MiniDV to DVD process question(s)

[nathanaa]

If I purchase a miniDV camcorder, I am wondering if I have the process right for getting my footage from tape to DVD.

I presume I would get one of those expander cassette-things, put it into my VCR and record the VCR output with my DVD recorder.

I also see that most of the camcorders I've looked at have a Firewire port though - does that mean I can output the tape's data directly to my computers HDD? If so, what format is the data in once it's on the HDD? I can't find anything in any of the camcorder descriptions that says that.

[thecoalman]

You hook the firewire up to the comp.... it's almost like copying a file. It's a lossless transfer since the footage id transferred as is, it's in DV-AVI format. You can edit then convert to DVD compliant mpeg for DVD authoring.

[VERVE]

ur pc profile looks good..so all u need is an editing software.

the transfered video will be in dv avi which will take considerable space of ur hdd but its all worth it. make sure u have the space.

after that..through ur editing software..ud be able to compile it to vcd or dvd, just like burning a music cd from mp3 files.

depending on how much u wanna be involved in editing. if ud like just basic tools, perhaps u should go for Ulead videostudio. its pretty basic and very user friendly.

VERVE

[thecoalman]

I presume I would get one of those expander cassette-things, put it into my VCR and record the VCR output with my DVD recorder.

BTW, those cassette adapters are for VHS-C tapes to play in a VCR, if you want to transfer to a DVD recorder use a recorder with a firewire input. You can transfer to recorder from the cam via composite/s- video but will get better results with firewire.