How to Edit Video Camcorder Software
When you buy a camcorder, it usually comes with software to allow you to upload your recorded footage to a computer. The next step is either to transfer that footage to another format like DVD, or to edit the footage into a movie. Camcorders come with simple video editing software that even a novice computer user can use effectively.
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Things You'll Need
- Windows or Mac Computer
- CD/DVD Computer Drive
- Camcorder
- Camcorder Video Editing Software
Instructions
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Uploading Footage
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1
Load the camcorder software disk into your computer CD/DVD drive. Most installation software will auto run as soon as it is loaded, so follow the directions when they appear on your computer screen.
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Restart your computer after the installation is complete. Restarting will ensure that your camcorder will connect to the computer and associate with its software.
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Turn off your camcorder before connecting the upload cable or the docking station to the computer. When using a MiniDV camcorder and a firewire DV cable, it is especially important to have the camcorder powered down when connecting and disconnecting.
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Connect your camcorder to the computer using the cable or docking station that came with your unit. Upload cables are proprietary to the particular brand or format of camcorder you purchased; do not substitute any other type of cable.
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Turn on your camcorder and wait for the new hardware icon to appear on the taskbar. If you are not sure the computer recognized the camcorder, double click My Computer on a PC, or look in the Mac Finder's Window under Devices. If the camcorder does not appear, turn off the camcorder, unplug it and repeat the process. The USB and Firewire connections can be tricky; it may require several attempts.
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Open the camcorder software and follow the directions to capture or upload your video. It is a good idea to name the folder where your video will be saved.
Edit or Burn Footage
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Edit your footage using the camcorder video editing software. After opening the software, it will prompt you to create and name a new project. Upload your video clips into the new project and click and drag them into the timeline.
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Change the duration of the video clips in the timeline by clicking their edges and dragging them to the left or right. Most camcorder video editing software also has a split-clip function that allows you to divide clips with a razor blade tool.
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Add video effects and transitions to your timeline footage. After you have adjusted the clips, you can add effects such as making the footage black and white, and transitions like a dissolve or circle wipe, to make your movie look more professional.
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Adjust your audio by changing the volume or fading it up or down. Audio adjustment is different depending on the brand of camcorder software.
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Transfer the movie to DVD, CD or to the Internet. Most video editing software allows you to export your movie to a number of formats. Open File and look for Export or Save Movie and the software will guide you through the process.
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If you don't want to do any editing, follow the software instructions to burn the footage straight to DVD as it is capturing.
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Tips & Warnings
Software that comes with your camcorder will only have the basic video editing functions. Once you feel comfortable with the video editing process and want to make more complicated movies, purchasing one of the consumer video editing software applications will offer you more flexibility.
One of the most difficult parts of uploading video from a camcorder is making sure you know what folder on your computer contains the footage. During the upload process, create a unique folder and name the footage so you can find it again for editing.
