If you're curious about DV, or need some pointers to improve your DV experience, you need our step-by-step guide to shooting, editing and exporting digital video.
Originally introduced in the mid-1990s, digital video (DV) cameras now dominate camcorder sales. Why? Two simple reasons.
First, digital video delivers quality that's superior to that of analogue formats such as VHS, 8mm or even Hi8 and S-VHS. Second, since both camera and computer manufacturers have adopted the FireWire (IEEE 1394) serial port specification, it's now much faster and easier to transfer video to your computer than it was with analogue cameras, and the equipment to do so is much more affordable.
At the same time, broadband Internet connections and inexpensive DVD writers make high-quality video much easier to distribute. So what does that mean for you? You'll spend less for higher-quality video that you can share easily with your family and business associates. If you're considering joining the DV revolution, now is definitely the time.
Of course, you'll need to learn the DV basics before you dive into this tricky new technology. We'll walk you through the tools you'll need, the steps you'll take (shooting footage, transferring it to your computer, then editing and distributing video), and the basics of digital video technology and production. You'll be impressing the family in no time.
The dirt on DVD
What´s up with DVD-burning formats and compatibility? Let´s unravel the mystery.
Distribution deal
So you've shot, transferred, and edited your video. Now what?
Digital video glossary
Definitions for the most common DV terms, as well as a few uncommon ones.
Director's cut
Here's how to get your footage from camera to computer, with all the steps in between.
Camcorder talk
Pick the right hardware for your burgeoning digital video career.
Behind the DV technology
You've heard a lot about DV: now find out what it actually is and how it works.
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I installed a belkin usb2/firewire card but cant use it as there is no capture card for video transfer from my digital video. Any suggestion