[Bubba]

Hey. Just gained access to a pro quality camcorder, albeit low end pro quality lol, and need some software and computer advise. The camcorder is a Canon XH-A1 (http://shop4.frys.com/product/5049425#detailed ). I have access to Pinnacle 10.6, but I need to download a special installer to get it to work on Vista. Also, it doesn't seem to make HDD dvd's so if that is the case, it doesn't seem to be an option. I looked at the Pinnacle 12 version, and it goes for about 129 or so and it DOES make HD DVD's. I was concerned however about the hardware specs for the Pinnacle Ver12.

It shows in the specs that the minimum required processor is a quad core 2.66MHz. While I DO have a q9450, which is quad core and runs at 2.66 MHz, it have been my past experience that if you just meet the minimum requirements, the program runs slow than a dog trying to pass a peach pit. Any thoughts on either a decent vid editing package or the hardware thing?

[serverguy]

First off, you computer will definitely be able to run Pinnacle, they only suggest the quad core bit because rendering super high quality video like that camera produces takes a lot of grunt. But trust me your computer will not have any trouble. If you want it to process it faster, then overclock it!

Secondly, that camera is seriously uber cool! I would love to get my hands on one of them.

Thirdly, Pinnacle is pretty good, but it depends what you want to do. Like it's quite advanced and does some nice effects, but then you could also pay 1000$ odd bucks for Adobe Premier Pro or Sony Vegas.

Personally I use Premier Pro, but only because I was able to get a license for free through work.

[Bubba]

Thanks Serverdude. Yeah it seems to be a sweet camera. I got it from a church (one I don't even go to lol) and am stuck operating it and editing. There is more than that, but those are the basics. Used it for the first time last night on stupid settings, but I really am commited to learn how it works and put it through the paces. Same with the software. I'd like to get the Adode, but I just can't justify the cost right now lol. Besides, by the time I learn the camera and the software, the Adode would be obsolete.

So you know about video editing too? Cool. I'll be sweating the hell out of you for info in the coming weeks lol. I STILL need the network help, but this has taken a priority. The network is for me, but I promised my buddy (he's the preacher) that I would help him out on this. I can let myself down lol, but not a buddy. Besides, as the operator, I get to hold on to the camera and I can use it when I want. FIRST though I have to learn how to use it and the software........

Thanks bro.

[mctw]

i agree with serverguy, premiere pro is really good. but pinnacle (i think i have 11) is pretty decent, and doesnt require a massive spec to run. i run it on a pentium D (slightly outdated there) at 3.4, with a reasonable graphics card, n it pootles along happily
theres some okay opensource or freeware stuff out there too though, might be worth downloading a package and seeing what its like, from what i found though, its not the most user friendly stuff in the world!!

MCTW

[Bubba]

Thanks for the advise, I just did it. Now tell me THIS isn't crazy. There is a chain that recently opened near my house called Fry's Electronics. They also sell online. The Pinnacle from them on line is $99.99 (US) with a $30.00 mail in rebate for a total of $69.99. At the store the program is $129.99. They also have what they call instore pick-up rather than having it mailed So.............

Since I want it NOW lol I had to order it online. I will now drive to the store where they will take the same copy off the shelf that they would sell me for $129.99 and I will walk out of the store with it in my fat greedy little hand for 69.99. But if I went into the store and said I saw it online for that price on THEIR website lol, they STILL couldn't sell it to me for that and would charge me 129. Makes sense doesn't it. Think maybe Fry's is being run by the Gov't with that level of stupidity?