Some Questions

[matt2006]

Im new to camcorders and filming etc. I have a few questions regarding what you use to film your movies? If anyone could help i would really appreciate it.

1) What software/Program do you use to edit your movie, and merge the defferent scenes together. And what requirements do you need to do so? (I have Windows XP)

2) What does '8mm' mean and 'mini DV' and what's the difference?

3) Can anyone reccomend a good camera that can be used indoor and out for up to £500 UK?

4) With the microphones used... How do you conjoin it to you film on the computer?

[ReelSplatter]

I have been using Adobe Premeire to edit. My computer can't run anything better, and it does everything I need it to do. Hell, You can use Windows Movie Maker if you absolutly need to, do whatever it it takes to edit it. Hook up 2 VCRs and edit that way i it comes down to it!

8mm is a type of film. You can buy 8mm cameras or Hi8 as I beleive they're called, they work the same as miniDV but I have personally never used them before. MiniDv on the other han I have. MiniDV is is a type of camera that uses DV film. The little tapes you see at the the store. DV is much cheaper than actual film and requires no processing. MiniDv is the camera of choice for no-budget filmmaking. If you have the cash, a Cannon GL2 (a pro DV camera) will run you over $1000. MiniDV can be purchased for as little as $400 now. If you have the extra cash and are looking at mini DV, be sure to find a 3CCD camera. A 3 chip camera will capture light and color better and provide a picture uality 100 times better than a regualr camcorder.
As for mics, are you trying to dub or voice over with the computer? If that's the case they sell connecters for most mics so they can be hooked into the computer.

Here is a good overview of DV cameras and prices that may help you:

scottspears.net/buying1stcamera.htm

Hope this helps!