Knowing how to capture a movie with MovieMaker or iMovie can come in handy. The term “capture” refers to the transfer of analog video from DV cameras or VHS players. During this process the analog video is imported and converted into a digital file. This digital copy can then be edited, transferred to CD or DVD, uploaded to the internet, or reproduced on your computer. Most of the recent cameras allow you to pass the footage on a computer without having to install special video cards. In this article, you will learn how to capture video from a camcorder using a FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable with Windows MovieMaker and Apple iMovie. You will also learn how to use a DV camera to capture video from another analog camera, for example a VCR.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Capture a video with MovieMaker
Step 1. Connect the camera to the PC
Find the FireWire port, also called IEEE 1394, on the camera and insert the cable. Connect the other end to a USB port on your computer.
Step 2. Set the camera to VCR mode
Click on Import Video in the window that will automatically open once the camera is connected.
Step 3. Name your video and choose where to save it
Step 4. Choose a video format from those available and click Next
Step 5. Import the movie
Click on "import entire movie" and select next. The menu will show the progress bar and will notify you of the completion of the operation with a message. A digital copy of the movie will be saved in the folder you specify.
Method 2 of 3: Convert a movie from analog to digital with MovieMaker
Step 1. Set your camera to pass-through mode to enable analog to digital conversion
Step 2. Connect the analog device to the digital camera using a composite or S-video cable
Step 3. Import the analog video to your computer
The camera will convert the tape from the connected device into a digital video that can be imported to your computer with the Windows MovieMaker recording function.
- Set the camera to VCR / VST mode.
- Click "Import Video" in the window that will automatically open.
- Choose a name for the file.
- Choose a format for the video.
- Choose a folder for saving.
- Click on "Import All" and go ahead. Once the conversion is finished, a copy of the converted analog video will be saved in the folder you specify.
Method 3 of 3: Convert a movie from analog to digital with iMovie
Step 1. Set the camera to VCR / VST mode and connect it to the computer with a FireWire cable
The import window will open automatically.
Step 2. Convert the file
Click on import, making sure you have selected the "automatic" option on the left side of the screen. Set a path for saving the file. Choose a name and click ok. The analog to digital conversion is complete.
