As far as I could read there has been a rivalry between these two types of connection, which I was not aware of. I m familiar with IEEE 1394 better than any USB connection, simply because it gave me the crap for being stubborn and slow at the same (remember USB 1.1 ?) I m happy with Firewire and for real-time use is above all expectations.
I havent checked whether my video camera has USB 2.0 compatibility (which I doubt) .. but I think it would be worth checking it, although of what I have read so far there is no practical difference in speed transfer.
there is no difference in USB 1.1 and USB 2.0 cables. Therefore, I would assume that with a decent PCI card and peripherals every videocamera with a USB plug-in compatible system would be OK!
Even though I am a fan of an American moto which says "If it works, don't fix it" ... I ll give it a try to see how USB 2.0 works, if my videocamera can make such a connection.
PS: Mr. Ben Del Amitri, any other questions you might wanna ask regarding video/audio, videocameras etc I d be more than happy to help/explain (to the limits I know these things)
PS: Hal, why using hard disk for back up purposes? Is it a temporary back up or for ever?
I mean, you could burn them onto DVDs or CDs if you want them to last for ever (well for at least 100 years according to what the CD/DVD companies claim they last).
You could also back them up into 2 different levels: First back up for usage ( to do everyday stuff with it).... and second back (basically "DON'T TOUCH" items for historical purposes, sealed tightly to avoid dust etc ... and enclose them to a place where noone will ever finds them) ... That's what I do, at least. You see hard-disks are still magnet type of material (and God forbid) if something happens.... then caput - as you say
quote: Hal, why using hard disk for back up purposes? Is it a temporary back up or for ever?
No, it`s just a temporary backup. I have all my important stuff on DVD or CD. But every now and again I need parts, stills or title-frames from the older movies, so it`s easier for me to find on HD than on DVD. If you`d see my office you`d know why
-Hal-
[ July 06, 2005, 11:02 AM: Message edited by: Hal ]
posted
Actually guys on my cam you have the choice of just "finalizing" the DVD you record directly onto so that you can take it straight from the camera to player (without any editing of course) or using a USB to connect it through the computer to upload and play around with using the movie software program. I use a re-writeable mini-DVD in the handycam so it doesn't cost any more dough than just recycling the disc after you upload all the Mpgs to the computer. The only thing is the movie files are HUGE. I mean about 10 megabites for 30 seconds worth of footage. I always convert them to WMV files after that which take up much less space before I do anything else with 'em.
The software that came with the camera is pretty much only compatable with the Sony Handycam. I'm sure there's much better software out there for video editing, but I'm not really doing anything professionally so fuggit!
posted
Well, it depends on how you Author the DVD to be able to play on a stand-alone DVD player. There are some worldwide standards which allow a DVD disc to be played in a DVD player. New models of DVD players can virtually play anything .. even Divx AVI format ... but with some parametres such as resolution, audio/video compression. Therefore, the problem is not the technology of the camera but the way in which one makes the DVD discs.
Mr. Ben Del Amitri, I think that any videocamera you chose can do the job, as soon as the DVD authoring procedure is correct. Even with the videocameras which have direct DVD burn can be possible to make a disc that it will play on all DVD players.
You make a great point on the DVD authoring procedure because that's what it all comes down to in the end. I've been using a "cave" Hi-8 camera for years and I've got tons of video footage from the girls on my site (and elswhere) - even recorded an episode of "Bowling For Feet" with Footgirl Liv and a few mini dramas (with feet).
I've got piles of raw footage with very little time to do anything about it and complete ignorance as to how I'd begin these projects. SO - I am just about to make my decision, buy a camera and software package. Here's what I've simplified it down to:
1. 3CCD chip is a must. Regardless of the camera's format, features, and abilities, the best thing I can do is to make sure it's got a 3CCD array.
2. Format is less important than the "back end", transfer, editing and mastering process & procedures.
3. Software is important. Many to choose from and Adobe is great if I can afford (and understand) it.
3b. Selection is greatest in the Mini-DV format. Although I do think the direct-to-disc recording is great, it leaves me far fewer camera choices and particular inasmuch as I'm steadfast on the 3CCD array.
5. JVC - might be good and it might be a coincidence, but - Hal pointed out some personal problems with that maker and I know a girl who bought one, replaced it with one and had problems with both (ended up with a Canon). I won't buy JVC.
6. Hal likes Panasonic
That makes this thing pretty simple. All that's left now is to go out to the store, plunk down the money and score a vidcam. I'm going to get one today.
[ September 19, 2005, 09:35 PM: Message edited by: Ben Del Amitri ]
-------------------- Respectfully,
Ben
Malory in Signature Posts: 5772 | Registered: Oct 2004
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quote:Originally posted by Ben Del Amitri: I've got piles of raw footage with very little time to do anything about it and complete ignorance as to how I'd begin these projects.
If only we lived close enough it would be my pleasure and an honour to help you out with your collection: you see my hobby is video editing/authoring.. etc etc .. and I spend most of my free time doing these stuff ..
I wish we did live closer, I could definitely use the help of a good person and professional. I'm beginning the task right now, of sifting through books, online tutorials and forums in order to try and figure it all out.
-------------------- Respectfully,
Ben
Malory in Signature Posts: 5772 | Registered: Oct 2004
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posted
I bought the camera and have done a few tests with our footgirls Kirsten, Liv and Erin.
The camera I landed on is the Panasonic PV-GS150 with 3CCD chip, Image Stabilizer, sharp optics and photo capability. It feels great in the hand and is easy to operate.
Now I can't wait to go out and start using this thing. I've been taping footgirls all over the place and in fact, I've got people coming over tonight to have a little "taping party".
Were it not for all the excellent advice and insight from everyone here, this decision may have taken more time. This made it simple and I am happy with my choice.
-------------------- Respectfully,
Ben
Malory in Signature Posts: 5772 | Registered: Oct 2004
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Congratulations --- In my opinion a very good choice for a camera. I read a review of the Panasonic 3CCD cameras and all 3 models (NV-GS 150EG + 250EG + 400EG) got very good marks.
posted
Congratulations for your choice Mr Ben Del Amitri. I hope the lens captures many beautiful moments from your life as well many beautiful feet you could ever capture BTW the LEICA lens it has is the best optical lens in the world
Again, any questions, worries, and the rest about digicam operation and software video editing feel free to ask either here or by email.
A good part of this final decision was based on the fact that you had praised Panasonic so highly. After seeing this in action, I can say with certainty tha you are absolutely right. These guys know how to make a great camera!!!
I had a little taping party the other night with some footgirls and we were all astounded at the clarity and quality of the (moving) images. When viewed on a 56" HDTV monitor, the video footage was clear, clean, sharp, vivid and vibrant!
There are still a few lingering thoughts as to whether or not I should have bought a direct-to-disc camera and those will probably remain. But going this route (mini-DV) widened my available choices greatly so overall I am extremely pleased with this choice.
-------------------- Respectfully,
Ben
Malory in Signature Posts: 5772 | Registered: Oct 2004
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I'll be looking for some advice and getting lost a lot along the way so I really (REALLY) appreciate the offer. I'll probably get around to the software and editing issues within another few weeks.
The Leica optics. Yes, they are SHARP! When I balance a Panasonic product against that of another maker - and all other things are equal between two cameras in the same range, those optics help swing my vote over to Panasonic.
Yes, this is the "new Leica" and camera purists may scoff a little about that - particularly, camera purists from the 35mm rangefinder days, etc. That said, this is about as fine a lens as I've encountered on a consumer video product.
Thanks (again) for all the help and advice!
-------------------- Respectfully,
Ben
Malory in Signature Posts: 5772 | Registered: Oct 2004
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