Getting started in video/photography-questions

[PROGRESSIVE 0]

I just received my Sony PC350, and I have a lot of questions regarding filming, editing, etc.

First question, does the 120 mph wind + damage the electronics in the camera, such as the audio.

Also, not that I'd ever jump thru a cloud, but does the moisture from the cloud create problems in the camcorder, or its electronics?

Also, I have a Sony HI 8 camera. Is there a software package where I can down load my videos from my HI 8 as well as my PC350 and edit them, add music, etc?

Is anyone still using the Sony Hi 8 camcorder these days?

[nacmacfeegle 0]

"First question, does the 120 mph wind + damage the electronics in the camera, such as the audio."
Not in my experience, but some tape and a wee bit of rubber foam can be used if you are worried.

"Also, not that I'd ever jump thru a cloud, but does the moisture from the cloud create problems in the camcorder, or its electronics?"
Again, not really, its more annoying that moisture from clouds will build up on the lens, and you may experience the camera shutting down at some point due to internal moisture, but normally well after the jump where it got wet.

"Is anyone still using the Sony Hi 8 camcorder these days?"
Not as popular these days as they once were, MiniDV is the way to go, due to better quality and smaller cameras, in most cases.

A D-box, or camera condom, or any sort of enclosure will go some way to protecting your camera from moisture/noise, minor knocks and scrapes etc.

"Is there a software package where I can down load my videos from my HI 8 as well as my PC350 and edit them, add music, etc? "

Yes, however the signals from your Hi8 are completely different to digital signals from the PC350, you can use the same software, but you will need different interface cards, see below. Better to hose your footage from the Hi8 onto the PC350 via the S-video connection (the round socket with several connectors in it), you will also need to connect the audio signals for transfer of any audio, if thats important, as S-video is video only.

I'm assuming you don't know of anyone who has a Digital8 camera, in which case you get better image transfer, but digi8s are very rare.

If you are just starting to play with video editing, you need to work out what the final destination for your edit is, DVD/MINIdv/web etc.

I'm goingto assume you will edit in native DV format, and transfer to VHS later, you will need an IEEE1394 card, don't be alarmed, they are widely available, I'd recommend you buy something from ADS. http://www.adstech.com/products/intro/products.asp
Their cards come bundled with enough software to get you started, without causing you too much financial pain.

Once you feel happy with the card, the edit process etc, you will probably want to upgrade to Premier from Adobe, or similar, ask here before you commit, the software can be expensive.

--------------------

He who receives an idea from me, receives instruction himself without lessening mine; as he who lights his taper at mine, receives light without darkening me. Thomas Jefferson

[D22369 0]

First question, does the 120 mph wind + damage the electronics in the camera, such as the audio.

Quote

tape every crack on the camera, high 8's are really sensitive to getting tape flutter due to the wind getting in.... but it doesnt cause damage.

Also, not that I'd ever jump thru a cloud, but does the moisture from the cloud create problems in the camcorder, or its electronics?

some cameras are very sensitive to moisture, and the internal moisture sensor will shut the camera off, my old digital 8 was rediculously sensitive.....lost a few good jumps cause of it... but once it dries out it should be fine, (no guarantees if you chow into the swoop pond though...)

Roy

They say I suffer from insanity.... But I actually enjoy it.