Tag: Dvds

by Leland Richardson on November 19, 2021 0

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.

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by Leland Richardson on November 29, 2019 0

What To Expect From The Software That’s Packaged In Your Camcorder

If you just bought a camcorder, the manufacturer has put the default software in it to use video editing. Even though it is simple, it is enough to help you edit the video that you take.

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 (read about how to archive your camcorder videos here). 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 (particularly pocket 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.

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by Leland Richardson on November 27, 2019 0

Guide to Flash Camcorders

Flash memory first came to consumer’s attention as the “digital film” in a digital camera. Now, the same memory cards found in digital cameras are being used in a new breed of camcorders: flash camcorders.

A camcorder can record to flash memory in one of two ways. First, the flash memory can be built into a camcorder. Alternatively, the camcorder can record directly to removable flash memory cards, such as SDHC cards or Memory Stick.

Camcorders with internal flash memory will generally also offer a memory card slot, giving you the opportunity to extend your recording times by using an optional memory card. Check out our list of the Best Flash Camcorders to find the top models currently on the market.

What Kind of Camcorders Record to Flash Memory?

The short answer is: all of them.

You’ll find flash memory used in very inexpensive, pocket camcorders, middle of the road standard definition camcorders to very high-end, high definition camcorders. All the major camcorder manufacturers offer flash camcorders in their line up.

What Are the Benefits of Flash Camcorders?

There are several:

Light weight: Flash memory itself is not only lighter than a hard disk drive or tape, it doesn’t need a bulky apparatus to operate it. The end result is a camcorder that’s very light weight.

Compact Size: Because the flash memory itself is small and doesn’t require large components inside the camcorder to operate, flash camcorders are compact and very portable. This is why pocket camcorders, like Pure Digital’s Flip, use flash memory as their a storage format.

Longer Battery Life: Unlike a hard disk drive, tape or DVD, which must spin inside a camcorder when they’re turned on, flash memory has no moving parts. That means that flash camcorders won’t waste battery life spinning a tape or disk mechanism, giving you longer recording times.

High capacity: While they don’t boast the large capacities of hard disk drives, flash camcorders can still top MiniDV tape and DVD disk when it comes to storing hours of video.

Reusable: When your flash memory card is packed with videos, you don’t need to run out and buy a new one, as you do with tapes or DVDs. Instead, you can transfer that footage to a PC, external hard drive or disk and reuse your card.

Are There Downsides to Flash Camcorders?

The principle drawback to a flash camcorder is its capacity compared to hard disk drive-based camcorders. There are hard disk drive camcorders with over 200GB worth of storage space, while the largest flash memory camcorder tops out at 64GB. Even adding a high capacity memory card won’t get you close to the capacity of a large hard disk drive.

The Wave of the Future

Manufacturers have steadily shifted their product lines away from tape and DVD disk-based camcorders toward hard disk drive and flash camcorders. If you’re looking to “future proof” your camcorder investment, flash camcorders will not be going obsolete anytime soon.

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