How to record video: Camcorder
Shooting your video
- Record your video as you would normally (to tape, DVD or HDD, depending on your camcorder).
- Alternatively, some digital camcorders can act as webcams when connected directly to a computer. If this suits the style of video you're recording, you can record directly to your computer using your preferred editing software.
Transferring to your computer
First determine which type of camcorder you're using...
- If you're using an older, analogue camcorder (e.g. VHS-C, Video8, Hi8):
- To transfer video from an analogue camcorder to your computer you'll need some kind of "digitising hardware". Digitising hardware takes many forms:
- Some media centre type computers already have connections for analogue sources. Look for inputs labeled 's video in', 'composite in', 'TV in', or similar.
- You can add an analogue video capture card to your computer. However, this typically requires opening up your computer, potentially voiding your warranty.
- A simpler solution may be to get an external USB digitiser. These devices typically consist of an external box with inputs for your camcorder connections and a cable to connect to your computers USB socket.
- If you're using a digital camcorder (e.g. MiniDV, Digital8, DVD, HDD):
- To transfer video from a digital camcorder, simply connect your camcorder to your computer using the supplied cable. This cable is usually USB and is compatible with virtually all computers. If the cable is Firewire (also know as 1394 or iLink) your computer might not be compatible. If that's the case, you can buy add-on cards to give your computer Firewire support.
- Once connected, simply start up your video editing software and select the "import video" or similar option.
- If your camcorder is DVD-based, you might find it easier to put the DVD disc straight into your computer. However, this requires special support from your editing software - it's not possible to upload DVD content directly to this site.