The Benefits Of Using McGraw Hill Products

The Benefits Of Using McGraw Hill Products

As a leading provider of educational materials, we offer a wide range of solutions that can meet the needs of any learner. From traditional printed textbooks to cutting-edge digital learning tools, we offer a wide range of options to suit any budget or learning style.

But what are the real benefits of using McGraw Hill products?

Here are just a few of the reasons why so many educators trust us to help their students succeed:

1. We have a proven track record

As a leading provider of educational materials, McGraw Hill has a proven track record of helping students succeed. We have been helping learners reach their potential for over 100 years, and our products are used by millions of students around the world.

2. We offer a wide range of solutions

We offer a wide range of solutions that can meet the needs of any learner. From traditional printed textbooks to cutting-edge digital learning tools, we have a solution to suit any budget or learning style.

3. Our products are backed by research

All of our products are backed by extensive research and development. We work with leading educators and researchers to ensure that our products are of the highest quality and meet the needs of today’s learners.

4. We have a commitment to quality

We are committed to providing quality products and services that help our customers succeed. We have a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about education and committed to providing the best possible experience for our customers.

5. We offer outstanding customer service

We pride ourselves on providing outstanding customer service. Our team is always available to help with any questions or concerns you may have.

If you are looking for a trusted partner to help you achieve your educational goals, look no further than McGraw Hill. We are proud to offer a wide range of quality products and services that can help you and your students succeed.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your SLR Digital Camera

How To Get The Most Out Of Your SLR Digital Camera

In this day and age, it’s all too easy to get caught up in the technology of our digital SLR cameras and overlook the basics of photography.

Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your digital SLR camera:

1. Read the manual

This may seem like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how many people never bother to read their camera manual. Your digital SLR camera is a complex piece of equipment and it’s important to understand how it works before using it.

2. Use the right lens

One of the great things about digital SLR cameras is that you can interchange the lenses depending on what you’re trying to photograph. If you’re shooting a landscape, for example, you’ll want to use a wide-angle lens. But if you’re trying to photograph a close-up of a flower, you’ll need a macro lens.

3. Shoot in RAW

If your digital SLR camera has the option to shoot in RAW, do it! RAW files are much larger than JPEGs but they contain all the information your camera captures when you take a photo. This gives you much more flexibility when editing your photos later on.

4. Use a tripod

If you want to avoid blurry photos, use a tripod. Tripods are especially important when shooting in low light or using a long lens.

5. Know your camera’s limits

Each digital SLR camera has its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are better in low light, while others have faster shutter speeds. Learn about your camera’s capabilities and limitations and you’ll be able to take better photos.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to get the most out of your digital SLR camera and take better photos.

The Pros And Cons Of SLR Digital Cameras

The Pros And Cons Of SLR Digital Cameras

Digital single-lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) are one of the most popular types of cameras on the market. They are loved by professional photographers and serious amateurs for their image quality, versatility, and control. But DSLRs are not the perfect cameras for everyone. Here are some of the pros and cons of DSLRs to help you decide if one is right for you.

Pros of DSLR Cameras

Image Quality: DSLRs produce some of the best images of any type of camera. This is because they have large image sensors that allow for more light and detail to be captured. DSLRs also have powerful image processors that produce high-quality images.

Versatility: DSLRs are versatile cameras that can be used for a variety of photography genres, including landscape, portrait, sports, and wildlife. They also have a wide range of lens options that allow you to further customize your photography.

Control: DSLRs give you a lot of control over your images. With manual controls, you can adjust the shutter speed, aperture, and ISO to get the perfect shot. You can also shoot in RAW format, which gives you even more control over your images in post-processing.

Cons of DSLR Cameras

Size and Weight: DSLRs are larger and heavier than other types of cameras, which can be a drawback if you want a compact camera that you can easily carry around with you.

Cost: DSLRs are more expensive than other types of cameras, which can be a barrier for some people.

Learning Curve: DSLRs can be complex cameras to use, and they require a bit of a learning curve to get the most out of them.

Now that you know some of the pros and cons of DSLR cameras, you can decide if one is right for you. If you need a high-quality camera with a lot of control and versatility, a DSLR may be the perfect choice. But if you want a smaller and less expensive camera, you may want to consider another type of camera.

Some feel that the large sensor and interchangeable lenses give them an edge over compact cameras, while others find the smaller size and cheaper price of the latter more appealing. So, which is better?

SLR cameras have a few advantages over their compact cousins. Firstly, their large sensors allow for better image quality, as they can capture more light and detail. Secondly, the interchangeable lenses give you much more flexibility in terms of the types of shots you can take. Finally, the SLR’s through-the-lens viewfinder gives you a more accurate representation of what your final image will look like.

On the downside, SLRs are generally more expensive than compacts, and their larger size can be a bit of a burden when you’re trying to take candid shots or be discreet. They also have a tendency to produce more blurred images, as the mirror inside the camera can cause the image to shake.

So, which is the better type of camera? It really depends on your needs and preferences. If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, then an SLR is the way to go. But if you’re worried about cost or portability, then a compact might be a better choice.

10 Best SLR Digital Cameras On The Market Today

10 Best SLR Digital Cameras On The Market Today

When it comes to choosing the best digital SLR camera, there are many factors to consider such as price, features, and brand. In this article, we will take a look at the 10 best digital SLR cameras on the market today.

1. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of the best digital SLR cameras on the market, and it is perfect for professionals and enthusiasts alike. It features a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF lens range, which gives you a huge amount of choice when it comes to lenses.

2. Nikon D850

The Nikon D850 is another excellent digital SLR camera, and it is perfect for both professionals and enthusiasts. It features a 45.7 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, 4K video recording, an advanced autofocus system, and is compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

3. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

The Canon EOS 6D Mark II is a great choice for those who want a full-frame digital SLR camera without spending a huge amount of money. It features a 26.2 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF lens range.

4. Nikon D750

The Nikon D750 is another excellent choice for those who want a full-frame digital SLR camera without spending a fortune. It features a 24.3 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

5. Canon EOS 80D

The Canon EOS 80D is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF-S lens range.

6. Nikon D7200

The Nikon D7200 is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

7. Canon EOS 77D

The Canon EOS 77D is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF-S lens range.

8. Nikon D5600

The Nikon D5600 is a great choice for those who want a mid-range digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

9. Canon EOS Rebel T7i

The Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a great choice for those who want a budget-friendly digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Canon’s EF-S lens range.

10. Nikon D3500

The Nikon D3500 is a great choice for those who want a budget-friendly digital SLR camera. It features a 24.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD video recording, and an advanced autofocus system. It is also compatible with Nikon’s huge range of lenses.

How To Choose The Best SLR Digital Camera For Your Needs

How To Choose The Best SLR Digital Camera For Your Needs

SLR digital cameras are a dime a dozen these days. With so many manufacturers, models and features to choose from, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll run through everything you need to know to choose the best SLR digital camera for your needs.

First things first, what is an SLR digital camera? SLR stands for ‘single-lens reflex’. This means that the camera has a mirror inside it that reflects the image from the lens up into the viewfinder. This is the main difference between an SLR and a compact camera – with a compact camera, you’re looking at the image through the lens itself.

The advantage of an SLR is that you can see exactly what the camera is going to see when you take the photo. This makes it much easier to compose your shots, and you’ll also be able to see if anything is in the way of the lens (like your finger!).

So, now that you know what an SLR is, let’s take a look at some of the things you need to consider when choosing one…

1. Price

As with anything, price is going to be a big factor in your decision. SLR cameras can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, so you need to decide how much you’re willing to spend.

Of course, the more you spend, the better the camera is likely to be. But that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to get a good camera – there are plenty of great options at lower price points.

2. Features

As we mentioned, there are a lot of different SLR cameras on the market, and each one has its own unique feature set. So, you need to decide which features are important to you.

Do you want a camera with built-in Wi-Fi so you can easily share your photos? Do you need a camera that can shoot video as well as photos? Do you want a camera with a touchscreen display?

Think about what you want to use the camera for, and make sure you choose one with the features you need.

3. Sensor size

The sensor is the part of the camera that captures the image. The bigger the sensor, the more light it can capture, and the better the quality of the image will be.

Most entry-level SLR cameras have what’s called an APS-C sensor. This is a good all-round size, and it’s what we’d recommend if you’re just starting out.

If you’re looking for the best possible image quality, you’ll want a camera with a full-frame sensor. These are usually found in more expensive cameras, but they’re definitely worth the investment if you’re serious about photography.

4. Lens compatibility

One of the great things about SLR cameras is that they’re usually compatible with a wide range of lenses. This means you can buy different lenses to suit different situations.

For example, you might want a telephoto lens for taking photos of wildlife, or a wide-angle lens for landscape photography.

When you’re choosing an SLR camera, make sure you check which lenses are compatible with it. That way, you can be sure you’ll be able to buy the lenses you need in the future.

5. Weight and size

If you’re going to be carrying your camera around with you a lot, then you’ll want to consider the weight and size. Some SLR cameras can be quite large and heavy, so make sure you choose one that’s comfortable for you to carry.

6. Battery life

Another important consideration is battery life. If you’re going to be using your camera a lot, you’ll need a camera with a good battery life. Otherwise, you’ll be constantly having to recharge it.

7. User-friendliness

If you’re new to photography, you’ll want to choose a camera that’s easy to use. Look for a camera with an intuitive menu system and clear, easy-to-understand controls.

Also, make sure the camera has a good viewfinder. This is what you’ll be looking through when you take a photo, so it needs to be clear and bright.

The Heyday Of 35mm Photography

The Heyday Of 35mm Photography

35mm photography was once the standard format for film cameras. It was popular for many years because it offered a good balance between picture quality and portability. Many professional photographers still prefer to use 35mm cameras, even though digital cameras have become more popular in recent years.

35mm film is a strips of negatives that are 35mm wide. Each frame is 24mm x 36mm. Most 35mm cameras use 135 film, which is wound around a spool inside the camera. 135 film is also known as 35mm film.

When 35mm photography was first introduced, it was a big improvement over the larger format films that were being used at the time. The smaller size made it much easier to carry a camera around and to take pictures in tight spaces. The picture quality was also very good.

35mm photography remained popular for many years, but it has slowly been replaced by digital photography in recent years. Digital cameras offer many advantages over film cameras, such as the ability to take an infinite number of pictures, instant feedback, and easy editing and sharing of photos.

Despite the popularity of digital photography, many professional photographers still prefer to use 35mm cameras. This is because 35mm cameras often produce better quality pictures than digital cameras. The larger size of the negative also allows for more detail to be captured.

If you are interested in learning more about 35mm photography, there are many great resources available. There are also many websites that sell used 35mm cameras and film.

35mm photography was once the standard for taking high-quality photos. But as digital cameras have become more advanced, 35mm cameras have become less popular. Nevertheless, there are still many photographers who prefer to use 35mm cameras, and there are some good reasons for this.

One reason 35mm cameras are still popular is that they produce very high-quality images. Digital cameras have come a long way, but they still can’t match the image quality of 35mm film. If you want the absolute best image quality, 35mm is still the way to go.

Another reason to use a 35mm camera is that they’re very versatile. You can find 35mm cameras that are designed for all sorts of photography, from landscapes to portraits to action shots. No matter what kind of photos you want to take, there’s a 35mm camera that can do it.

Finally, 35mm cameras are just plain fun to use. They’re a lot more analog than digital cameras, and there’s something satisfying about loading a roll of film and taking photos the old-fashioned way. If you’re looking for a more hands-on photography experience, 35mm cameras are the way to go.

So if you’re a photographer who’s looking for the best image quality, versatility, or just a more fun photography experience, consider using a 35mm camera.

5 Reasons To Shoot On Film

5 Reasons To Shoot On Film

1. There’s something special about holding a film photograph in your hand.

2. Film photographs have a certain look that digital can’t replicate.

3. Film forces you to slow down and think about your composition.

4. Film is more forgiving than digital, making it a great choice for beginners.

5. Shooting on film is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

As a professional photographer, I often get asked why I still shoot on film. After all, digital has come a long way in recent years and many photographers have made the switch to shooting digital exclusively.

Here are 5 reasons why I think shooting on film is still a great choice for photographers:

1. There’s something special about holding a film photograph in your hand.

There’s just something about holding a physical photograph in your hand that is special. With digital photographs, it’s easy to forget that there is a real photograph behind all the 1s and 0s. But with film, you can hold the physical photograph in your hand and really appreciate the artistry that went into creating it.

2. Film photographs have a certain look that digital can’t replicate.

No matter how hard digital photographers try, they can’t quite replicate the look of a film photograph. Film has a certain graininess and depth of color that digital just can’t match. For many photographers, this is part of the appeal of shooting on film.

3. Film forces you to slow down and think about your composition.

With digital, it’s easy to take a million photographs and just delete the ones you don’t like. But with film, you have to be more thoughtful about your composition because each frame costs money. This forces you to slow down and think about your composition, which can only result in better photographs.

4. Film is more forgiving than digital, making it a great choice for beginners.

One of the great things about film is that it is more forgiving than digital. With digital, if you make a mistake, it can be very difficult to fix. But with film, you can often salvage a photograph even if it isn’t perfect. This makes film a great choice for beginners who are still learning the ropes.

5. Shooting on film is a great way to stand out from the crowd.

In the age of digital, it can be easy to blend in with the crowd. But if you shoot on film, you’ll instantly stand out. Film photography is still relatively rare, so shooting on film is a great way to make your work stand out from the rest.

Do you shoot on film? Why or why not? Let me know in the comments below!

JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Overview

JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Overview

The JVC Everio GZ-HM1S is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format. It is one of the most expensive models in JVC’s lineup, even though it was introduced in 2010.

The GZ-HM1S carries a suggested retail price of $1199. Full technical specifications for the GZ-HM1S can be found here.

JVC Everio GZ-HM1S Video Features

The Everio GZ-HM1S uses the full AVCHD format for 1920 x 1080 high definition recording. It supports 24Mbps recording, the highest bit-rate available in the AVCHD video format. The HM1S features the same 10.6-megapixel 1/2.3-inch back-illuminatedCMOS image sensor found on most of the top-of-the-line 2011 Everios. Unlike JVC’s mid-range models, the HM1S cannot record in standard definition (not that you’d really miss it).

The camcorder uses JVC’s “Intelligent Auto” mode for automatically matching scene modes such as portrait, sunset, scenery, forest and macro mode, to shooting environments.

You can snap 9-megapixel still photos with the HM1S, and it has a built-in flash to aid in low light photography.

While it’s not quite a replacement for a standalone digital camera, it will deliver sharper pictures than camcorders without a built-in flash.

Optical Features

You’ll find a 10x optical zoom Konica Minolta HD lens on the Everio GZ-HM1S. This optical zoom is joined by two digital zoom technologies: a dynamic zoom can boost magnification to 16x without sacrificing video quality. There’s also a standard digital zoom, which increases magnification to 200x. The lens uses JVC’s “Enhanced Advanced Image Stabilizer” for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. According to the company, the image stabilization technology can compensate for camera shake at wide-angles and is four times as effective in combating shake than the Advanced Stabilization found on less expensive models in the Everio line. In our experience, JVC has some of the best image stabilization technology in the camcorder market.

The HM1S’s lens is conveniently protected by an automatic lens cap.

Memory and Display

The GZ-HM1S offers 64GB of internal flash memory in addition to a single SDHC memory card slot.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t accept higher-capacity SDXC cards for additional storage capacity, although with 32GB on board, you probably will not find yourself running out of memory. The HM 550 uses JVC’s “seamless recording” system, which automatically switches memory formats when one is full. The camcorder is Eye-Fi ready, so it will automatically recognize when a wireless Eye-Fi memory card is in use.

You’ll frame your recordings on a large 3.5-inch Laser Touch LCD display. The Laser Touch display is something of hybrid – it’s not a touch screen but there are no tactile buttons either. Instead, you’ll find a serious of touch-sensitive controls on the edge of the display, including a swipe bar, for navigating around the HM1S’s menu items. In our experience, this Laser Touch display can be more responsive than small touch screens although it takes some getting used to.

Design

Design-wise, the HM1S cuts an angular (in our view attractive) appearance with nice ergonomics. Thanks to the use of flash memory you’ll still enjoy a light weight body though not as light as JVC’s less expensive HD models (.67 pounds with battery inside). The HM1S measures in at 2.1 x 2.4 x 4.8 inches, roughly the same form factor as the entry-level series of Everios, and features a zoom lever on the top of the camcorder and a record shutter located on the side, next to the camcorder’s battery. Open the display and you’ll find buttons video playback, scrolling and info, plus the camcorder’s ports: component, HDMI, USB and AV. There is a manual focus wheel adjacent to the lens.

Aesthetically, the HM1S is available in one color – silver, with black accents.

Shooting Features

The Everio GZ-HM1S is outfitted with face detection and a a face flow playback, which highlights faces in a frame in the playback menu so you can search your footage by the people you’ve recorded..

Among the other features you’ll find on the GZ-HM1S is a time-lapse recording function that lets you record one frame at a time for a selectable time interval (between one and 80 seconds). There are several fast frame rate options for recording in slow motion. The effect is very cool but the video files are lower quality, so they won’t look as good on the big screen as they will on your computer.

Finally, you can add basic animated effects to video in the camcorder as well as to still images. JVC’s Everio Media Browser software is built-in the camcorder as well for disc-free loading when you attach the camcorder to a computer via USB. The software supports basic video editing (color changing, clipping, etc.) as well as sharing via YouTube and Facebook.

Connectivity

The Everio GZ-HM1S offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera although the cable is not included. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable, which is included.

Impression

At $1,100, the HM1S is geared for video enthusiasts who want to exercise a high level of control over the look of their video. The HM1S has an attractive design and a solid feature set for the price but is getting old, in camcorder years, so you may want to wait to see what JVC replaces it with before purchasing (or wait until its replacement is named and the HM1S gets discounted further).

Panasonic HDC-TM41H Overview

Panasonic HDC-TM41H Overview

The Panasonic HDC-TM41H is a high definition camcorder that records 1920 x 1080 video in the AVCHD format. It represents the entry-level of Panasonic’s high definition camcorder line-up with a retail price of $399.

Panasonic HDC-TM41 Video Features

Video is recorded at a maximum resolution of 1920 x 1080 at a bit-rate of 17Mbps in the AVCHD format. It uses a 1.5-megapixel 1/5.8-inch CMOS image sensor. Video can also be recorded at lower bit-rates (13Mbps, 9Mbps, 5Mbps) or in the iFrame format of 960 x 540 at 28Mbps. Still photos are recorded at 2-megapixels, which is fairly low-resolution as far as images go. It’s enough to email, but not to print.

The HDC-TM41H features Panasonic’s “Intelligent Auto” (iAuto) mode for automatically matching scene modes to shooting environments.

You’ll also have a choice of several scene modes including sports, portrait, low light, spot light, snow, beach, sunset, fireworks, scenery, night scenery and night portrait (for still images only) and a “soft skin” mode for minimizing blemishes when filming people.

Audio is recorded through a 2-channel stereo microphone in Dolby Digital. Audio can also be recorded in the ACC format when filming in the aforementioned iFrame video format.

TM 41 Optical Features

You’ll find a 16.8x optical zoom lens (42.9 x 721mm, 35mm equivalent) on the Panasonic HDC-TM41H. It uses Panasonic’s Power Optical Image Stabilization for keeping your footage relatively shake-free. In “active mode” the image stabilization can compensate at wide-angles.

You have the option for both automatic and manual focus on the TM41H. There’s also a digital zoom to boost magnification out to 1200x – though a digital zoom should be used sparingly, if at all.

Memory and Display

Video footage is recorded directly to 16GB of internal flash memory.

There is also a slot for SDXC memory cards for adding additional recording capacity.

You’ll frame your recordings on a 2.7-inch LCD display. There is no viewfinder.

Design

Thanks to its use of flash memory, the TM41 is very light weight (indeed, it’s the lightest model in the company’s lineup as of this writing). Without the battery it weighs just .37 pounds and measures in at 2.03 x 2.26 x 4.27 inches. It’s a traditional, barrel-style form factor with a zoom lever and shutter button on the top of the camcorder. Pop open the display and you’ll find buttons for switching between iAuto and manual shooting and activating image stabilization, among others.

Aesthetically, the TM41 isn’t much of a head-turner. It’s only available in black.

Shooting Features

You will have some degree of control over your video when shooting with the HDC-TM41. You’ll be able to automatically white balance the camcorder, in addition to manually adjusting the iris. The shutter is automatic. There is a tele-macro mode available too for focusing on objects up to 50cm away. When the lights go down, you can avail yourself to the built-in LED video light to give you some additional illumination. There is no flash, however, for aiding in still photography. Overall a fairly scant feature-set, but that’s to be expected given the price.

Connectivity

The Panasonic HDC-TM41 offers a built-in HDMI output for connecting the camera. You can also connect to a PC via USB cable.

Impression

For those looking for a low-cost camcorder that delivers better video quality than a pocket camcorder with a few extra controls (manual focus, manual iris control and white balance) with a much better zoom lens, the Panasonic HDC-TM41 is definitely worth a look. It’s small design and light weight build ensure it can be carried anywhere without being a burden. It won’t pack the same kind of feature-punch as higher-end models, but if you need a basic, no frills camcorder, give the TM41H a closer look.

Guide to Camcorder Software

Guide to Camcorder Software

These days, you’re just as likely to view your camcorder videos on a computer as on a TV (if not more so.) That’s why every camcorder is packaged with some basic video software that will let you perform some routine tasks with your camcorder video. Here’s what you can expect:

Basic editing: While you shouldn’t expect to edit your Hollywood blockbuster on the included software, the basic editing features are usually there – some color corrections, trimming, along with the ability to add titles and transition effects.

Sharing: Whether you want to post your videos to Facebook or YouTube or send them to friends and family via email, the software included in your camcorder usually contains tools for Web sharing.

Transcoding: If you want to watch your home movies on DVD, smartphone, portable media players or even a PlayStation Portable, you may need to transcode your video – i.e. turn it into a file format that can be recognized by these devices. Most bundled software will have an option to output your video file for viewing on various platforms.

Organize: The more videos and photos you record with your camcorder, the harder it is to keep track of all your digital files. Included software will offer a basic organizer that will let you keep track of your ever-growing digital library.

DVD Burning: One of the most routine tasks you’ll need to perform with your camcorder’s software is burning an archival disk of your footage. If it does nothing else, your software should allow you to burn DVDs of your home movies.

Perform Specialized Tasks: Some high-end camcorder features can only be accessed through specialized software applications not found on off-the-shelf software.

Sony’s GPS camcorders are a case in point: you can only access map views and “geo-tagging” if you use the company’s included software to organize your files.

Built-in Software

There’s a growing trend among camcorders to ditch the CD-Rom and load their software directly into the camcorder itself. The software will typically install itself on your computer the first time you connect the camcorder to the computer. The virtue with the built-in approach is that you can upgrade computer (of suffer a hard drive wipe out) without worrying about losing your software.