Panasonic MiniDV/MiniDVD Discussion - (come in if you got one from the Zellers deal)

Good idea... I am interested in getting the external light since one of the weakness is shooting at night. From what I have seen you also need an external battery for this?

I've just collected some links already posted by other RFDs members:

Digital Video Camera Accessory Chart Panasonic GS80
http://www.panasonic.com.au/products/in ... extID=4460

Batteries for GS80:
$28.60 + shipping (13.70$ to QC)
http://www.bestbatt.com/ProductDetails. ... =TechSpecs
[IMG]http://www.bestbatt.com/v/vspfiles/phot ... -01-2T.jpg[/IMG]

$20 + free shipping
http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.2446
[IMG]http://www1.dealextreme.com/productimages/pisen.jpg[/IMG]

Wide-Angle
Opteka .5x Wide Angle & 2x Telephoto HD

I got a great Tripod deal for you guys from Black's. On sale for $12, but it easily feels like a $40 tripod. It even comes with a quick release and a carrying bag.

http://blackphotostore.com/english/prod ... p?sku=3229

I'd be interested to see what you guys dig up for the light. From what I understand the camera has a cold shoe so it will have to be powered. The one on the Panasonic US site is ~$120.

The system requirements for GS80 are Mac OS or Imovie 4 (show on the side of box), I don't have those two operation systems, does anyone know if it works with Windows?

^^^ HOLY WTF TAMALES

$11.99...that's stellar!!!

4 PORT LUCENT Agere IEEE-1394 FIREWIRE CARD KIT w/ Software and Cable
$10.85 + shipping ($4.14)
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produ ... 1&format=2
[IMG]http://images.monoprice.com/productlargeimages/2281.jpg[/IMG][/QUOTE]

I was at Zellers Orleans today and I found a package similar to the one at Monoprice.

It comes with a PCI 1394 Firewire card, 6 pin to 4 pin 1394/firewire cable, Ulead VideoStudio software. All these for only $2.09 + tax.

One left at this location. I couldn't find any link on the internet. The package name is Starlogic Platinum PCI 1394 Firewire Host Adapter. SKU 36381135

reddeals wrote: ↑The system requirements for GS80 are Mac OS or Imovie 4 (show on the side of box), I don't have those two operation systems, does anyone know if it works with Windows?

If Windows isn't listed, I guess you'll have to return the camcorder.

Mexi-Can wrote: ↑... for only $2.09 + tax.... SKU 36381135

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/ ... hmygod.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/ ... hmygod.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/ ... hmygod.gif[/IMG]

LOL..Let's see if I find one locally. I have firewire built-in on my mobo...hmmm I think? lol, but no cable. Is there one in the box? My buddy picked the camcorder up for me, I'm gonna meet him tomorrah.

Tha_Doggg wrote: ↑What are the best ways to transfer from minidv to dvd? I have Pinnacle and I would like to know what formats to use when transferring in order to get the best quality?

Please refer to the following link
http://www.digitalvideoclub.com/tutoria ... stakes.php

My PC has a 1394 connection, do I still need to find software to be able to edit video and/or burn to DVD?

I bought an extra one as a gift, what are some absolute necessary accessories?

bubble.tea wrote: ↑[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/ ... hmygod.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/ ... hmygod.gif[/IMG][IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v283/ ... hmygod.gif[/IMG]

LOL..Let's see if I find one locally. I have firewire built-in on my mobo...hmmm I think? lol, but no cable. Is there one in the box? My buddy picked the camcorder up for me, I'm gonna meet him tomorrah.

The camera package does not have a cable. You have to buy one.

The Starlogic Platinum FireWire package (as well as the monoprice one) has one included (6 to 4 pin).

No idea, but here's a good suggestion vis-a-vis creating a video...
http://www.duxcw.com/yabbse/index.php?t ... #msg102112

Linda

Mexi-Can wrote: ↑The camera package does not have a cable. You have to buy one.

WOW...like the HP printers that come without a cable to connect. That's lame.

thanks, I picked up a battery from dealextreme. I will report back when I get the battery.

Tha_Doggg wrote: ↑After you transfer it from the camcorder to the PC (avi), when you are ready to burn it should you burn it as mpeg2? To get the best quality should you do about 1 hr of video per dvd?

MiniDV format compress the video using M-JPEG. When you import the video to the computer (.avi) it stays compressed as M-JPEG. This is the format you want to use for editing. I will personally keep all my video archive in this format as well.

As far as burning onto a DVD goes. The commercial DVD uses MPEG2 compress as an industry standard. So, if you don't convert it to MPEG2, then it won't play on most DVD players. Some DVD players can also play avi, Xvid, Divx files but that's another story.

As far as the recording time goes. Assuming we are talking about a 4.7G single layer single sided disc. Then yes, you should stick to 1hr recording time (XP mode) for optimal quality and compatibility. Though I personally think that the 2 hour (SP mode) will be good enough when the video source is from a low-end camera.