Camera Accessories

Fit Sony Dcr

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By Robert Niles: The holidays can be a good time to stock up on the gear that you need as a journalist - either by putting it on your "wish list" or by picking up a few goodies while you're shopping for family and friends. Here are some of the essentials for a journalist who's setting up his or her own shop. I've also included the specific item I'm using or have my eye on, to help you build your ...
How to Transfer Sony DCR-HC14E vids to PC and/or CD/DVD?

I desperately want to transfer my mini dv movies to PC, record music onto them, edit em then burn em onto a cd/cdr/cdrw or preferably dvd disc. I've installed Picture Package software from the cd rom onto PC, i connected with USB, enabled usb streaming and got upto Auto Video section. But from here it only copies for maximum 3 minutes and i can't change that figure, to save i ticked hard disk but i can't find where it saved the 3 minute clip. Do i need video editing software? A firewire? what ever that is, a cable or a card i think. Will it fit my camcorder, i have usb, mini dv outlets and s-video jacks on it. And finally where can i get Editing software free. Thank you

DCR-HC14E, a miniDV vcam, must be DV~Firewire400**-connected to computer to upload video thru video editing* or capture application while vcam is ON PLAYBACK. Most (digital) tape vcams have 4-pin DV ports; before cable purchase** check pc or mac for DV port {VCAM@4-pin=>firewireCABLE=>PC@4/ 6-pin?}. If none, install firewire card: pci for desktop or pcmcia / express for laptop.

http://h71036.www7.hp.com/hho/cache/315100-0-0-225-121.html

http://computers.shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_npmv=3&_trksid=m38.l1311&_nkw=firewire+card&_sacat=58058

Entry-level Movie Maker* (free w/ Vista/wmm6 & XP/wmm2) is simple & easy to learn.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/default.mspx

formats supported: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308464
see tutorials: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/moviemaker/create/1stmovie.mspx
Upgrade to intermediate (or advanced) video editing apps accdg. to need & skill level

http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/

video editing process- Vista/Wmm6
>>> open wmm- start/all programs/wmm->TASK pane
1. Import video stream**-editing app remotely controls vcam; import pics & music
2. Edit- drag/drop video files->timeline & enhance w/effects, transition, music & titles
3. Publish (render)- save Movie (OK for youTube), also, save Project.msmmw file
For details, visit:

>>> Share=>shift to DvD authoring app (DvD Maker; WinDvD; Nero; DvD Flick, etc)->burn to DvD

http://www.windowsdvdmaker.com/guides/Beginner/

Similarly: XP/wmm2- Capture/Edit/Finish- DvD authoring app, e.g.,DvD Flick or Nero

Time Lapse - Sony DCR-HC62E Test

Sony Dcr-sr45 Camcorders

The Sony DCR-SR45 is a lightweight camcorder with a weight of 350g (without battery). Its dimensions are 76mm wide, 77mm high and 113mm deep). Our review unit was in the usual slick silver and black design. The camcorder has a 2.7-inch wide touch screen and a 40x optical zoom. The zoom enabled microphone captures the audio clearly. Plenty of storage space is provided by its 30 GB storage space. This translates to 7 to 20 hours of recording depending on the quality setting. You can also store photos and videos to a memory slot thanks to a "hybrid stick" which offers a secondary recording option with a memory stick slot that can boost its capacity to 16GB.

The four buttons- zoom in, zoom out, home, start/stop recording are versatile when recording at low angles. It has 2 menu systems; a "Home" menu for all feature settings and an "Options" menu for functions available for video and still images like recording mode, focus and white balance. The dead centre record button lets you start off easily and the dial fits in line with the thumb. Power and activity buttons are above this. It also has a "Quick On" button, which moves it from the standby mode. The "stills" button is located on top. And rocker switch for the zooming lens which allows shutter free close-ups.

Good
All features are up to the standard.
It has a responsive auto focus and good white balance.
Clean appearance with sliding door on the side, where you can find a USB port, an AV out with included cable. Another sliding door on top hides the memory card slot.
"Nightshot" capabilities
Compared to SR65, it has a larger optical zoom.

Bad
The video quality is disappointing. It is unlikable if you are used to the clarity of a HD video. It doesn't look good even at highest quality setting until you scale it down to You Tube size.
It fails to counterpart mobile phones with maximum image size of 0.3 megapixels.
It cannot capture shake free images and for taking close-ups, tripod is always required as it lacks optical image stabilization.
Performance drop in capturing dim light images.
Sometimes the images are blurred even in LCD screen.

Bottom line
The DCR-SR45 is not better than other entry level cams. The image quality is reasonable but not good enough for most people. It is affordable, but there are even cheaper models with better performances. The total package is up to the standard except for the video quality. It is adequate for beginners and budget shoppers interested in MiniDV.

About the Author

Start by setting clear points of what you want, need and can afford. Read Expert reviews of Camcorders, it's the best way to obtain knowledge. Do not hesitate to ask around in hardare forums, people are generally happy to give you advice. Good Luck
For more expert reviews on all products,visit us at Testseek.co.uk