Transfer video from Hard Drive camcorder to PC ?

OK, I've dropped the DVD from my search.

You mention 'common format' before it can be edited.

Say for instance I get a sony hard drive camcorder. Record 30mins of video and transfer it to my computer by cable (usb / firewire).
It will be on my computer as a file, correct?

Will this file be in a 'common format' or will I need to convert it and what would I use to convert it?

Will editing this file be the same as editing a video created with a mini DV?

apologies for the extremely basic questions here, but complete new to camcorders (but not technology)

If you got a Sony hard drive camcorder and captured:

1) standard definition video (not high definition), and copied that file from the camera's hard drive to your Windows based pc, you should be ready to edit.

2) standard definition video (not high definition), and copied that file from the camera's hard drive to your Apple Macintosh, you would need an intermediate utility (like StreamClip) in order to edit.

3) video, you would transfer it most likely using USB. Sony consumer camcorders using a built-in hard drive do not have firewire. The Sony hard drives with firewire are typically external and used only on their pro-line (HVR-A1U, V1U, Z1U), though I suppose they might be used on the HDR-FX1 or FX7.

The file will be different than that which was captured using miniDV. The video files captured using a built-in hard drive use compression - miniDV is pretty much not compressed - hence the difference in format - and better video quality from miniDV tape based capture.

If you capture high definition video on a Sony hard drive based camcorder, it will be compressed using AVCHD. Reviews of that relatively new compression method have not been very good. if you go this route, be sure to check to see if your editor can handle that AVCHD format - it is that new. The transfer will likely happen over USB. (The external hard drive mentioned above behaves more like tape - so it does not use AVCHD compression.)

If you capture high definition video on a Sony miniDV tape based camcorder, the captured video is compressed when written to the tape and is decompressed during the import from the camcorder to the computer (over firewire). This import may not be real-time - the import time will depend on your CPU...

Thanks for that reply, very detailed and very much appreciated.

I am trying not to spend more than about $600 (less if possible), so I think there will be more options in the mini DV format, but I like the idea of the hard drive formats. Use will be for typical home movies (baby, family gatherings etc..)

From what I have seen it looks like most of the manufacturers are limiting what options are available on the mini DV for their latest models (e.g. Panasonic's not having external mike support etc). Do you have any recommendations for mini DV and Hard Drive camcorders that are less than $600

Thanks again

I would not do a hard drive based camcorder because I do not like the compression applied to the stored video... that compression = lesser video quality.

I use miniDV tape based camcorders.

One of the items on my list (other than miniDV tape based) is an external mic jack. The Canon ZR800 has one. I actually like that camera a lot. You will read articles about it's built in mics picking up a lot of noise. But that is another reason why (1) you want to use an external mic and (2) you need to learn to use the manual audio level control and not use the auto level control (especially in quiet taping environments). The $ you save buying this camera may allow you to get:

An extra high-capacity rechargable battery or two - and maybe an external charger.

An external mic and bracket and shockmount. Look at the RODE stereo video mic... or NRG SA-800 and Sabra SMM1.

Also take a look at some clip-on wireless lavaliere type mics - I use a Shure, but I don't think you want to spend that kind of $. Maybe an Audio-Technica Pro88W...

And a good sturdy tripod...

And a case to protect your investment... I use Pelican cases, but there are others out there.

Maybe Whizkid can provide hard drive camcorder recommendations... I've heard the Sony DCR-SR200 is good - but a little more than you wanted to spend - and it does not have a "real" mic in jack (Sony's proprietary active interface for Sony proprietary mics - or an odd looking adapter for a 1/8" mic jack input). That said, the Sony HDR-HC96 is miniDV tape based and also has that proprietary active interface shoe...

Thanks again

I'll look into the canon