Windows Movie Maker - anyone use for vacation movies?

[Torontogal]

Hi all,
We just got a new computer which has Movie Maker on it. I would like to use this software to make our upcoming cruise video. We are leaving in Oct. and would love to make a really cool Disney Cruise Video which contains music and still photos. I currently have a Sony Digital Handycam (takes 8mm tapes). How do I hook this up to my computer? Is it fairly easy to use? Are there any good online tutorials? Also, if anyone has a video of their trip that they would like to share - that would be great!
Thanks...

 

[DJ Disney Kid]

I've messed around with it and its definitely one of the best programs you can use. Very easy with lots of different effects you can use.

Sorry, no videos to share though.

 

[hidmickey:myantidrug]

I have used it to make several videos (which aren't online so I can't show them, sorry) but I could never get the action video to work in the sequences. Besides that, I love it. It's very easy and you pick it up quickly, it's very clear.

 

[MouseFaninQueue]

I've used it to make "slideshows" and I just used it to put together our Disneyland trip last year.

It is VERY simple to use and capture. It automatically breaks your video into segments based on when you stopped or paused recording. This is very handy because I was easily ableto insert still photos into the finished product.

If you have installed the software and drivers that came with the camera, Windows Movie Maker should be all set to read your camera. Just plug it in via Firewire (my preference) or USB and begin your download. Just remember tho, video takes up HUGE amounts of memory. I have a 250GB hard drive I use specifically for JUST video downloading. You generally have to save the rough unedited version of your video and the final product - which is usually larger - depending on what you want to do with it.

Also, after you have burned it to DVD (which I am assuming you are wanting to do) don't automatically delete the finished version from your hard drive. Watch your DVD first and then if it is how you want it, then go ahead and delete it.

One easy way to learn and play wiht Movie maker tho, is to just practice creating "slideshows" with your still photos so you can get the hang of it. It is a lot of fun. Unfortunately I don't have any videos or slideshows online to share so you can see what the final copy looks like.

 

[js092097]

I have also made a picture slideshow with music. I am having trouble putting it on a DVD or CD. I do not have a DVD burner only a CD burner, is this why I'm having trouble? Any ideas would be appreciated!

 

[kristytru]

I am not that familiar with movie maker, but LOVE the ease of Pinnacle Studio software. Very easy to use...mostly drag and drop. Can do video or slideshows, music, voice-overs, transitions, titles, etc.

 

[MouseFaninQueue]

I have also made a picture slideshow with music. I am having trouble putting it on a DVD or CD. I do not have a DVD burner only a CD burner, is this why I'm having trouble? Any ideas would be appreciated!

Putting it on to a DVD will require the use of a DVD burner (I just picked up a Pioneer dual layer DVD burner for $59.99 CDN).

Otherwise if you want to put it on CD, just treat the CD like a blank disc. If it is a CD-R you won't be able to add anything to it once you write to it, but it is as simple as drag and drop. Now whether or not you can play it in your DVD player, I'm going to probably say NO, unless you have a pretty top of the line DVD player that can play WMV or AVI files but those are pretty rare.

 

[bab31]

I made a wonderful slide show with music of our 25th anniversary trip to Mexico. I made it off of our digital camera. Dont be afraid to play around with the program. And yes you will only be able to play your cd on your computer. Have fun it will make a great memory.

 

[T-i-double-g-err]

I am not that familiar with movie maker, but LOVE the ease of Pinnacle Studio software. Very easy to use...mostly drag and drop. Can do video or slideshows, music, voice-overs, transitions, titles, etc.

I'm a Pinnacle fan as well.

So long as you can figure out the video capture feature, you should be able to use the software to manipulate the video using the computer. For the capture, you should have a USB or Firewire (IEEE 1394) port on the camera and the computer. You'll need to have the right kind of cable to connect the camera and computer. Both USB and Firewire have different style connectors, so you'll need one with the proper end for the camera and the proper end for your computer. Once you connect the camera to the computer and turn the camera on in play mode, the computer (if running Windows XP) should recognize the camera device.

Hope this helps. You should probably use Google or another search engine to see if you can find a general tutorial on Movie Maker.

 

[TenThousandVolts]

I love window movie maker. if you don't have it you can download it for free from microsoft.com
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/moviemaker2.mspx

I have made a lot of video/photo slideshows with music. Even my kids do it (ages 9&10) so that shows it is pretty easy to use.
I can't wait to edit my Disney movies!

 

[TheZeppo]

Movie Maker is awful. Pinnacle software is so easy to use and has a ton of features.

 

[js092097]

Thanks for the help MouseFaninQueue!

 

[Torontogal]

Thanks evryone for your posts regarding my thread.
I found out that I only have USB ports and no fire port even though this is a brand new computer.
I am still trying to find out if I can do this with my video camera - it was purchased on the year 2000 and it is a Sony Digital Handycam DCRTRV103 NTSC and uses those 8mm tapes. I love this camera and have taken tons of amazing video with it. I am not sure if I need to invest in another camera since I am not sure if I can hook this up to my computer. The owner's manual does not even talk about this - although it does have ilink.
I guess I will have to cal Sony...
The slide show thing is great - I have a Nikon Cool pics so I will do the slide show and burn it with the DVD burner.
Again, if anyone has a movie they have made with MovieMaker - I would love to see it...

 

[MouseFaninQueue]

Just did a quick look at the camera online through a few different places. Unfortunately none of them mention anything about a USB port, but they all do mention Firewire.

If you are happy with the camera, my suggestion would be to get a firewire (also called IEEE 1394 connection) installed on your computer as they are much cheaper than buying a new camera. Plus you will want the firewire connection for any new cameras you may buy in any regards. Just to give you an idea on price, a firewire 2-port pci card is roughly $59.99 CDN at Futureshop.ca.

 

[Torontogal]

Thanks so much for checking on that. Yes, I was reading about firewire port. I would rather invest in a firewire for $59 than replace the camera. The camera does have ilink and a DV connection. The only thing is I am worried the model might be too old. I called Sony and the lady was not very technical. She said that I could not hook it up since it is too old but she was basing this more on reading the very simply manual which came with the camera (and does not mention computers).
I am on hold with Sony right now (for 20 min.) and hoping if they can confirm if I can hook it up. Otherwise, I might have to buy a miniDV for $530!
This camera I have is great and I would hate to replace it...

 

[MouseFaninQueue]

I'll go out on a limb and from everything I read all you need is a firewire port and you are good to go.

The other option is to look if you have RCA jacks in teh camera. If you do then you can buy an RCA plug in for your computer (if it doesn't already have RCA inputs in the video card) and use it that way. The quality I find isn't as good as doing a digital transfer (RCA is considered analog), but it will work. I have an adapter by Dazzle for my older Hi8 camera, I think it cost me about $100.

But my first choice for you would be to go and get the firewire port. If the computer is fairly new you're going to want one anyhow as it will increase the lifespan of your computer with various other add-ons later on.

 

[kristytru]

pinnacle also makes "pinnacle linx" which is a cable with a USB connector on one end. the other end has an S-video plug you can use or 3 video&audio conectors (those red yellow and white ones you use to connect a VCR, etc). If your camera has an s-video port you could connect it using this to the USB on the computer.