Analog to Digital Converter...

[LR827]

kelly, 72 dpi is the resolution I get when I print or freeze a single frame from my camcorder onto the screen -- via Apple Video Player.  I guess my ignorance about the mechanism of these transfers and captures is showing unadorned.  When you discussed the different sizes, like 352 x 288 etc., I thought that was related to the size of the picture I captured each time.  I also know that I can only enlarge a picture I capture minimally before it loses too much quality, even when I "sharpen" it as much as possible.  Anyway, I think I'm talking apples & you're talking oranges.  Or, excuse me, it must be the other way around!!

Anyway, I recall your telling me that Strata was "buggy" when I bought InterView.  So I understand that I could convert to digital with the InterView cable, and I can edit it with iMovie, but the finished product won't be very good quality -- that is, it won't be as good as the original VHS cassette tape on TV?  If that is the case, I guess I might as well get a camcorder.  

The question is, keeping in mind that I'm not doing anything professional, I just want to edit and put together old VHS movies -- Will the InterView cable and iMovie accomplish thaat?  Or will the quality be significantly diminished when I get the new edited movie on a DVD and on my TV?

[kelly]

Ok Lorraine.

You're talking Pixels for printing. I'm talking Screen Size of the Movie.

The ok quality of a movie with Interview or similar is 352 x 288 "Pixels"

On your Laptop that will be about a quarter of your ususal screen size.

Making it bigger will make it look worse.

I don't think there's any "Magic" way around that with iMovie or whatever.

If you want nice Full Screen Movies and good Prints get the Camcorder.

I think you care enough about this "Hobby" to make that worthwhile.

[LR827]

I think I understand, kelly, and I'm sure you're right --  

But just one more (I'm really feeling stupid)question:   If the 352 x 288 movie size would be about 1/4 of my laptop screen -- how big would it be on a TV screen?  I mean, I could run it in a DVD player & watch it on TV, right?  Would that also be a reduced size?

[Paddy]

Lorraine, TV's are typically 640X480 (approx.) - for more info:

http://sepwww.stanford.edu/sep/jon/family/.../resolution.htm

TV's don't have better resolution when they're bigger either - which is why if you stand close to a large screen TV, you can see the pixels. The pixels get bigger - the resolution doesn't improve. The European standard (PAL) is somewhat better (768 pixels wide) - when I was traveling in the UK, the TV's looked sharper to me...

[kelly]

"2. I don't think so but you can try it".  

[LR827]

Okay, kelly, I get the picture (so to speak)!

Paddy, thanks for the link -- I'm going to print it out and study it.  It looks like just what I need.

Petra & Leo thanks for your input, too, and everyone else -- as usual, it's a terrific education!  And now I'll start looking for a new camcorder.

[Gary S]

Lorraine,

Go to Best Buy and check out their selection. I was there this week and they had some that were priced well.

[kelly]

http://www.apple.com/macosx/upgrade/camcorders.html

[LR827]

Thanks, Gary -- there's a Best Buy close to me, so I'll do that.

Thanks for the link, Kelly -- What a cornucopia to choose from!

[LR827]

QUOTE

My DV cam from Canon (equal to the ZR60) MV600i is cheap, great images and have all the bells and whistles. Can record VHS directly and it has both DV in and out so you can edit and have fun with the video as well. The ZR60 is about 450 USD (price found on DV Direct). Lots of bang for the buck.

Ah, yes, I thought I remembered Petra mentioning that!  That'll do nicely, I think -- and to Hell with cornucopias and any more decisions!!

Thanks again to everyone.

[kelly]

I see the Canon ZR60 for $450 or less yes.

That's probably what I'll get sometime.

Indoors in low light is apparently not it's best feature though.

http://www.digitalcamera-hq.com/camcorder/...60-reviews.html

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detai...ustomer-reviews

[swhitset]

A while back... I was going through the same learning curve.  I wanted to import some VHS tapes such as wedding videos etc... I wanted to make DVDs from them.  I eventually decided that a digital camcorder was the way to go.

I bought the Canon ZR 60 and have been very happy with it.  I considered a Sony, but decided to stay with the Canon brand since I already have an EOS Rebel and a Canon digital elph.

Steve

[dolphin]

So Lorraine!  Did you get your new camcorder???  What's it like...give us a report.

[Diana]

*grin...we have to be patient Dolphin. If she has bought one already, she'll still probably wanna just look at the box for a while before she opens it.  

Signed: amateur analyst/observer  

and it's OK Lorraine...we understand.