Panasonic VDR-D200
- 3.0 out of 5
- 3.0 out of 5
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Editors' Comments
With the Panasonic VDR-200, high-quality DVD videos of your friends and family are just a button away. The VDR-200 records directly to 8cm recordable DVDs, which you can pop right out of the camcorder and into your DVD player or computer. The DVD format makes it easy to edit and share videos with others. Unlike the similar VDR-100, the VDR-200 comes with a Secure Digital memory card slot, for solid state memory storage that's easily portable from camcorder to computer or even modern televisions equipped with SD card interfaces.
Specifications
- 680k pixels
- 30x optical zoom / 1000x digital zoom
- auto and manual focus
- image stabilization
- 2.5 inch LCD
- 3.53 lbs
- DVD storage media
- SD memory card slot
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Panasonic VDR-D200 Reviews
- 3.125 out of 5
Panasonic VDR-D200 Reviews by Camcorder HQ Users
- 3.0 out of 5
I am sooo upset with this camara , I got it at Circuit city for a graduation for my niece , with the hopes to have it downloaded into my laptop, and I cannot do it so ....It took me a few year to finalize it the cd's that okay I could see them only on any dvd player cool , vut in my computer no , not even updating the windows vista to the windowsxp cd rom came with the camcorder , I f I knew it was sooo much problem , I never would of purchased it , I t reall y no good for what I want it . I am stress to loose my money like this .I got it brand new from open box , thats why I purchased it for two and some change. S i rather then purchase another one but with hardrive ,I was told by consumer report its better and saves more money in mini dvd's.Sorry but this one really is dissapointed .
- 1.0 out of 5
I've tried to download my videos, with the program that came with the camera and still does not work. I have lost my sons 2nd birthday party, trip to the World Aquarium. Tried in XP and Vista and doesn't work. Worst camera ever purchased.
- 3.0 out of 5
I have had several problems with finalising discs. If the disc is fully used finalising often fails.
- 1.0 out of 5
We bought this camcorder prior to a three-week european tour and have enjoyed the ease of use and portability in taking stills in good lighting. However, the frustration we have endured in trying to download video to both a PC and a Mac has been endless. Lack of ease of operation has made this product practically useless.
- 2.0 out of 5
I am very unhappy with this product. All my pictures come out dark,,and def.need to edit them before printing and sending them out. it is a very costly product. will call the store today and ask for a trade in if possible..
- 4.0 out of 5
So far I am quite satisfied with the cameras performance. I have taken many still shots with satisfactory results.Video footage of sporting events with very good results. Although the unit does not excell in low light situations its still proper for me.I am not into the espinoage business. It would have been nice if it could have accomodated a 'smart light'.So far so good.
- 3.0 out of 5
For the price, the quality of the video on this camera is disappointing. It has great features, including manual options, is easy to use, and you can shoot at night. However, for a $500 camera, the quality is not up to standard even for home movies, in my opinion. The color is very washed out. I am returning the camera and spending a few hundred more for what I hope will be better quality in a higher end Panasonic or Sony DVD-RW.
Panasonic VDR-D200 Comments & Questions (write your own!)
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thanks for you answer!
To address your problem specifically I would still say miniDV. Its the easiest format to download right onto your computer. Just plug your camera in and go to capture on your editing software and your are there. While dvds are already in the dvd format you desire, if you want to do any type of editing you are just going to have to burn it onto a dvd after the editing anyways, so being on dvd originally does you no good.
However, for DVDs, you'll need to take that DVD and "rip" it to your PC and then encode it into a more editible format. I recommend DVD Decrypter or DVD Shrink. They will get your footage off the dvd and onto your PC. You can then use something like Videoera (PC) or Handbrake (Mac) to encode it to a more editable format. Depending on what editing software you use, you may be able to import mpeg2 and even VOB files directly. But understand that you're already starting with compressed footage, so the resolution quality will not be as good as if you had shot native with MiniDV tape and captured to your PC.
Good luck.
Oppositely, miniDV cameras ( digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor... ) are much more robust. Cameras like the Elura 100 ( digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor... ) are much better in format because once you've captured, edited and then burned to DVD, you aren't recompressing already compressed footage, like using the DVD camera would force you into.
However, I think that it's fair to say at this point that tapes are on their way out. Yes, you can still get miniDV but by and large it's on either low end machines or those at the very top end which implies that it will die out in consumer products fairly soon but may well last a good deal longer on professional machines. After all, Betamax lasted many, many years on pro products after it had been completely replaced by VHS for consumer products.
Personally my money would now be on SD machines. At the time of the original post these were just far too expensive and the memory itself cost a fortune too yet now on a standard resolution machine you can have about an hour on a card that costs $10 or so. Also, the machines are, in principle, a good deal more robust than those with hard discs or DVD drives as there aren't any moving parts. And to top it all, the SD format is interchangeable amongst a whole host of other devices including "still" cameras (most of which can record movies these days), computers, and the little media players to name but a few. So if you've a still camera and run out of space on your camcorder you could just swap the cards.
What's probably more important long term though is that you include your movies and photos in a proper backup plan so that you move them all to new technologies as they come along. After all, had you recorded your movies to the backup technology of even just 10 years ago chances are that you'd not be able to read the discs/tapes at this point. If nothing else, you could at least hold films up to the light if all else failed!
Sadly I suspect that the majority of people won't do that so their grandchildren will never be able to see the many videos or even photos that we've been taking in massive numbers in the digital age.
1) DVD+/-RW disks (re-writable disks)
2) DVD+/-R
Balkrishna
Now, some of these options may be on the D200, but in comparison to the M95, the D250 may be more attractive if you're looking to grow into your unit.
However, the best utility I have found for this purpose is WinDV ( windv.mourek.cz/ ). It's free. And not only can you capture with it without dropping a frame, but thanks to the firewire interface, you can control your camcorder directly!
That's the way I would do it. Then import it into your editor.
Looking at the specs for the VDR-D200, it doesn't mention webcam capability at all. And I have read reviews that flat out say it doesn't.
You can also try a utility called WebCamDV, which tricks Windows into believing your camcorder is a webcam (free demo, $20 for full version). Downside, it's firewire. So you'll need to connect your camera via analog either into your capture card that way or through a bridge like those made by Pinnacle.
Another one is called TrackerCam DV Driver. Same, about $20. There are some wonderful bonus features included in DVdriver, too, that are worth the price of admission in themselves, if you need them.
The first is optical zoom control. If your camcorder is a Canon ZR or one of several other compatible models, DVdriver is able to control the camcorder's optical zoom from your computer. Just clicking a control with your mouse makes the camcorder's lens zoom in or out.
There is also digital zoom, which works with any model of camcorder.
There are free ones out there, but you get what you pay for.
However, you will probably need to use a separate microphone because the beef is that programs like these don't recognize the audio from the camera.
So, in the end there may be a way, but it'll take some doing. And as always, your mileage may vary.
If you're happy with the answer you received, you can simply click on "Mark for best answer" bubble and it will close out the question. Thanks for posting it and Good luck!
I assume that you can take the DVD and play it in a DVD player??
Has your question been answered yet. If you need more advice, just ask in the reply box below, we are here to help.
If your PC computer cannot read the DVD disc from your camcorder, it usually means either your computer does not have a movie media DVD software or the DVD disc itself has recorded an MPEG format that your PC can not read. Either way you need to update your DVD computer sotware.
There are conversion PC software available that can convert any video file format to any other viewable video format.
My recommendation is Adobe Premiere Elements. For about $100, you get 99 video and audio channels and 80% the functions of Premiere Pro. It's a great suite and can burn directly to DVD. I also recommend NERO, about $79.
You can start right now with Windows Movie Maker - it's already on your system but chances are, you'll outgrow it pretty quickly. Another freebie for video capture is WinDV. Google is your friend.
Most sales people are usually like College teachers. When they can't make it in a professional, they can only remain in that same industry by either sales or teaching. The only problem with that is, there are generally not qualified to do that either since they did not perfect the profession. Allot of times they will say what you want to here, rather than breaking down the elements to finding out what really suits your needs.
I also recommend also Adobe Premiere Elements. It's a great suite and you can burn directly to DVD.
Good Luck!
The king of camcorders for transferring, editing, making DVD's, and maintaining the best video quality with out compression of MPEG format, are miniDV tape camcorders. MiniDV is un-disputed!
MiniDv tapes work well for MAC or PC. and its a preferred choice by professionals because tapes does do not compress the video data information which in turn produces the best quality for video transfers to DVD and works like a charm with movie editing software.
The three types of DV camcorders available:
1)Mini DV tape camcorder 2)Mini DVD disc camcorder 3) Hard drive camcorder
If you plan to edit your footage or movies on a computer so that you can cut out unwanted video footage, and or maybe add special effects, music and titles, or just make DVD copies, then a mini DV tape camcorder is the way to go. Mini DV tapes has longer recording times than mini discs and is also more reliable. The tapeless hard drive camcorders does not have an issue of running out recording media, but your video footage cannot be physically removed from the camcorder, it can only be electronically removed by computer if you want to back up the video information on another storage system. The mini DV tape and mini DVD disc media can be considered as instant video backup storage when physically removed from the camcorder.
Mini DVD Disc and Hard Drive camcorders are limited and record in a compressed MPEG2 format which are fine if your intentions are just to shoot and leave the video footage in its original media format for viewing playback only. They are not as computer friendly as mini tape with editing software or transferring to DVD on your computer, also the image quality will not be as good when transferred. The mini DVD disc camcorder has the advantage of putting the disc in direct to a DVD player after recording. The hard drive camcorder is nice because it gives you a big storage space to accumulate allot of video footage without ever any need to change your recording media, but if the hard drive melfunctions some how, or the camcorder gets damaged, or gets stolen, then it will be good bye to all your recorded memories if you haven't backed it up.
Tell me what your video needs are, or what features are you looking for, so that I can get a better idea which miniDV camcorder will suit your needs. Also tell me your price range. Are you using a PC or MAC.
Before you buy just take a moment and breathe.
One cam could be the Canon ZR 700, but there are better ones for picture quality. I will wait for your response.
Would you like a camcorder that can transfer your analog VHS/Video8 tape collection to digital DVD, or maybe have the option for an external mic.
Here are some links. All the camcorders below are miniDV camcorders. The camcorders with 3-CCD sensors have higher picture quality. The ZR 700 is a single CCD sensor. It has digital pass through and external mic. if you want a much better picture quality then GS320 would be better. they both have a number of simular features. The GS320 is far better in still photo quality. If you can get the GS320 for around $299 it would be a better value. A 3-CCD camcorder is amazing for that price, it normallylists around $500
The ZR 700
usa.canon.com/consumer/cont...
abesofmaine.com/item.do?ite...
beachcamera.com/shop/Search...
Panasonic GS320
bestpricecameras.com/prodet...
thedigitalexpo.com/product....
Good Luck
Here is a good solution for video downloading and making DVD's from a DVD disc camcorder with out computer issues.
The JVC SR-DVM70 is a 3in1 unit that plays miniDV tapes, DVD disc, and it has a hard drive. This unit can record your DVD discs from your camcorder and make DVD copies, or it can easily dowload video to hard drive storage. It has all A/V connections including firewire. With this unit you will not need a computer to do all of this, and it won't matter what type of camcorder you buy.
The VDR-200 camcorder you are suggesting will be fine as a stand alone camcorder or combined with the JVC this unit.
Happy Shopping.
An excellent choice is the Canon DC40, it out performs all of what you have mentioned in picture video quality for about $100 more. Plus, it records 5.1 surround audio and produces high quality still photos. The D200 has lots good features, longer zoom and its a smidge better in low light conditions than the D40. These two are good choices, so you may need flip a coin to decide.
These two camcorder prices are normally around a hundred dollars more everywhere else.
DC40 best price $439
infinitiphoto.com/viewitem-...
D200 best price $299
infinitiphoto.com/viewitem-...
MAIN WEBSITE
infinitiphoto.com/index.php
Bottom line: For best video picture quality, the DC40 is the choice. If you have a large screen TV, then I strongly suggest the Canon DC40
For some better features like 30x optical lens, the D200 will work for you.
Happy Cam Shopping!
I do thank you so much for having taken the time to reply and to help someone you don't even know; it is wonderful to know that people like to help people. Thank you. Helen
I bought a Mini DVD VDR 230 camcorder. Shot movies on a mini DVD-R disk. The software that came with this says it can only record on DVD-R disks, and do nothing else.
1. Is there a cheap(or free) software to edit the recorded movies (after copying them to HDD)
2. How to keep a backup of these mini DVD's on my HDD?
Any ideas?
Post it as a new question at the top of this page, I will look into it for you.
Post where it says:
Have a question about the VDR-D200?
Enter it here:
Thanks.
Thanks much!
Stacy :-)
I will get back to you later tonight.
Thanks!
I found this on Leo Laporte's site ( techguylabs.com/radio/ShowN... ):
"The DVD contains VOB files that are really just MPEG-2 files, but you need to convert the format. Read how on these pages:
* marcpeters.co.uk/edit-vob-m...
* aviscript.de/howto/HowToMPG...
Also heard that Sony Vegas video editing software allows for editing directly of the VOB file. All you do is drag and drop the VOB file directly into the editor.
Here is a good solution for video downloading and making DVD's from a DVD disc camcorder with out computer issues.
The JVC SR-DVM70 is a 3in1 unit that plays miniDV tapes, DVD disc, and it has a hard drive. This unit can record your DVD discs from your camcorder and make DVD copies, or it can easily dowload video to hard drive storage. It has all A/V connections including firewire. With this unit you will not need a computer to do all of this, and it won't matter what type of camcorder you buy.
The VDR-200 camcorder you are suggesting will be fine as a stand alone camcorder or combined with the JVC this unit.
Bottom Line: I do not recommend DVD disc camcorders for anything else than what they were intended for, "record and play" The DVD disc camcorders were made to solve the issues for consumers that wanted to avoid and bypass the computers. Its the only format that you gives you an instant DVD disc. The DVD disc camcorder was never intended to be used for transferring and editing. That's why they are a nightmare with computers.
An excellent choice is the Canon DC40, it out performs all of what you have mentioned in picture video quality for about $100 more. Plus, it records 5.1 surround audio and produces high quality still photos. The D200 has lots good features, longer zoom and its a smidge better in low light conditions than the D40. These two are good choices, so you may need flip a coin to decide.
These two camcorder prices are normally around a hundred dollars more everywhere else.
DC40 best price $439
infinitiphoto.com/viewitem-...
D200 best price $299
infinitiphoto.com/viewitem-...
MAIN WEBSITE
infinitiphoto.com/index.php
Bottom line: For best video picture quality, the DC40 is the choice. If you have a large screen TV, then I strongly suggest the Canon DC40
For some better features like 30x optical lens, the D200 will work for you.
Either choices are no better or worse for transferring, editing, and making DVD's. This should give you the advice I believe you wanted to know.
Happy Cam Shopping!
Has this question been answered yet. If you need more advice, just ask in the reply box below, we are here to help.
Happy Shooting!
Thanks!
Thank you.
First, lets forget about any brand or model numbers of camcorders for now.
With a DVD disc camcorder it doesn't matter what size the disc is. They both record the same MPEG format and is not recommended for your use, stay away from DVD disc camcorders all to together.
The hard drive camcorders are easier to download the video to your PC computer than a DVD disc camcorder, but hard drive camcorders are still not considered the most computer friendly camcorders because they also record in a MPEG video format.
MPEG video formats can only be read with certain video software programs. Your PC computer seems like it needs to be updated with all the latest DVD software. First, I would update your PC operating system, then get new DVD software for your computer DVD player that will read multiple video media formats. Once you have done that you should be able to view any DVD video disc on your computer. If you have video editing software for your PC computer, then you will be able to view or download video directly from your camcorder or the camcorders doc station using a firewire cable to your computer. If you do not have a fire wire cable port in your PC computer then you need to install a firewire port.
If all of this computer stuff sounds overwhelming and its an older computer you have, maybe its time for a new PC computer/laptop which would already come with all the latest operating system and allot of software that will be compatible with the latest digital technology, including with movie editing software and the correct audio video ports. It will make your video world much easier.
If your present PC computer has every thing I have mentioned, then the decision should be based between Hard Drive camcorder and MiniDV tape camcorder. I would personally would buy a miniDV tape camcorder for best performance and versatility. Most camcorder models of miniDV tape do not record in MPEG format so its easier to download video to your PC, plus it will give you better quality when making a DVD copy. Keep in mind that you will more than likely not be happy with the picture quality of a DVD copy that comes from a video hard drive or DVD disc camcorder. The miniDv tape will give you the best results for DVD copies. Hard drive and DVD disc camcorders will also give you a good quality if you play it directly to TV, but not for transferring to computer or making DVD copies. Also keep in mind that Sony in general always make things difficult with other manufacturs software compatabiliy.
Since I am lacking information of all the elemnts to your issues I can only offer so much advice to help you. I don't know where you are located right now, but if you are in Tornoto, Ontario and not Toronto, Ohio, then go the "Vistek". They will give you all the correct answers and hook you up with the correct video stuff. If you are keeping the Sony, go to "Vistek" any way to find out what you extactly need to make the camcorder work on your PC. In case you have noe preference, concider a Mac computer, Mac computers are designed the best for video and multi-media devices, but "Sony does not support Mac."
VISTEK
Toronto, ON
496 Queen St. East
Toronto, ON M5A 4G8
Tel: 416-365-1777
(Click here for directions)
maps.google.com/maps?q=496+...
Monday thru Friday
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST
Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST
smart-soft.net/video-conver...
shareme.com/showtop/video-e...
I suppose one always wants the 'latest' and that is why we thought of DVDs or hard drive; my son has a new one with tapes and possibly you are correct that that is the way we should go. HS
Those software options, are they compatible with PAL as well as NTSC?
We got, two days ago, the Sony Handycam DCR-SR62 for about $800 Canadian with taxes. I have been reading the manual and trying to print out the Handycam Handbook. If I only knew myself what I wanted....??? I just want something I can use to playback on the computer and to edit on the computer, play back on the television and on the DVD player. But you don't seem to think that the hard disc drive one is a good idea. I know that you've helped me learn a lot. I still don't know if I should exchange this one. Only after the purchase can one read the manual -- and it says that when I put the videos onto a DVD that DVD cannot be played on a DVD player but only on the computer, which is not what we want.
If you can help me within the next day or so it would be great; we are going on our holiday in two weeks. Many thanks for your help, last week and this week! Helen
I am not fully sure yet. But did the manual say that the DVDs burned from this camcorder could not play onto a DVD player when used through the Handycam station to PC or through the station to an external direct DVD burner. This Sony comes with DVD authoring software to edit video once downloaded to a PC. Try doing a test with downloading a small sample one minute video to your PC after installing Sony's software, and then burn a DVD copy. Once you have burned your DVD disc, try playing it on your computer and also on a DVD player to see if it works. If it can't play the DVD copy on a DVD player, it could be because the software that Sony provides may not give you those options. Most software that usually comes with camcorders are generally basic and useless at the same time. As long as Sony gives you the basic tools to get the video on to your PC computer, you then can purchase many different types of video conversion softwares that can take any type of video format and convert it any other type of other video format so that it can play back on just about any type of media player.
Sony HDD camcorder - Handycam station and Software
All of the new HDD camcorders include a Handycam Station that can connect the camcorder to a personal computer, television set or a DVDirect DVD recorder with the supplied USB and AV cables. The Handycam Station features a One Touch Disc Burn button to automatically burn video to a DVD disc via a PC or without a PC when attached to a DVDirect recorder. In either case, the recorder can automatically detect the camcorder’s newest content and seamlessly burn the footage to a blank DVD, eliminating the need to cue the new recordings. The new Sony DCR-SR62 camcorder is also packaged with DVD authoring software to edit video once downloaded to a PC.
Sony HDD SR62 camcorder - Compatibility
Sony's new hard disk drive Handycam camcorders are compatible with the following PC operating systems: Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional, XP Home Edition, and XP Professional. Not all devices with a USB 2.0 connector will communicate with each other due to chipset variations.
There is one thing to keep in mind about Sony. When you buy a Sony, you really are buying into Sony. What I mean is, Sony locks you into their world and makes it really difficult for third party product compatibility with Sony products. Sony produces very good products, but they always try to lock you into buying Sony products. I have personally avoided Sony products for about 20 years now for this reason.
Good editing software will give you many options for converting your final video file format. Generally, once the video is transferred to your computer, you then can decide through the software what type of video file you want for your end product. For, eg: 1) convert video for DVD recording, 2) convert video recording for media player, 3) convert video recording for QuickTime movie 4) convert video recording for emailing, and etc.
The Bottom line: The Sony DCR-SR62 seems to be a nice camcorder overall for a general point-and-shoot camcorder, but hard drive and DVD disc camcorders record in an MPEG-2 video compression which will not give you the best quality for transferring or making DVD copies and MPEG video files are also not very computer friendly for editing unless you have all the right software elements. The undisputed best system to do all of these tasks with the least amount of issues and perform effortlessly is the miniDV tape format. Its your choice whether to return the camcorder back or not, if you do, then here are my recommendations for excellent video quality, the most versatility, and the best overall performance in high end consumer camcorders.
The best choice is the HV20. For a lower budget and still a very good choice is the HV10. They are both Hi Def camcorders with miniDV tape formats and will work on both Mac and PC computers.
HV20 under $899-$999
cameraaddict.com/product.as...
digitalsuperdeals.com/produ...
HV10 around $629-$649
thedigitalexpo.com/product....
digitalsuperdeals.com/produ...
I was trying to get this extra imformation to you earlier, but my internet was down.
Let me know what you finally decided. You can reply in the reply box below.
If you are still in the process of making a decision, let me just make a suggestion. If you really like the Sony SR62, then keep it and get any additional software required to make the hard drive system work the way you want, this way, you will be all set and not have the issues you did with your other camcorders.
I am glad you at least purchased a hard drive camcorder over a DVD disc camcorder. The DVD disc camcorder was never intended for consumers to use with a computer for downloading, editing. and making DVD copies. The DVD disc camcorder was simply designed for consumers to bypass the computer and playback direct to DVD player.
The Sony SR62 is a nice quality camcorder, its great for all-around general video use and is mainly an automated point-and-shoot camcorder for easy use. This camcorder is a good choice for the general shooting situations, but I would not recommend this camcorder for advance/pro videographers because is lacks certain features and the manual settings for better video control.
Final comments:
- For the general point-and-shoot consumers, my advice absolutely has no value to them and makes no difference
- For the more demanding consumers, they should take my advice into consideration
- For the advanced videographers, they should take my advice much more seriously
- For the professional videographers, they will regret not taking my advice
Even though I may say some things that you may not want to hear and can be discouraging to you, I am just looking out for your best interest so you can have a camcorder to be content with for the next few years. Its an empty frustrating feeling when you make a big purchase and still remain short of meeting your needs.
I don' know if you are still in Toronto or not, but if you you are then go to"Vistek" the professional camera store, you will get all your answers and get completely hooked up with the right stuff. Vistek have professional qualified staff on premises because they have to serve professionals every day. They will professionally guide you to the right choices for your video and photo needs regardless that your camcorder is only for personal use. Vistek is located in the downtown area around Queen street East and Parliiment, I believe there just East of Parliment Street.
Good Luck!
PS: When you are in Toronto make sure to have fun in the Queen Street West and Spadina area, the Toronto downtown night life is great! Then go to China Town just north to Dundas Street and get some real good Chinese food after the clubs or shopping.
Piero Foto
Toronto, ON
496 Queen St. East
Toronto, ON M5A 4G8
Tel: 416-365-1777
(Click here for directions)
maps.google.com/maps?q=496+...
Monday thru Friday
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. EST
Saturday
9:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. EST
Has your question been answered yet. If you need more advice, just ask in the reply box below, we are here to help.
Thanks!
What cam did you finally decide on.
Happy movie making!
I bought a Mini DVD VDR 230 camcorder. Shot movies on a mini DVD-R disk. The software that came with this says it can only record on DVD-R disks, and do nothing else.
1. Is there a cheap(or free) software to edit the recorded movies (after copying them to HDD)
2. How to keep a backup of these mini DVD's on my HDD?
Any ideas?
First, as far as free editing software goes, if there is, its not going to do much of anything for your video editing needs.
DVD disc camcorders were never designed to interact with video editing on computers, unfortunately, but it still can be done. There are many video editing programs available on the market and some are more sophisticated than others in fancy movie editing.
Here is a editing conversion software I recommend for beginner/intermediate videogrphers which works for Mac and PC. Plus, it has very good versatility in converting video files to many formats for video DVDs/CDs, Media Player, QickTime movies, and even emailing. This software will convert the MPEG-2 video format from your DVD camcorder for any other digital devices. With this software, you should be able to also create some cool movie effects with picture, sound, and titles.
As far backing up your video footage goes, you can store it on your computer's hard drive, or just make a DVD disc copy from your computer after you have downloaded your video and then trash the video from your hard drive.
Here is the link to PYRO Digital Video Kit:
bestpricecameras.com/prodet...
bluesquad.com/usa/prod.php?...
I hope this helps out.
Can I copy 3 or 4 mini DVD's to a single 4.7GB DVD? using ..maybe roxio?
Yes, it should be no problem. The editing software also allows you to convert your original video footage to different file formats, which means that you can store even more than 4 mini discs on a one DVD disc. To maintain the best quality you should be able to put at least 3 mini discs on one DVD.
Also try this software, it should make it much easier to download MPEG files from DVD discs and manage them to edit on your computer.
This software is the "Mpeg Video Wizard". Its your best free option.
womble.com/
30 day free trial download:
womble.com/download/
shareit.com/product.html?pr...
If this concludes your question, then select best answer so that it can be viewed by others in the answered question section. Also, if any responses have been helpful, then click the thumbs up icon.
We will happy to answer any new questions you decide to post.
Thanks in Advance and happy movie making.
You can also try "ripping" your dvd onto the hard drive using something like DVD Decrypter and then Videora to re-encode it into a more editable format.
At leats until Panasonic gets it's act together with new drivers. It's still a little early in the game for it though.
Don't feel bad I just bought the one for xp cause I have the vdr 100 no software, did not know this until I bought the camera, now I have a new computer with vista and guess what.
You can try updates on panasonic website.
But time will tell if any firmware updates or driver updates will be released to solve the problem.
Norm
No, don't bother, its difficult enough as it is just to try getting the D200 to download to your computer. It can be done, but it can also be a frustrating nightmare. You will need to get third party DVD rip conversion software to import video from DVD disc if you don't have the right cam software and connections. Most manufactures cam software are very basic and useless at the same time.
If you have not bought this camcorder yet, I recommend to stay away from DVD disc camcorders alltogether. DVD disc camcorders are generally designed to playback video only and really not made to interact with computers or make additional copies.
If you need further advice and suggestions for a better camcorder system for downloading, editing, and making good quality DVDs, then just ask in the reply box below and I will be happy to reply.
Good Luck!
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
This thread has allot of info and links for problem solving for Panasonic DVD cam:
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
A hard drive camcorder is a far better choice than DVD camcorders. I strongly recommend to stay away from DVD disc camcorders if you are planning to do any downloading, editing, and making DVD copies.
DVD cams:
Panasonic VDR 200
Canon DC40
Canon DC50
Canon DC230
Sony DCR DVD505
Hard drive cam:
Panasonic HDC-SD1
Sony Handycam HDR-SR1
Sony Handycam HDR-UX1
Sony Handycam HDR-HC3
JVC Everio GZ-MG77
MiniDV:
Canon HV20
Panasonic GS320
Panasonic GS500
Sony HC46
Sony HC96
They all produce very nice video picture quality from low to high end, but its going to depend on what you do with your video footage once its been captured, that's what will determine which cam to buy. Keep-in-mind, newer technology does not always mean better, but many times it just offers more choices for consumers.
- If you are just looking for a point-and-shoot camcorder and play direct to TV, then just flip a coin to select anyone.
- If you are planning to interact with computers, then that eliminates DVD disc cams.
- If you want to tranfer your video to make DVD copies, then any miniDV or the higher model hard drive cams will be best.
- If you are a demanding consumer/videographer that needs a cam with easy transfer/downloading, editing, making best DVDs/VCDs, and maintaining best final picture results, the miniDV cam would the best undisputed choice.
MiniDV is the prefered choice by professionals. The miniDV camcorders I have listed, are the only miniDV camcorders I recommend that do not record in an MPEG format or any other compressed video format to produce best results.
Hard drive camcorders also produce a nice quality, and I would recommend them for a second choice since they record with an MPEG compressed video format, but what ever you buy, stay away from DVD cams.
Happy Shopping!
DVD camcorders are not for everyone, but here are some threads to some DVD camcorder reasons why to buy or not buy.
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
Here are some threads to common DVD camcorder issues and problems:
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
digitalcamera-hq.com/camcor...
Surf around this site and you will see more of why you would not want a DVD cam.
Bottom Line:
If you are still interested in buying a DVD cam after reading some of these threads, then a DVD camcorder is good for you. Buy it!
Happy Shopping!
Someone else had posted a similar problem with their DVD camcorder. You might have to finalize the disc for continuous play back. If you have finalized your DVD disc in the camcorder and it plays back in scene segments, then double check your manual. This is definitely not normal.
As far as brand type of DVD discs are concerned, they will either record or not record on your camcorder, discs should not create scene breaks.
Deleting scenes one at a time:
Select Playlist playback mode. Press the Track button during playback. When confirmation message appears, select [YES] then press the joystick.
More info on page 77.
You can also "split" a scene and delete the unwanted portion. Check the manual for details.
However, for DVDs, you'll need to take that DVD and "rip" it to your PC and then encode it into a more editible format. I recommend DVD Decrypter or DVD Shrink. They will get your footage off the dvd and onto your PC. You can then use something like Videoera (PC) or Handbrake (Mac) to encode it to a more editable format. Depending on what editing software you use, you may be able to import mpeg2 and even VOB files directly. But understand that you're already starting with compressed footage, so the resolution quality will not be as good as if you had shot native with MiniDV tape and captured to your PC.
Does anyone know where can I get a USB software from the Panasonic NVGs200 which is compatible to Mac? I've just bought one but it seems to run only on Windows.
Thanks for taking the time.
Any help will be much appreciated.
However, for DVDs, you'll need to take that DVD and "rip" it to your PC and then encode it into a more editible format. I recommend DVD Decrypter or DVD Shrink. They will get your footage off the dvd and onto your PC. You can then use something like MAC THE RIPPER to rip the DVD, and then Handbrake to encode it to a more editable format.
This is going to be a much easier and better way than trying to troubleshoot USB Mac drivers and capturing the footage, IMHO.
Sorry if I wasn't clear, I'd like to know how can I transfer the footage from the mini dv tape to the computer. The problem is that the software, which came with the camera and would allow me to do the capturing via USB, seems to be incompatible to Mac. Does it make sense?
Many thanks.
However, for DVDs, you'll need to take that DVD and "rip" it to your PC and then encode it into a more editible format. I recommend DVD Decrypter or DVD Shrink. They will get your footage off the dvd and onto your PC. You can then use something like MAC THE RIPPER to rip the DVD, and then Handbrake to encode it to a more editable format.
Good luck.
You may want to check your power settings for USB. Depending on what OS you're using, the USB ports may be disabled by the OS as a power saving feature. Under device manager (right click my computer, device/hardware manager) right click on your USB hubs and select properties. Then select the power management tab. Uncheck the box that says "allow the computer to turn off device to conserve power." Do this for every USB hub installed.
Another option may be just to use the rear USB hubs and not the front ones, which may draw less power.
Lastly, since this is a DVD camcorder, you can take that DVD and "rip" it to your PC and then encode it into a more editible format. I recommend DVD Decrypter or DVD Shrink. They will get your footage off the dvd and onto your PC. You can then use something like Videoera (PC) or Handbrake (Mac) to encode it to a more editable format. Depending on what editing software you use, you may be able to import mpeg2 and even VOB files directly. But understand that you're already starting with compressed footage, so the resolution quality will not be as good as if you had shot native with MiniDV tape and captured to your PC.
However, for DVDs, you'll need to take that DVD and "rip" it to your PC and then encode it into a more editible format. I recommend DVD Decrypter or DVD Shrink. They will get your footage off the dvd and onto your PC. You can then use something like Videoera (PC) or Handbrake (Mac) to encode it to a more editable format. Depending on what editing software you use, you may be able to import mpeg2 and even VOB files directly. But understand that you're already starting with compressed footage, so the resolution quality will not be as good as if you had shot native with MiniDV tape and captured to your PC.
Good luck.
How about DVDRs? They're much cheaper than the RAM variety and if you use RWs, you can unfinalize them and add to them.
This is one of my major beefs about DVD camcorders. They are designed for convenience, but if you want to edit your movies, they're actually more difficult to use due to all the hoops you have jump through.
First and foremost, sincerest apologies for the delay in getting back to you - Fatherhood and Work have kept me away alot lately from checking back on this. Given the immediacy of that inquiry, I went ahead the day after I posted that question, and after doing a bunch of phone calls, bought a USB 2.0 cable and imported the footage into Pinnacle Studio 12 (not the best editing software, but it will hold me for the time being, as I hope to get a Mac soon with Final Cut Pro) and was able to finish the project. Thanks again.
Thanks for posting it and Good luck!