Panasonic camcorder help?

[slikrx]

I tried to post this in the video forum, but I guess you need to be a mod to do so. So, this is the best I could think of, because I have a video question... :oops:

Anyhow, I have Panasonic SDR-H18 camcorder. It records to an SD card or an HDD. THe software that comes with it will convert the native panasonic file to an Mpeg 2 file.

Is there any wat to convert the video to Mpeg 4 or others? The compression is horrible (3 minutes is over 50 MB)

Is there software that can do this? I don't mind paying ~$150 or so for software, but I just have no clue what/where/how/etc...

Sorry, but I'm new to digital video and I just don't know where else to ask... :(

[Piton]

You say it will convert to MPEG2? MPEG2 is not the best format to edit. If possible, try converting it to .AVI. I'm not familiar with what software you are editing with, or the software provided.

Standard Definition video is always 13gb per hour of footage in .AVI format.

Also try www.dvinfo.net Great site on the forums.

[slikrx]

Yeah, the included software converts the native (.mod?) files to mpeg 2. :badair: I have no choice in the final format. :(

I can do basic editing of the raw data, then convert it.

I did some googling to see if panasonic offered any "upgrade" software (for a price, of course) that would offer some flexibility.

I'll check out that site. THANKS! :)

[BarnOwl]

Did you try Nero 7? It can just about convert anything that comes out of a camcorder. It even does AVCHD files.........

[slikrx]

Well, hanks to Pitom's link I got a better handle on what I was loking fo (actually a beter question/search)

From what I canunderstand, a .mod is actually an mpeg2, just a different extension.

At 2 other sites I went to, people suggested Cyberlink Power director. That has done the trick! I can save as mpg1,2 4 AVI and there is a seperate DivX converter.(and I *think* it does .mov/quicktime as well)

I have yet to read any directions and I've been able to put title screens, animated titles and to use still photos as part of the video.

No, it isn't Premier or anything, but for my VERY "low brow" requirements it seems like it's just the ticket.

It was about $100. I think I may have overpaid for the power I get, but it isn't too bad. :roll: It works for me!

Thanks or the help! :smokin: