I have a Sony Digital 8 camcorder with video that I would like to transfer to my PC for editing and later burn to a DVD. I have been successful in my connecting the camcorder to the computer via i.link/Firewire, however my issues has been quality. Even when recording the video onto the computer using Windows Movie Maker on the highest setting, what I get would not be suitable for a DVD being watched on a large screen TV.

Is it my choice of software (WMM) or is it simply a limitation of the camcorder type (Digital 8)?

Thank you in advance for any assistance.
-Mike Catalfamo

Try down loading the Free Avid editor for basic capture and editing as a starter, to see if the Windows Movie maker is the problem. Remember, you want to capture everything in an .avi format for maximum quality. Digital 8 in terms of digital information is the same as MiniDV and capture to the .avi DV format.

http://www.avid.com/freedv/ is the site for the free video editor.

I started learing about Digital production using a Digital 8 camera. The cameras were okay, and in good lighting, and with care can provide you with a decent video image. You should not expect XL2 or PD 170 results in your footage, so it is a limitation in your tool similar to what everyone deals with.

I have an FX1, that I would like to look like a Canon XL1H, but I work with what I have....