I finally broke down and bought a new camcorder. I used to have a Hi8 camcorder, but somebody though it was theirs, and that was the end of that. So I got a new one, heck $188 for a Canon Hi8 camcorder at Frys, can't hardly go wromg. I had a friend film me flying my Extase today, and I would love to convert it to something usable for our theprobrohood site. I have snappy on my PC, but that wouldn't register any sound. So what is my best bet software and hardware wise to look for for converting my video to something downloadable. Oh, I am a PC guy, not Mac, Sorry he he.
DKjens

DKJens - you have numerous choices. I assume that the video camera is an VHS, 8MM, or VHS-C format.

Option 1 - You can get a Dazzle, which can be purchased for about $200 with a USB connection. They also have PCI version that runs about $100. The video camera is plugged into the back of the Dazzle and is used as a capture card.

Option 2 - Check your video card. Allot of them now days will accept a video in. You can usually go to the manufacture's website and download the appropriate drivers for the video capture utility.

Option 3 - Check your video camera to see if it has a 1394 interface port (Firewire). Some of the new cameras do. Then you can get a 1394 Firewire interface board, PCI bus. and install it into your computer - Unless you have a notebook with Firewire already. You then would need video capture sotware.

Video Capture Software - I use Video Wave 4.0 I really like it. I tried DV Movie and thought that it sucked. I have problems from the beginning and couldn't find an intelligent life form through tech service, so I took it back and got the Video Wave.

Hope that this helps you out!
Kevin

I've looked around, and I've found the Dazzle Digital Video Creator 80 @ $69.99
It works with W98 and uses USB port. Comes with software to convert video to MPG. Anybody out there with experince with this product?
DKjens

Whatever you get, check the transfer rate. Some of those video input devices are extremly slow! They also lose some video quality. I would never get a cam without at least usb, or better firewire. You can check with your retailer about return policys, the big stores here have a 15 day return policy.

A friend of mine currently uses a Dazzle and love it. He has run it on Win98, and is running it on WinME now. It runs great. I am surprised that you found a USB Dazzle for that price.
Kevin

Got any samples of converted video using Dazzle?

I have Firewire card and Digital JVC cam...but haven't messed with it yet.

It's hard to find good resolution with decent frame rate....

I have a Mavica CD-200 that records straight to Mpg but I'm not totally happy with the frame-rate....

High Flights
CrazyHerb