In-car Video Camera Options

[DanElam]

Originally posted by btsai
Well, Shaun never answered my question, but I don't agree that video quality would be better going direct to a computer.

Steve -- recording directly to .avi or .mov format -- I guess I didn't think about doing that. You mean import directly into a video editing program? (Like Final Cut Pro) Seems like it would be MUCH less of a hassle to record to DV in the car, and then import to the computer at home.

If I understand correctly, you would have LOWER quality video by going direct into a computer, because .avi, .mov or any other file types actually compress the data so that it fits better is and is more compatible with a computer. Real video on DV tape would always be better quality than one captured on a hard drive. Am I correct or would the quality be the same? Seems like if it has to be compressed, you'd lose some quality. If it can be imported non-compressed, then I guess there would be no loss of quality.

Also, I believe the memory cards in video cameras only record stills or mpg/avi movies rather than full screen 30 frames/second quality.

Video experts out there -- am I right, or am I all wet?

:-)

Ben

Well, ok. I am the US Expert to ISO for imaging technology. That doesn't mean I know how to use the stuff creatively, but I do know how it works technically.

You can hook up a cam directly to the computer. For almost all of these, you are talking about compressing on the fly (.AVI or .MOV). It is possible with the right equipment to capture real time video in an uncompressed file, but the odds are against you doing it that way since it requires a lot more specialized equipment. BTW, you can have an uncompressed AVI file, but there isn't much point since you would just want it during the editing process. When done, always use compression. You really won't notice the difference and you will save a TON of space and bandwidth.

The cheapest, best qualitym and easiest way to do it is to just use a DV camera and convert it when you get back to the computer with firewire.

If you can do with lesser quality and 30 minute sessions, the Sony Cybershots are cheap and produce the AVI file in real time so you don't have to do anything special.

-Dan