Moving video from MiniDV camera to PC, HELP!!!

TrimTheKing · 7 Dec 2009

Evening all

I bought a SONY MiniDV cam and da bunch of tapes a few years ago when we went t'Egypt on hols. As with all these things it was a novelty and got used on holiday, then occasionally after that, then sat in a drawer for a couple of years.

With the baby coming this time last year it how now seen a lot of action but the tapes I bought are now all full so I really need to move them onto PC (firewire) so I can edit out the crap, but the software that comes with the SONY is soooo painfully slow and generally shyte that I need something better (and preferably free as I have no desire to make an Oscar winner!!).

A mate suggested Avid DV as a great one a while back but the site says they no longer do the trial and the replacement costs. I don't really want to pay out to try something out so I'm hoping someone may have some suggestions or recommendations.

TIA[/code]

mickthetree · 7 Dec 2009

Hey Mark

I use Windows movie maker to get movies off my mates DV cam.

Just plug in the firewire and fire up windows movie maker and it will allow you to capture the video. His camera (sony also) automatically rewinds the cassette then begins pulling the video off from the beginning.

You get a timeline to edit within, add audio over the top, cut and paste the video ect. Add titles credits etc.

AND its free.

gidon · 7 Dec 2009

I would second Mick's suggestion - I've used various editors and Windows Movie Maker really is a doddle to use, and free

.
Cheers
Gidon

matt · 7 Dec 2009

Yep - Windows Movie Maker. It's a doddle to use.

Harbo · 8 Dec 2009

On my PC I use Studio Version 9 and Ulead Videostudio 10 but if Windows version is free go with that.

On my Mac I use iMovie which is great.
(
I always keep the original films crap and all) as a backup - tapes are not that expensive nowadays?

I still have about 20 Hi8 tapes (Analogue) from my original camcorder to process (years 1993 to 1999) - keep putting it off though

Rod