Question about size of DV-File

[FinalFn]

I've got a question: when i transfer a video from a Mini-DV-cam to my computer, in which format will it be saved? In a tutorial i read that the output-format is .avi but that would be veeeery big, wouldnt it? Is there any way to save it compressed on my hard disk without saving it uncompressed first?

[Baldrick]

dv avi is 13 GB/ hour, 216 MB/minute. some encoders can compress directly to dvd mpeg like mainconcept mpeg encoder.

[trevlac]

I've got a question: when i transfer a video from a Mini-DV-cam to my computer, in which format will it be saved? In a tutorial i read that the output-format is .avi but that would be veeeery big, wouldnt it? Is there any way to save it compressed on my hard disk without saving it uncompressed first?

An avi file is a container. It can contain various types of compressed video and uncompressed video.

DV is a fixed 5:1 compression stored in an avi file.

MPEG is a variable compression that allows a better ratio than DV. MPEG1 & 2 are generally stored in an mpg file.

Video is very big. If you think your DV is big, uncompressed is 5 times bigger. It is good to have a large hard drive. Well worth it at todays prices.