Video Cam
 

Hey,

Previously, I was using Windows Media Encoder to capture / rip / encode the video off my Sony camera. Apparently this isn't in true digital, and loses quite a bit of quality. What's the best way to get true digital video from the camera to the PC, and in what format? From there...I plan on using Premier to edit. Transfers are all via firewire I assume (not SPDIF or something)?

Let me know,
Thanks,
Kevin

Premiere will capture pure digital too if you have the firewire working properly with your DV cam.

You could pick up a cheap capture board from Pinnacle, or go higher up the range for something like the Canopus Storm II (what I am used to)... the latter also comes with a capture program which allows seamless capturing. The problem with capturing pure digital (in its format/resolution/size stored on your tape - i.e. bit for bit digital copying) is that it takes up a large amount of hard drive space, so be prepared for 2GB for about 9 mins of raw footage. The seamless capture gets round inherant maximum filesize problems in Windows and splits source files up into multiples of 2/4GB - depending on which OS you're in.

Also, the more expensive boards use their on-board hardware to do all the real 'work' in the editing process, for things like transitions and filters.... meaning production times are better.

At the end of it, squishing down pure DV into internet deliverable streaming is still a thankless task and I think pretty unnecessary really. S-Video capture at the resolution you intend to deliver over the 'net would be just as good.

If of course you are making DVDs or might do in the future... well, do the first thing!