I got a camcorder for Xmas so I could have a play with recording a few bits and bobs.
Recorded a sketch, came to edit it in Windows Movie Maker and find that you can't edit DVDs.
Tried fiddling with it, downloading various programs, etc., but it's all a bit bloody difficult.
I have a DVD camcorder... is this simply the wrong choice? What do other people use for recording and editing their stuff?
What's your operating system?
What's the camera?
And GOOD editing software is hard to come by for free over the internet, But I'll have to ask a mate at work who has a good programme, but I think it may come with a watermark on it.
Has anyone bought a camera recently. Any recommendations?
I'm using Vista and a Hitachi DZ-MV5000E (catchy).
The problem seems to be converting VOB files off the DVD to MPEG or AVI, or something. I've tried a few free converters but they can make it jerky, etc. Also tried renaming the .VOB file to .MPEG with limited success.
Frankly, I'm boggled by all this and assume there must be a better way - presumably a digital camera that doesn't use DVDs to record onto is better...?
When I was looking for a camera a few months ago I was advised that the DVD ones can't be edited (or can't be edited easily) and are best suited for those who want to simply record and watch back as recorded. I'm not sure who told me this, how true it is, or how helpful it may be to you, but I do remember being told to avoid them if I was filming with a view to edit. Sorry! Hopefully someone will be able to come up with a solution for you though! Good luck!
edit: just remembered also, that I was advised by my camera lecturer that for the standard priced camcorders, the ones that use a DV tape will give you the best quality.
Back when I had a PC, I used to use something called "Pinnacle Studio". It was really good. Very simple to understand. Pretty basic functions, but it did the job. It cost about £50-ish I think.
For mid price range editing software, Pinnacle or Ulead are both good. They're about £60 - £80. have no idea about DVD camcorders ! I started out with Mini DV, but I'm sure there'll be some way you can transpose your DVD format into an editable format.
MiniDV is a great format. I've heard of hassle with the DVD recorders too.
I'm still having hassle trying to set up a showreel with VOBs freezing and that's 6 months of faffing about. It's a long but worthwhile road though, James ... eventually.
I use Adobe Premiere.
I use premiere as well. Although most editors i know use final cut. Adobe do a 'cheap' version of premiere called premiere elements which might be worth checking out. they do massive student discounts as well.
Quote: James Williams @ January 3, 2008, 9:36 PMI got a camcorder for Xmas so I could have a play with recording a few bits and bobs.
I would defo be up for watching that. Go on stick your bits & bobs on You Tube. 
On a serious note though James, sorry but I dont have a clue. Not a one. Not a smidgen nor a smudge. Sorry!
Quote: James Williams @ January 3, 2008, 9:36 PMI got a camcorder for Xmas so I could have a play with recording a few bits and bobs.
Recorded a sketch, came to edit it in Windows Movie Maker and find that you can't edit DVDs.
Tried fiddling with it, downloading various programs, etc., but it's all a bit bloody difficult.
I have a DVD camcorder... is this simply the wrong choice? What do other people use for recording and editing their stuff?
Yes, it's the wrong choice. You can demux vob files. Look here: http://www.herongyang.com/CD-DVD/Tools-vStrip-Demux-Separate-VOB-Streams.html It's a big waste of time though. Ideally you should have bought a mini DV cam as someone else mentioned. Vob files are the end of the process - it's a bit like trying to get a word document back out of a page of printed text. DVD camcorders are designed to produce footage that doesn't need editing and encoding. They're also much less reliable than mini DV and are essentially a consumer gimmick. Sorry james.
Slags, still having trouble after all this time. if you send me the files i'll stick them on a disc for you.
I've used Nero 8 to do basic editing on DVD VOB files. And then I was able to export to AVI/mpeg. I don't like Nero's editor much but it gets the conversion done without much hassle.
http://www.nero.com/eng/nero8-introduction.html
About £50 on Amazon.
Quote: Charley @ January 4, 2008, 12:52 AMI would defo be up for watching that. Go on stick your bits & bobs on You Tube.
he's only gone and done it !
It's a hassle, but there are applications you can download for free that will enable you to rip a DVD. On the Mac I used one called Mac the Ripper. I'm not sure what the PC equivalent is, but you could always ask on Shooting People (providing you're a member, and you really ought to be).
DVD camcorders are a bit didgy at times... using vista doesnt help the situation but I have heard good from Nero but if you want good software you'll have to shell out or get it by other means... but we can't tell you about that because it's illegal of course *shifts eyes*