VIDEO EDITING HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

Ferryman · #1 (**permalink**) 02-26-2004, 06:04 PM

PLEASE help,
Want to start up high end video editing outfit so want to know basic questions - Is there such a thing as a Mini DV Camcorder like the Canon XM2 with USB2 connection?

If you bought something like Pinnacle Liquid Pro - would it replace or complement your normal computer graphics card? - would you need Premier Pro?
Not sure how Liquid Pro fits between hardware and software?

I know I'm a beginner, but I'm being given some money, and I want to buy the best (within reason!) and not start with basic stuff, then have to ditch it to upgrade.

Please don't get too technical (layman language) just want best video editing PC for working with semi pro Mini Dv camcorder like the Canon XM2

appreciate any positive input

Alan Mills · #2 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 12:22 PM

I've recently (fairly) bought a MiniDV camcorder and on my travels I found NONE that advertised as having a USB2 port. Some claimed USB which I read as 1.1 and assumed it was intended for still capture from memory stick (or similar). I might be wrong though.

All, however, claim Firewire (or iLink if you have a Sony) and that seems to be the defacto standard. My advice is to stick with Firewire.

Poweroid · #3 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 01:31 PM

If you're looking to using something like Pinnacle Edition
(specs: http://www.poweroid-video-editing.co...ifications.asp
and review: http://www.poweroid-video-editing.co..._Edition_5.asp)
then it doesn't make sense to consider connecting via USB. Of course if you did go for the Pro version which comes with it's own graphics card you'll get a breakout box that'll give you analogue and DV connectors. (See picture of breakout box: http://www.bestpricecomputers.ltd.uk...dition_Pro.asp)

Marc Peters · #4 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 05:23 PM

My experience backs up Millsy's thoughts - i.e USB connections are used for capturing still images only. Some cams offer video capture via USB, but this generally produces poor results - slthough USB 2 is technically quicker than Firewire, the standard adopted by DV is the latter and gives the best quality.

If you've got money to spend and you're looking for high end results, you should compare the offerings from Canopus, Pinncacle and Matrox. These offer video editing cards on or below the £1,000 mark. My site has so far concentrated on budget editing, as I haven't had the opportunity to look at the higher end of the semi-pro market.

However, there's a few UK site that specialise in video editing equipment that provide useful info for customers (and window-shoppers!)

these include www.sub.co.uk and www.dvc.uk.com

They don't necesarily offer the best prices, but the latter gives a good overview of all the cards on offer

Ferryman · #5 (**permalink**) 03-01-2004, 05:56 PM

Thanks to all who have contributed so far -

That was the reason for asking about USB2 v Firewire on a Mini DV Camcorder - as USB2 is supposed to be 480 mbps as opposed to Firewire 400 mbps.
But if u say Firewire is the thing - then that will do me !, and unless I hear something to the contrary - the Canon XM2 will suffice as the semi pro Mini DV.
I will check the sites u list to find out which card/software to complement it.

Thanks again

Poweroid · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-2004, 10:26 AM

sub and dvc are good places to browse as are planetdv.net and creativevideo.

Poweroid · #7 (**permalink**) 03-03-2004, 12:56 PM

Ferryman, there's http://www.videoguys.com that beats the pants off off all the UK sites put together and is an excellent resource for all things to do with editing on a PC/mac. I know the guys there and they do know their stuff. So what if you are UK based and cannot buy from them - they'd still love you to use their site for the rich information they've got on all manner of editing cards.

Ferryman · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2004, 07:35 PM

I appreciate all the input you guys have given so far, and will research all the sites suggested for further info !

I have posted another question on the Software section
re top end Software - if u care to look
entitled "Pros and Cons of top end software"

anyway thanks again

dominique2 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-14-2004, 07:39 AM

Hello,

I can sell new Pinnacle products from the online shop http://shop.pinnaclesys.com for 70% of the shop price.
Ship to UK ONLY !!!
For payment and delivery options and for making an order write to jeanclaude@fragileego.com.

dominique2 · #10 (**permalink**) 06-29-2004, 04:10 PM

Hello,

I can sell new Pinnacle products from the online shop http://shop.pinnaclesys.com for 70% of the shop price.

Ship to EU ONLY !!!

Payment after delivery. For payment and delivery options and for making an order write to jeanclaude@fragileego.com.