how do we record in mpeg-2 format on the dcr sr 80

The DCR SR80 records in MPEG2 by design.

This is fine if you don't want to edit any of your footage. If, however, you want to edit your movie footage, recording in MPEG2 presents a problem. While it's true that MPEG2 is the format used when encoding DVDs, it is still compressing the footage. So, if you record in MPEG2, you've already compressed the footage. Then, if you want to edit it before burning onto DVD, you will then encode it back onto DVD, thereby compressing the footage even more, causing inferior pictures if you just recorded your footage uncompressed.

However, if the convenience of burning directly to DVD is what you want, then, you can burn directly DVD-Direct Burner, bypassing a PC altogether. But it also begs the question, if convenience is the issue here, why not get a DVD Camcorder like the Sony DCR DVD405 and eliminate the middle man?

The DCR SR80 records in MPEG2 by design.

This is fine if you don't want to edit any of your footage. If, however, you want to edit your movie footage, recording in MPEG2 presents a problem. While it's true that MPEG2 is the format used when encoding DVDs, it is still compressing the footage. So, if you record in MPEG2, you've already compressed the footage. Then, if you want to edit it before burning onto DVD, you will then encode it back onto DVD, thereby compressing the footage even more, causing inferior pictures if you just recorded your footage uncompressed.

However, if the convenience of burning directly to DVD is what you want, then, you can burn directly DVD-Direct Burner, bypassing a PC altogether. But it also begs the question, if convenience is the issue here, why not get a DVD Camcorder like the Sony DCR DVD405 and eliminate the middle man?

Does the MPEG2 recording need to be uncompressed if all I'm looking to do is just cut portions of the video out and shorten the length?

Thanks!!

I thought this might help answer some editing questions like the one I had... found at http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Sony-DCR-SR80-Camcorder-Review.htm

"Generally, a good review.

However, I feel John needs to clarify/correct a couple of points.

1. Ulead VideoStudio: Yes, it can edit MPEG files natively, but the version now available is version "10 Plus" rather than the version John mentioned, version 7, which is literally three versions OLD.

2. The fact many other editors can't edit MPEG files has nothing to do with whether or not MPEG is considered a "consumer" or "professional" format.

It has to do with some software vendors falling behind the times.

- HDV *is* MPEG-2 and no mere "consumer" would plunk down thousands of dollars for a JVC GY-HD110U:

In addition, most of the forward-thinking software vendors have clearly "seen the light" and employed native editing of MPEG-2 as a means of editing HDV.

1. Apple Final Cut Pro utilizes native MPEG editing technology for HDV.

2. Ulead MediaStudio Pro and even Ulead's less-expensive, consumer-level VideoStudio utilize native MPEG editing technology for HDV.

3. Adobe Premiere Pro now utilizes native MPEG editing technology for HDV.

4. Avid Xpress Pro HD offers native HDV support.

Sure, the DVD camcorders and the standard definition HDD camcorders are "consumer" camcorders, but the fact some NLE's can't handle native editing of MPEG-2 files speaks volumes about whether they're truly trying to offer choices to prosumers or not.

Let's give some credit to those software vendors who invested in the technology required to edit MPEG-2 natively.

Some of them, including Ulead, have been able to edit long GOP file structures in both consumer and prosumer formats for years.

I suspect that fact will help them when it comes to tackling the issue of how to edit the new H.264 AVCHD format.

Regards,
Jerry Jones"

I'm on the verge of purchasing either a Sony DCR-SR80 or HDR-SR1 (or similar tapeless) but as a 20-year Mac user, want to make sure this is the best way to go using Final Cut, etc. ...advice?

Features desired: 20X optical / large hard disk space / easy transfer/(conversion if need) to edit on Mac / audio headset & external mic jacks

From above post: "In addition, most of the forward-thinking software vendors have clearly "seen the light" and employed native editing of MPEG-2 as a means of editing HDV. 1. Apple Final Cut Pro utilizes native MPEG editing technology for HDV. "

--Does this mean I'm OK?

Thanks loads!
Michael

You forgot to mention Roxio for editing MPEG-2

I use Roxio Media Creator 8/Video Wave 8 to edit the MPEG-2 files. What I love about the SR80 is being able to drag & drop xx GB of movies on my HD (takes 1 hour on my old Sony DV-tape cam) - then pull the clips into Video Wave. You can edit/ouput to a bunch of formats (even generic AVI if you want to edit in another program).
It takes a couple of minutes to put hours of recording onto your HD - vs hours on my old camcorder.

I've had this camera 4 months now and love it.

I have made almost 100 YouTube videos with the SR-80 and MPEG2 inital format. I then use Ulead 10+ to convert to WMV 320x240 30fps so I can upload to YouTube.

My videos are not the quality or clarity I want. I wonder if there is a better way to do this. I always record on "HQ" or best quality in my camera. Maybe if I lower to standard quality it might compress less and look better? Hard drive space is not an issue.

See the quality of the Sony SR-80 video here if you want:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=TheLastHumanOnEarth