HD Camcorder - Can you burn HD movies to DVD with the right software?

[xstein]

I am currently using an older JVC camcorder but was looking at upgrading to a HD camcorder for better picture quality. I currently capture the video and edit and burn out my dvd movies just fine, but upgrading to a HD camcorder will I be able to do the same thing? The "pros" at the retail stores are telling me I need a new computer with an HD or Blu-Ray burner and blank Blu-Ray discs. I currently use Sony's Video Vegas to make my movies and see that they have a HD option. I need some expert help. I am thouroughly confused. I would also be open for software tips and HD camcorder tips as well please. I like the Video Vegas software it is simple and easy and can do some pretty nice stuff. I basically, just do sporting events and family activities so I don't expensive high end software. Thanks for your help!

[Soopafresh]

I currently capture the video and edit and burn out my dvd movies just fine, but upgrading to a HD camcorder will I be able to do the same thing?

Sure. You have the choice of many different output formats, depending on the TV you have and the DVD or Blu Ray player that you have. You don't need a Blu Ray burner if you're just going to burn your output to standard 720x480 DVD quality material. The cool thing about an HD resolution camera is that even if you shrink the picture down, it looks much sharper and nicer than the old DV camera format.

The "pros" at the retail stores are telling me I need a new computer with an HD or Blu-Ray burner and blank Blu-Ray discs.

Not required. It'll be much faster to edit if you do, but it isn't mandatory, especially if you plan on your final output size to be 720x480

I currently use Sony's Video Vegas to make my movies and see that they have a HD option.

Good stuff. No need to change your software. The HD option would be if you want to create a Blu Ray disk, which would minimally require a Blu Ray player attached to a HDTV. But you don't have to do that if your TV and DVD player are "old skool".

I would also be open for software tips and HD camcorder tips as well please.

The Canon HV30 HDV camera is terrific and the output format (MPEG2) will be easier for older PCs like yours to edit with. Great support web site at Hv20.com . Let us know if you decide to go for the HV30. There are several ways to save $ on tapes.

Here are some examples of the HV30 output (press the pause button and let the video load up if you're having trouble playing it back):

http://vimeo.com/931736

http://vimeo.com/1130164

http://vimeo.com/1509794

The trick to HD "videography" is keeping the shot steady.

[Nelson37]

Yes, absolutely, without question.

The question becomes what is the intended playback device. PC, BluRay player, PS3, Xbox360, HD-DVD player? Specific procedures for different devices, guides and instructions have been posted here, just do a search.

[xstein]

Thanks for the feedback. Those videos looked sharp and were well done. As far as the Canon HV30 goes, I've read this was a good camera but is there a better one? Never mind my older computer as I am going to get a new one in a couple months. I would like to keep it to around $1000. If it is please let me know about the tapes.
I am trying to capture great video of my childrens sporting events from the bleachers so I want to make sure it is nice and sharp like those videos you have posted and not grainy like the videos I have been getting from my older camcorder. I am currently using Vegas 7 and burning the image in MPEG2 but the quality is no where near yours. Is it because yours is smaller and mine is on a dvd and playing on a big screen tv? I have a HD Plasma TV but no bluray player as of yet. Circuit City is selling the Canon HV30 for $799 compared to Best BUy at $999 but the sale ends tomorrow. So no pressure getting back to me :P
Thanks again for your help!

[edDV]

Go for the HV30. Next up would set you back more than $2500 (e.g. Sony HVR-V1U or Canon XH-A1).

[Soopafresh]

HV30 is the way to go. You've got 3 recommendations for it in this thread. BTW, don't buy HDV tapes. Regular DV tapes work perfectly and cost 1/3rd the price. So don't let the sales guy tell you that you need HDV specific tapes.

Also if you buy it tomorrow, you need to pick up a 4pin to 6pin firewire cable to transfer the video to your computer. It looks like this:

http://www.expansys-usa.com/zoompic.aspx?type=item&i=152307