What is the best quality camcorder that will import to Windows Movie Maker?
Posted by andre1 | Under Canon Optura Camcorder Sunday Oct 31, 2010I currently have a Canon optura 30 camcorder and have used it for the past 4 years for recording family events, trips, ect. I am looking to upgrade, but have found that cameras that are not MiniDV do not import easily to Windows Movie Maker(the software I am used to using and would like to continue using) I am looking for a jump in video quality rather than bells and whistles. What is the best quality camcorder that will import to movie maker and will it be a major upgrade over my 4 year old camcorder? Thanks!
The only ways you can get "a jump in video quality" over your current standard definition camcorder is to get a camcorder with larger lenses and imaging chips or move to high definition.
In the case of the larger lenses and imaging chips AND your keeping MovieMaker, the Canon GL1, Sony DCR-VX2100, Panasonic DVX100 or Canon XL2.
In the case of high definition, MiniDV tape records to HDV format. Flash memory and hard disc drive records to AVCHD format. Microsoft MovieMaker cannot deal with any of these formats…
If you decide to go high definition, then the Canon HV30 – but you need to change your editor. Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere are good for the Windows environment.
The only ways you can get "a jump in video quality" over your current standard definition camcorder is to get a camcorder with larger lenses and imaging chips or move to high definition.
In the case of the larger lenses and imaging chips AND your keeping MovieMaker, the Canon GL1, Sony DCR-VX2100, Panasonic DVX100 or Canon XL2.
In the case of high definition, MiniDV tape records to HDV format. Flash memory and hard disc drive records to AVCHD format. Microsoft MovieMaker cannot deal with any of these formats…
If you decide to go high definition, then the Canon HV30 – but you need to change your editor. Sony Vegas and Adobe Premiere are good for the Windows environment.
References :
I recommend looking at the consumer-grade high definition camcorders, that use miniDV tape. While it’s true that larger lenses and sensing devices will improve quality, the consumer HD camcorders will do the job you’re looking for. We have an HDR HC7, which uses a CMOS. I’ve been very pleased with the results.
The older camcorders use Charged Coupling Devices (CCDs). Even more expensive camcorders still use CCDs.
If you wish to stay with Windows Movie Maker, I believe my solution makes the most sense. Good luck!
References :