Transferring VOB files ex Sony Handycam DVD

Yes, I have used an older Sony Ditgital8 Handycam as an A to D. Played mini DVD on a normal DVD Player ( D to A), transferring via S and A/V (analog) to Digital8 where A to D then Firewire to Mac. So, with ALL those conversions, why have a HD camera ? Why has APPLE brought out iMovie HD if you can't load HD video clips to it ?

Ernie Lee

I have got a Sony Handycam Digital8 with tape- using it for some 3 years. Don't like tapes as unstable in long term- yes, I back-up to DVD either via QT and/or iMovie/iDVD. Still gives normal PAL 748X568 resolution which I cannot expand to give acceptable still images.

So this is where my interest in HD camcorders came in. The new Sony HD Hanycam can take HD videos as well as 1M stills, but with mini DVD as the saving media. What tape Camcorder does HD ? I can import stills from the mini DVD directly to iPhoto at 1M resolution- so, expansion and post processing of these photos is possible. What else do I need ? Transfer Video VOB files to QT and iMovie. I can do this with SnapZProX at normal PAL 748X568 resolution- same as my old tape Handycam. So, no loss with new technology. WHEN I can transfer HD video clips to iMovie, I will be streets ahead.

PS -tapes will be a thing of the past- camcorders using DVD discs, Hard Drives or super SD are taking over. The idea of a HD in camcorders does not appeal to me as vibration and rough treatmennt when transporting or using in real life can result in malfunction ?
Also HD have a limited life- 3 years ? Can you economically replace the dud HD as in a computer. TIme will tell, I guess!!

Ernie Lee

Well, comparing picture quality from my old Handyam Digital8 to my new Handycam DVD defies your rational. The main point you fail to recognise is the number of active elements in the CCD of each camera.

Digital8 has some 800,000 with 400,000 effective, 680X480 PAL- 4:3

DVD/703E 1,0700,000 with 690,000 effective, 1100X620 PAL- 16:9

In addition, significant advances have been made in CCD technology.

Sony uses mpeg2 more effectively than normal mpeg2, but ask Sony about that, not me. I can only go on the final results- the new DVD camera far better than old DV tape machine.

If we finally burn our projects to DVD, mpeg2 Codec, does it really matter how the original video was recorded ? Whether DV or mpeg2 DVD, it matters nought.

My old camera served me well, but to choose a camera which was able to capture STILLS at 1G was my prime objective. Of course, now Sony has DVD cameras that leave my 12 mounth old model for dead !

I little homework before going to press helps a lot. Feet don't taste nice.

Ernie Lee

I don't think any above is at all interesting or relevant.
Not intersted in all that balony. only RESULTS.

My new camera gives better movies and pictures than old camera. Results are all that counts, not a lot of technical jargon.

DVD cameras are simple to use and give excellent results- go and see for youself.

Putting foot in mouth means same as above.

That's what posters are after- no technical nonsense

THE MAIN POINT IS THAT WE PUT OUR PROJECTS ONTO DVDs ANYWAY- so what advantage of dv camera ?

Ernie Lee

Sorry, the question was not answered !
All that the thread discussed was the pros and cons of tape vs DVD camcorders.

DVD disks are readable with varying degrees of success.

ALL new lower priced cameras are using DVD or Hard drives to store video information. I am talking about average Mums and Dads who wish to video their families activities with a simple to use camcorder.

So this problem is not going away because I may have offended some nerd who may or maynot own or use a camcorder.

This question is going to be raised again and again and to say DVD disks are not editible is NOT true.

Erbie Lee