Video Editing Help

[jtam]

Having been a Mac user for quite a few years now, I just never got into the video editing (of those family home movie type of the kids b-days, etc) This is the reason I switched to a mac to begin with! I have a JVC GR-DVP3 Camera - about 4 or 5 years old. I'm pretty software and computer literate, but when it comes to this, I don't even know where to start. Will this camera even hook up to the computer? Suggestions for software? Is IDVD enough? Would Final Cut Express be needed or is that the "next level"? One more thing - I teach 4th grade and would like to encorporate videos into our curriculum and chapels starting in Sept. so I have a few months to learn all this! Thanks!

 

[Vader]

It is digital, so it should work, did it come with firewire or usb cables?

 

[jtam]

Yes, it did come with a USB cable, but I've only used it to upload still camera shots from it (it also takes still shots, though not very good ones)

 

[LethalWolfe]

The camera should have a small, 4-pin firewire port (might be labeled as i.Link or just DV). You'll need a 4-pin-to-6-pin firewire cable to hook it up to your Mac. If it's compatible w/iMovie you are all set. I wouldn't worry about getting more advanced software until you feel like iMovie is limiting you.

Also, there is a specific Digital Video forum here on the board and it's a good resource for basic info.


Lethal

 

[jtam]

Thank you! I will check out the vido port.

Sorry about the post here - I didn't see that there was a video forum. I would've posted there from the start if I had taken the time to check. Thank you though for taking the time to help! These boards are a wealth of information!

 

[Applespider]

Software wise, you should be fine with iMovie - at least to start with.

David's Pogue Missing Manual for iMovie and IDVD is excellent (at least the one for iMovie 5 was) if you want a resource that has both a few basics on how to film for best editing - and some handy hints on editing too