Morning I have just joined today and have been looking at some of your comments and was wondering if you could help me..I have been using Ulead video studio and can get all the data from my video cam onto my pc,but as I watch the data copying to disk the small tv box seems to be very poor quality and once it copys to dvd the graphics are very boxy and unclear could this be my graffic card on my pc it is a g force 2..any help would be great

Its not your Gfx card but the method you are using, for some cameras while capturing through usb streaming... video quality is reduced i suggest you to capture video in .avi (DV) through firewire card so that you can get full quality video first copy it to hard drive and then burn to dvd , and it also depends on software, its settings used for burning dvds

Thanks for your help, if my camera hasn't got this avi (DV) through firewire card will I be stuck. at the moment I only see the red and white av input but I will have a look at the camera,what does (dv) stan for<?

What make and model camcorder are you using?

If it captures dv quality then the camcorder should have a dv output - funny looking little female plug - do a google for a dv out picture if you are undertain.

The "card" referenced would not be in your camera but in your computer. Some PCs come equipped with both usb2 and firewire inputs but if yours doesn't have a firewire input you can inexpensively buy (new around $50us dollars less used) card that would plug into an expansion slot on your PCs motherboard.

This is one of those simple plug-and-play type cards that you can pop into a slot in minutes.

USB just won't transfer dv quality video to your hard drive.

Video Studio does a great job of capture and capture control. Let us know info about your camcorder make and model and there are tons of smarter people than I that can help you.
Jim

briang DV stands for Digital Video, and if you be more specific with your camera make and model than i can guide you more clearly ok and firewire port looks like the one below

thanks for your reply,and sorry for not giving the camera type.it is a sony but it has no dv port only 1 charging port and the av,I have been busy reading all the comments on dv in general and think my option will be a new camera I can see this item on ebay would it do me as a starter cam???( 3.1 Mega Digital Video Camcorder Camera Mini DV DV182
Features
3.1 Mega Pixels Software Resolution
Multifunctional Digital Video Camera, Still Camera and WebCamera
USB / Audio-Video (TV) Out: Easy picture transfer to a PC or review on a TV
1.5" Color LCD/On Screen Control Panel: Allows you to easily view playback or configure the settings via the LCD display
SD & MMC Flash Memory Card Support, for expanded storage capacity
Adjustable 4x Digital Zoom: Digital zoom enlarges your images
Lightweight Design, less than 4 ounces (without batteries)
Camera Resolution Settings: Super 2048x1536, High 1600x1200, Middle 1280x1024, Low 800x600
Shutter Speed 1/15 to 1/4000 Second
2 AA Alkaline Batteries (not included)

Technical Specifications

Image Sensor: 2.1 CMOS Sensor / 3.1 MP Software
Resolution: Super: 2048x1536 High 1600x1200
Middle: 1280x1024 Low: 800x600
Video Clip: 320x240
Digital Zoom: 4x
Display: Color TFT 1.5" LCD
External Memory: SD/MMC
Lens: Fixed (5 Glasses Lens) 10.8mm(Equivalent 50mm for 135 Camera)
File Format: JPEG/AVI
F. No.: 2.8
Focusing Range: 0.7m~Infinity
Interface: USB/AV out
Self Timer: 10 Seconds Delay
Shutter Speed: 1/15 to 1/4000 Second
Power: 2 AA Alkaline Batteries
Dimensions: 86 mm (L) x 40 mm (W) x 68 mm (H)
3.4 in. (L) x 1.6in. (W) x 2.5 in. (H)
Weight: 3.7 ounces (Without Battery)

Software

Arcosft Photo Impression 4.0
Arcsoft Video Impression 1.6
AM Cap

Package include
1 x DV-182 Camcorder
1 x Camera Bag
1 x USB Cable
1 x AV Cable
1 x Strap
1 x Installation CD
1 x User Guide

Do not buy this camcorder for the following reasons...

USB / Audio-Video (TV) Out: Easy picture transfer to a PC or review on a TV

(No Firewire socket)

1.5" Color LCD/On Screen Control Panel: Allows you to easily view playback or configure the settings via the LCD display

(Screen is too small)

Adjustable 4x Digital Zoom: Digital zoom enlarges your images

(No optical zoom)

Camera Resolution Settings: Super 2048x1536, High 1600x1200, Middle 1280x1024, Low 800x600

(These are still camera settings not video settings)

Video Clip: 320x240

(Only shoots video at 320 by 240 whereas 'real' video needs a screen size of 720 by 576)

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hi thanks for your advice my cameral is a sony 99x digital zoom.ccd-trv238e pal,looks pretty much like a non starter.can you give me a well priced camera to start with as It will be mainly for holiday use and family use...thanks Brian

thanks I am learning more and more each time I come on this site...camera is a sony ccd-trv238e pal pretty poor I know and I gather your response will be buy again and start again,,,thanks for your help though any tips on a camera to purchase??

Look on the Argos or Jessops webistes as they have some good Mini DV models in or around £200.

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