Editing help needed DCR-PC101 (1 Viewer)

[Father John A]

Hello all,

I just bought the Sony DCR-PC101 MiniDV cam. I hane not used it yet but am already wondering the best method for editing. I have flipped through the manual and it seems to say that I can upload my videos via USB but I presume that will be very slow. It also has a firewire option. Has anyone her tried either of those methods?

Also, Windows Movie Maker has been recommended to me, I think mainly because it is free. Does anyone here have experience with that? Any other suggestions?

Thanks.
Fr. John

 

[marc]

Hello,

I, as well, just purchased the DCR-PC101 and love it. I would recommend buy a memory stick reader instead of using the camera to upload. The Sony software is not the best and it is much faster to use the reader. I bought a lexar reader from Target for $12.50. It is USB and took all of 5 seconds to get going. I also used the Windows movie maker to edit a small sample film. It is very easy to use, but I did not get that involved with it. I just took the video and edited what I wanted out of it, saved it and e-mailed away. Let me know what else you find out about the camera and I will do the same.

Marc

 

[Eric Samonte]

If ur transfering photos from the memory stick, a reader would be ideal but the USB connect should be fine. As for transfering video, get a firewire card and cable as this is the fastest way to do this.
I have a TRV 27 and am transfering video thru a firewire cable into the firewire port of a SB Audigy. I've tried WMM2 and frankly it would suffice for home videos. I on the other hand have Adobe Premiere 6.0...

 

[marc]

How is the Adobe to use? I was thinking about getting it.

 

[Shawn Keeler]

I am with Eric on this one. If you can get your hands on a copy of Adobe Premiere 6.0 or 6.5 you will be in good hands. it is a great editing program. From something simple to a full length film.

 

[Father John A]

OK, I think I can get the Adobe product.

I also know that the firewire is much faster than USB, BUTI still am not sure if the video CAN be uploaded via USB? I would like to try it until I can put in a firewire card (I am looking at firewire/USB2 combo cards).

Also, how much HD do I need to edit a one hour video? I have a 40 GIG drive with about 27 free. I am considering getting a USB 2 external drive instead of installing a new drive.

What do you all think?