Video Capture to Laptop

1. braydonrussell
   Member

   

   Hello Videomakers. I have a Canon ZR100 with a 4-pin dv connection. I am working with a year old laptop w/ 1.6 ghz intel duo core processor. I want to use an external box for capture. just looking for suggestions on a device to purchase. = )

   Thanks!

   Posted 1 year ago # Login to Send PM

2. robgrauert
   Member

   

    im not exactly sure what you're talking about because I just go strait from my deck to computer through firewire, but i think what you're thinking of is something made by Convergent Design. They make good stuff. 

    If you're recording to miniDV, there's no reason to get one of those boxes though. Firewire is the best way to capture.  

   Robert J. Grauert, Jr
   http://www.robgrauert.com

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3. BarefootMedia
   Member

   

   Just the the fun of it, I went to B&H Photo and looked over their products.  They have only two options for use with a laptop for less than $500.  Pinnacle has one device (but two bunldle options) that has the 6-pin Firewire 400 port for digital I/O and the usual analog inputs for AD conversions.  And Creative Labs has a larger device that uses a 4-pin Firewire 400 port for digital I/O and the same set of analog inputs.

   So far as I can tell, the main difference between the devices is the Pinnacle interface will capture and output AVCHD and HDV vide, while the Creative Labs device is only for standard definition video.  The Creative Labs bundle includes a 4-pin to 4-pin Firewire cable and Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 for enticements list price of $199.  The $120 Pinnacle device includes an unidentified version of their Studio software.

   Now for the opinion part of your question.  Although I have no actual experience with either device, I already have my preferred NLE on my laptop (and desktop) so I can't see spending $80 to get Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0.  Besides, the Pinnacle device would let me capture HD video in two formats.  But from comments on other forums (and reviewing on-line manuals), the Pinnacle Studio NLE uses an interface unique to itself.  So, since I already have a fine NLE, I would opt for the less expensive Pinnacle device and not install their NLE.  But if I didn't already have an excellent NLE, I would opt for the Creative Labs bundle with the industry standard interface of Adobe Premiere Elements 2.0 (provided I'm not planning on going to HD video in the next two or three years.)

   And in closing, I would like to say that so far as reputations go, both manufacturers are equal.  It is only in the software that I perceive and difference.  That being said, perhaps our other users could add any good or bad experiences they've had with either or both products.

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4. braydonrussell
   Member

   

   Thanks for the input. Basically my reason for this question, is my laptop doesn't have a video card. Thus nothing to capture the video with. and it has no room for expansion for an internal video card as far as I can tell...thats why I was looking for an external capture device. = )

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5. ralck
   Member

   

    I'm not sure what you mean by a video card to capture with.  What you want is a firewire input (just a connection, not video card related).

   If your laptop doesn't already have a firewire input, but it does have a PCMCIA slot, I think you'll want to look into one of these:
   http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=firewire+pcmcia&x=0&y=0

   Then you can capture straight from the firewire port on the camera to your laptop.

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6. jerronsmith
   Moderator

   

   >>hanks for the input. Basically my reason for this question, is my laptop doesn't have a video card. Thus nothing to capture the video with. and it has no room for expansion for an internal video card as far as I can tell...thats why I was looking for an external capture device.<<

   Video doesn't have to be captured through a capture card. If it is a PC laptop with a PCMCIA slot there are firewire adaptors that you can get to fit it.  Thus allowing you to have capture capability.

   Jerron Smith
   Editor-Animator-Educator
   blog: http://www.thepixelsmith.blogspot.com

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7. braydonrussell
   Member

   

    I see. My laptop does have a firewire input already. I just thought that you needed a video card to capture the video. I guess maybe it's just the software that does that. I really appreciate the input. Time to start editing!

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8. faqvideo
   Member

   

    Reminded me a conversation with 2 of my friends - old TV pros. They kept telling me I would need a good video card to work with video. I still don't have one.

   FAQ Video

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9. rfwilson
   Member

   

    I have a Sony HDR-FX7. I'd like to set up my Sony laptop to act as a monitor while I am shooting HD video. It doesn't necessarily need to *capture* the video, but to display it -- though capture would be fine. My laptop has Vista home edition, a firewire input, and a copy of Adobe Premier Elements 4 installed. What other software do I need?

   Posted 7 months ago # Login to Send PM

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