How to import DV/AVI from camcorder

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How to import DV/AVI from camcorder

Hi,
Please bear with me as I am very new to all this. I have a miniDV camcorder (Panasonic). I have about 10-15 tapes which I would like to import and copy the content onto an external HDD (space is no issue). I think mini dv tapes store information in dv or avi - is that right? I would like to get the video without losing quality or converting into any format and save them onto the external HDD. This is just like a backup so that in 10 years I can do stuff with them if I want to.

The problem is when I import the file into imovie it seems to convert it to a .mov project. I am not sure I want it to convert it from dv to .mov and then back to dv again. i am not going to be editing or playing around with the footage now - I just want to store it for now.

What is the best way to store these videos for long term with converting/compressing them? And how do I do it in imovie? I am using iMovie HD 6.0.3.

Please help

Thanks

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.11), iMovie HD 6.0.3

Posted on Dec 18, 2007 8:26 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 19, 2007 12:50 AM in response to shanno

Start a new DV project and the source video will be captured identical to the data on the camera.
The .dv file extension is used in the Media folder of your iMovie Project. Those files identically match your source. The .dv file format uses about 13 GB's per hour of recording.

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Answer 2

Dec 19, 2007 3:39 AM in response to shanno

Hi Shanno

A. Upgrade to iMovie 6.0.4 and especially so if You use iLife08.

B. Store Your original tapes in a good place. I think the best way.

C. Import into iMovie and copy back to a new miniDV tape will lose as
little as I can figure it out. Near zero loss.

D. External hard disks. Just drop Your iMovie movie project icon (with a Star on it)
into it and it should be as good as it can be.

BUT

There are some very important bits about external hard disks:
• *HAS TO BE* Mac OS Extended formatted NOT UNIX/DOS/FAT32/Mac OS Exchange
• *Should be* a FireWire one. Not USB/USB2 they performs badly.

Yours Bengt W

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Answer 3

shanno Author

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Dec 19, 2007 3:35 PM in response to shanno

Hi,
Thanks for your replies. I am still a bit confused:
- When I attach the camcorder and open up a new project in imovie it does not give me any options as to what format do I want to import it in. So how do I know that it is being saved in .dv format? All I see is the filename as zzz.imovieproject. How do I know it is being saved in .dv?
- If later I want to take this movie from the HDD that I have saved it on to a PC then will that be possible? I don't know want to limit to being used on a mac only and hence in a specific imovie format.

Thanks

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Answer 4

shanno Author

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Dec 20, 2007 3:16 PM in response to shanno

Can someone please help with this.

Thanks

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Answer 5

Dec 20, 2007 4:40 PM in response to shanno

Hi Shanno,
The importing format is an issue. It is the exporting format that you can select. The best way to go about it is to import your DV (digital video) into iMovie and then export it via the file menu to your ext hard drive. When you select export/share you can change the quality settings to 'full quality' and the destination folder to your ext hard drive. Unfortunately, you can't import DV directly to your hard drive. Placing the actual iMovie project onto your ext hard drive may cause compatibility issues in the future, whereas, exporting a .dv movie to your ext HD will give an enclosed copy that you can import into future versions of iMovie.

And, a mini DV camera cassette has a shelf life of around 5 years if stored in a cool, dark, dry place. It's also recommended to fast-forward and rewind the tapes once a year to make sure they don't freeze up.

Hope this helps clarify things for you.
SR.

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Answer 6

shanno Author

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Dec 20, 2007 5:46 PM in response to Silly rabbit

Thank for that silly rabbit. If I import it into imovie and then export it into dv would that not lose quality be changing formats a couple of times? Would it still keep the original quality?
Thanks

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Answer 7

shanno Author

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Dec 20, 2007 5:46 PM in response to shanno

Also meant to ask - does imovie 08 have the same problem? Or can you import it as a dv in ilife 08?
Thanks

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Answer 8

Dec 20, 2007 10:04 PM in response to shanno

I made a 'woops!' with my last post - Importing format is NOT an issue. Sorry.

I think you may be a little confused. There is only one way to import video and it is as a dv file and when exported from iMovie at 'full quality' it is exactly the same as the original. AVI is a completely different kettle of fish. And, the only time you will see the .mov tag is when you export at a lower quality from iMovie. Exporting at 'full quality' will keep the original quality. It is the best way to back up your mini dv movies.

As for iLife08: It is the same deal, although, you need a G5 or Dual Core Intel to run iMovie08.

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