Capturing Full Quality

lodi03 wrote on 2/22/2005, 12:12 PM
Hi, I'm new to vegas and am trying to capture some video from a Sony MiniDV HandyCam DCR-HC30.

I've only really edited on an Avid so would like some recommendations on a desktop system. I currently have a winXP, 1MB Ram, NVida Geforce FX 5200 w/128, Intel P4 2.80ghz, 80GB SATA.

I've tried capturing using the usb out of the camera, it recognizes but gives me very low resolution, few options and only a capture size of 640x480 and lower. Is this a limation of usb? Do I have to use the iLink out of the camera? If it has to be firewire can anyone recommend a good card? Can anyone tell me if my graphics card is sufficient or should I look at upgrading?

Thanks.

Comments

Liam_Vegas wrote on 2/22/2005, 12:20 PM
You must capture via firewire - that is the only way you will get the exact digital copy of what is recorded on the tape into your computer.
lodi03 wrote on 2/22/2005, 12:21 PM
Thanks I just finally found that thread, so now can anyone recommend a good card does it really matter? I've read that the cheap ones are fine, would you agree?
Yoyodyne wrote on 2/22/2005, 12:24 PM
The ADS Pyro card seems to be the gold standard firewire card. Your computer looks up to snuff too, Vegas doesn't really use the GFX card too much so your probably fine as far as Vegas is concerned.
mikeroesch wrote on 2/22/2005, 12:25 PM
I have a very similar setup (though I think you meant 1gig rather than 1meg for the memory). Using firewire I have had zero problems with the Sony cam, and I capture high quality without losing a frame. While you should be able to use the USB, why not just use the firewire? The USB problem might be as simple as the fact that you are using an old USB 1 cable rather than a USB 2?
Liam_Vegas wrote on 2/22/2005, 12:32 PM
Before you run out and get a firewire card - are you sure your system does not already have one? Many of them do.

In any case... yes "cheap" ones are usually OK.
John_Cline wrote on 2/22/2005, 12:58 PM
The ONLY way to get full DV quality from the DV camcorder is to use Firewire. The USB port is so you can use the camcorder as a Webcam. This is very low quality video.

John
FrigidNDEditing wrote on 2/22/2005, 2:37 PM
"Cheap ones should be ok"

AS LONG AS THEY OHCI COMPLIANT. Some are not (imagine that), so MAKE SURE it is.

Dave