[CinRell]

I don't even know what they're called now... I'm technologically challenged LOL!

My digital camera takes video but not great.. I'd like a camcorder.. (I think they are dvd recorders now?) that takes GREAT crisp footage and a good battery life. I'm on a BUDGET however....

Any good deals out there on a decent one?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Trishtack]

I have to say that I really like our JVC Everio. We have the hybrid that has a 30 GB hard drive plus a memory stick. I purchased ours at Best Buy around Christmas for under $300.

 

[wdw_adict]

I don't even know what they're called now... I'm technologically challenged LOL!

My digital camera takes video but not great.. I'd like a camcorder.. (I think they are dvd recorders now?) that takes GREAT crisp footage and a good battery life. I'm on a BUDGET however....

Any good deals out there on a decent one?

Thanks in advance!

The Sanyo Xacti HD700 (or the HD800) gets my vote it's nice and small too!

Review Here for ya: http://www.tracyandmatt.co.uk/blogs/index.php/2008/10/29/camcorder-group-test-part-4-sanyo-xacti