getting good video capture quality?

Doug_Marshall wrote on 10/16/2004, 11:44 AM
Hi folks, I need a little guidance here. I'm familiar with Vegas for audio but am new to the video side. In capturing from my Sony Handycam (through its USB interface using Vegas' capture utility), the video quality really suffers compared to the original tapes. It looks jerky and the resolution is poor. What am I doing wrong? Also, should the capture utility be able to control this camera? Thanks, Doug

Comments

John_Cline wrote on 10/16/2004, 12:00 PM
You MUST use the Firewire interface between the handycam and the computer, NOT the USB interface. Get a Firewire cable to connect your Handycam to the computer and everything will work quite well.

John
Doug_Marshall wrote on 10/16/2004, 12:08 PM
Interesting. I hadn't seen any warnings about that. Even USB 2.0 is no good? I have a Firewire port, so I'll search a cable...
B.Verlik wrote on 10/16/2004, 12:58 PM
Too much of a chance for some kind of interference with USB of either kind.
Doug_Marshall wrote on 10/16/2004, 2:07 PM
Thanks.
John_Cline wrote on 10/16/2004, 3:00 PM
Too much of a chance for some kind of interference with USB of either kind"

That really has nothing to do with it. The Handycams are set up to provide low-resolution video through the USB port for Webcam and Video e-mail purposes. It uses the Firewire port for full-resolution DV format video, just like every other DV camcorder.

John
Doug_Marshall wrote on 10/16/2004, 4:49 PM
Now I understand more completely. I looked through the camera's manual fairly thoroughly and the qualitative difference in the port output was not explained. You'd think...

...Anyway, after scurrying around for the right cable, things are looking quite a bit better. Thanks, all.

Doug