Basic direction, editing, converting HD video

[TexIndian]

Hi folks. I'm a new member and a complete newb to video. I have years of experience with digital photography and editing in Photoshop, but my eyes just glaze over when I try to get a handle on this new field. My first video cam is a little GoPro Hero (for motorcycle rides) and I anticipate getting a video body for my extensive set of Nikon 35mm/digital lenses. But I need some basic direction:

1) Computer - what would be the requirements for a computer sufficient to handle HD video?

2) Resolution - Can you shoot video in HD and then 'dumb it down' to a lesser resolution like with digital stills? Any special software required?

3) What is a good reference book for learning the basics? I try to read various posts and it's like reading Chinese.

4) What are some good choices for editing software. The typical project I envision would be the usual splicing together of clips into a finished DVD.

Thanks in advance. John

[redwudz]

1) A quad core CPU, 3Ghz or more. 4GB RAM, two or more large hard drives, 500GB or larger.

2) Yes. The software used depends on the HD format. HD is very hard to edit in. It wasn't designed for that. I usually convert it to a easier to edit format. Lagarith, HuffyUV or Neoscene are three easier to edit formats and you may not need a very fast computer to use them. But you would need a lot of hard drive space. Neoscene is payware and the best choice for HD editing, IMO. The other two are freeware.

3) Start with our F.A.Q.s to the left on this page. Then the 'HOW TO's near the top of this page.

4) Depends on your format. There is freeware available to do most all you want. Some payware programs may make it easier. No matter what, it's a bit of a steep learning curve if you aren't familiar with video, especially HD video.

And TexIndian, in the future please use a more descriptive subject title in your posts to allow others to search for similar topics. I will change yours this time. From our rules:

Try to choose a subject that describes your topic.

Please do not use topic subjects like Help me!!! or Problems.

Thanks,
Moderator redwudz


And welcome to our forums.

[TexIndian]

Thanks Redwudz. Now I know what it was like when the newbs used to to show up at the still photgraphy forums where I was a moderator. It's hard to give a thorough answer when you know they won't understand 90% of it.

Looks like I have another hill to climb. I'm getting kinda old for this.