Newbie Questions on the HV30

[jazzhill]

Hey guys, please forgive my ignorance, I'm new to HD camcorders and have just bought a second hand Canon HV30. I wanted to just ask a few questions to anyone willing to help a complete amateur!

Anyway, firstly, I'm missing a few pieces of the whole pack because it was second hand. I apparently need a USB cable and the remote control, but I can't find anywhere on the internet that talks about compatibility of these items.
What USB cable do I need? And also, is it possible to buy a remote for the camcorder? Is there a specific one or is there just a generic canon remote?

Secondly, I am quite confused by the whole HDV mini-DV thing. What mini-dv's do I need to record in High definition? Do they have to be Canon brand or can I use Sony HDVs?
Oh and I read that some people just use these Digital DVCs instead of the HDVs... but can these record in HD? Are they just as good?
And what is the best brand for mini-dvs?

And finally, what's the best editing program? And how much is the average cost?

Thanks so much for your help, most of these questions are probably really stupid but please don't beat me up about it!
Cheers

[Jack Frost]

So you really bought an HV30 without knowing what to do with it ? you are kidding I hope. I know nobody who buys a camera that costs that much, if they don't know what they will do with it, or how it works.

Remote..... it comes with it.

You, of course got a manual with it right ? ... it tells you everything you need to know.

[RoosterMcCauley]

Jack, I believe the OP said he had bought the item second-hand, and the remote did not come with the package he got, so he's wondering where to purchase one separately.

I don't know the answer to that, I can look into it.

I will say that you have to use HD quality MiniDV tapes, not just any old tape. And as far as brand goes, that's a preference. You'll find a discussion of that on the forum here: http://hv20.com/showthread.php?t=2844

I'll try and look into the remote thing for you at some point today.

Use the search option on the forum, and you'll find a lot of usable information there (without ruffling feathers by asking questions everyone has heard several times already).

Search first, ask later. This forum's been around long enough that it's rare you won't find an answer to any question that way.

Welcome to the board!

[RoosterMcCauley]

As far as "best" editing software, I personally use Final Cut Studio, which runs around $1000 for the newest iteration. But I'd hardly venture out and call it the best. It is simply my preference.

Adobe Creative Suites has a lot to offer, and I've never used Sony Vegas, so have no opinion there. Much depends upon the system you will be editing on.

There are two areas in the forum where you could find usable information to help guide your decision. Both are found under the Editing Room, and Software, and Computer Related... Heading.

[jazzhill]

Thanks for being so cool Rooster, I'll have a look around the site, I'm sure I'll find my way. I actually just found the site and posted a thread that I had posted on another site that had received no response, this forum seems like it has a lot more info on it than the last one...

And no thanks jack frost

[cgbier]

Jack is not necessarily wrong. He just could have said it nicer.

For transferring video to your computer you need a firewire cable (USB is for pictures only). The camera side 4 pin, the computer side whatever port you have (4,6,9 pin).

Don't waste your money on HDV tape. They are slightly better, but most is marketing hype. Stick with run off the mill tapes from Sony or Panasonic (and don't buy into that dry/wet myth... that doesn't exist any more for 10 years at least).

A remote control you should be able to order from Canon. IIRC, there is a part number mentioned in the manual.

Read this forum, and you'll be a master in HVxx in a very short time.

[Janke]

you have to use HD quality MiniDV tapes

That's plain wrong!

Any Mini-DV tape made by a reputable manufacturer is also good for HD recording.

[RoosterMcCauley]

I apologize for my mistake. This is what I was told when I purchased my camera. I should've known better... Where is that "ashamed" emoticon...?

[cgbier]

Don't believe everything the pimplefaced "sales"men at Best Buy try to talk you in.

[Seo]

I used to work a part time job at Best Buy... wait no, that was the Chinese copy.

Here's my go at the questions. Tape, just buy Panny's PQ tapes or Sony Premiums. Don't buy HD tapes.

Editing software... depends on your computer. Sony Vegas or the Adobe Suite if you're on a PC and FCP or the Adobe Suite if you're on a Mac. iMovie comes with all Macs though, so you can use that in the beginning.

Some advice, try to look for your answers instead of asking. If you get used to it you'll become a very competent self learner, which helps immensely in filmmaking as well as life. I'm not saying don't ask questions, but people on this forum especially don't like it when repeat questions (like these) are asked when answers are obviously discussed in stickies. Btw, did you read the stickies? All the information you'll need starting out is there.

[Erik Bien]

Welcome aboard, jazzhill!

Now that you've endured the hazing and suffered the social stigma of asking several questions long since answered in the FAQ, I'd say you're well on your way to becoming one of us.

(Gooble Gobble! We Accept You! One of Us!)

[jet]

Another plain old sony premium user and no dropouts from its own recordings that i remember in 9 months.

[Bif]

This is where I got a remote to replace the one I lost for my Canon HF100.

Price was lower than Canon. Here you apparently have a choice between the original and an aftermarket replacement. I was very satisfied with the service I got.

http://www.remotes.com/remotes/servl...12665040035410

And for the firewire cable you need look at www.monoprice.com or do a search for it on amazon. Here, I did it for you.

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=firewire+cable+4+pin+to+6+pin&x=0&y=0"]Amazon.com: firewire cable 4 pin to 6 pin[/ame]

If you are going to try editing on a laptop most of those use a 4 pin to 4 pin cable. You can search amazon for those.

Prices are much lower than in the shops and I've had good luck with these.

WARNING: With firewire, insure both computer and camera are powered down (OFF) before connecting or disconnecting the cable at EITHER end. It's a pain in the "patoot" to do this but do a search on this site for "fried port" to read many tales of woe from folks who wound up with a "fried firewire port".

You may get away with connecting powered up many times and then one day your computer no longer "sees" your camcorder. It's not a cheap repair.

And if you're running a PC there are several editing packages at the $100 level that will edit HDV. Again search on amazon for fair prices. And Google for free trial versions you can download.