I’ll be using it to shoot things like my sister’s plays and concerts (which are generally 2-3 hours long). Since I’ll be shooting plays, lighting will generally be low, and I may be shooting from a distance.

I have a Sony camcorder that records directly to mini-dvd. It has no firewire or USB interface, so the only option I have is to rip it and compress. What would be the best way for me to compress it. I’m looking for overall “good” results, including reasonable file size, decent playback quality, as well as a reasonably easy process to accomplish it all.

Thx a bunch!

• DVD digital camcorder with 640 x 480 pixel imaging
• 10x optical, 120x digital zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 2.5-inch touch-panel color swivelscreen LCD display
• High speed USB 2.0 interface for computer connection
• NightShot 0 Lux infrared system with color mode for recording in total darkness

Product Description
The DCR-DVD100 is Sony’s DVD Handycam camcorder, which records up to 60 minutes of MPEG2 video, and 640×480-sized still images directly to an 8cm DVD-R/-RW disk and then play it back on a DVD Player or PC with DVD-R/-RW drive. The DCR-DVD100 is equipped with a USB 2.0/1.1 interface for direct recording and copying of material to a PC, a 2.5″ hybrid LCD screen, InfoLITHIUM battery and a high quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 10x Optical/ 120x Digital zoom lens, with Super SteadyShot and Super NightShot…. More >>

Sony DCRDVD100 MiniDVD Handycam Camcorder with 2.5″ LCD and Digital Still Capability

I have a load of MiniDVDs from my Sony Camcorder and I would like to edit them on the computer somehow. The included CD is rubbish.

I need some good software that will take this format, edit it and burn it onto DVD.

Whatever it is, tell me! I will read all suggestions hopefully.