I have a Sony HC96 MiniDV Camcorder. When I try copying the movie using the default USB cable, it gives 4GB image size for a 10 min movie. I can’t even imagine copying a 60 min cassette. Is there any free software utility available to shrink this video size? I tried a couple of them but they shrink too much (almost 200%) and the quality is gone.
I even called Sony support guys and they suggest me to buy some expensive software out in the market. I already spent a grand getting this expensive camcorder and in no way in a mood to spend a dime on this any more.
Appreciate any input in this regard. Thanks.
July 29th, 2009 at 2:06 pm
I use Pinnacle Studio with my Sony MiniDV. The raw footage takes up about 1Gb per 1 minute of DV on capture. However, once you add titles, effects, etc and compile for DVD, Studio compresses it to fit on a standard DVD at 4Gb. I have regularly loaded a full tape, edited and output to DVD with no problems.
After you’ve completed your master piece you can delete the capture from your hard drive to save on space.
July 30th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
First of all, have to use a digital capture card IEEE-1394 (not very expensive) for best performance (frequents).
After downloaded file from your cam., use VirtualDub (v. 1.6.15.0)to compress at any size and quality you want. Then you can do anything you want with that file . (select what is best for you)
For DVD burnning or creat file, you can use :
NeroVision, PinnacleStudio (8-10), WinDVD Creator 2, UleadVideoStudio 8, … , even MovieMaker (not first recomanded) .
Working with VirtualDub compression, I recommend to install DivX Pro 5.0.5 Codec .
July 31st, 2009 at 11:35 pm
Stephen M, he’s right again here.
I do the same as he does, but a few more steps, being that I use DVD Lab Pro for my DVD menus and FX. At that point the last step is burning it with NERO.
If I find that my DVD project is too big for NERO burning, then I use DVDshrink to resize it and burn it.
Always make a Master Backup Copy and never use it unless it is for making a copy. 50 cents for a DVD, just do it.
August 3rd, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Dont worry about it. I mean your going to burn it to DVD anyways. So just make sure theres always free room on your hard drive for a tape, and once you’re done editing, burn it to a DVD, delete the ginormous file on your computer, and save the tape for archiving. Dont fret over the file size, because its temporary, and any further compression you do it when capturing will result in quality loss when burning to a DVD. Oh yeah, and use firewire if possible. It provides better quality than USB. Hope this helps!