DV, AVI +camcorder

[tonyzz]

I have three questions

1- Whats the difference ( if any) from a DV file and a 720X480 AVI file
If there is a difference how do I convert 720X480 AVI to a DV file??

2- Which tool(s) do I need to convert a NTSC DV file to a PAL DV file??

3- I'm going to buy DV camcorder. Any suggestions as what to look for??
( I'm concerned about the quality/resolution) As far as I'm concerned the regular NTSC TV set has a 550000 hole mask, which I think means that if I buy a camcorder with a half Megapixel CCD I should be able to get a good picture, anything under that would be a picture with low resolution and more than that would be worthless because of the limitations of the TV
My price range is $800-1000.

Thank you

[pijetro]

1) Your DV file is essentially an .AVI file. DV denotes the compression used for your software to play and work with it. It's what's called a codec.

2) Why?? If you absolutely have to, I'm sure any decent .AVI editor can do it. Search under the tools section for VirtualDub. If you've got money, then Adobe Premiere is a great .AVI editor that many professionals use.
Warning, you're looking for trouble. Quality might take a slap in the face.

3) You'll get a good picture regardless. For the price range you wan't, there's no miracles. It's resolution is 720x480, which is pretty good. IMHO, I would look for Lens brand, CCD size (the bigger the better, like around 1/3 size), optical zoom and exposure capabilities.

But don't forget, if it doesn't feel good in your hands don't buy it. Do a google search for Carpal Tunnel syndrome.

PS. Get a tripod...

[Solarjetman]

If you think of video file like a gift, you can think of an avi file like the box. Its not the important part and has no impact on the quality of the gift inside. Its only a convient way to transport the gift.

The important part is the codec used (DV, DivX, Xvid). So there is more than just the resolution.

As for changing a NTSC to PAL, that is a little out of the ordinary. IIRC most DVD players in areas that use PAL, can also handle NTSC disks.

However, Here is a thread about going PAL -> NTSC, you could probably use it with a little modification to go the other way.