There are many editing software packages we carry. Pinnacle makes a great system with capture hardware included. Adobe makes some of the best editing software available. I use Premiere Pro 2.0. I would suggest you try Premiere Elements 4. It is simpler to use and very affordable for first time editors.

When it comes to action shots the best thing to be is in manual mode with a FAST shutter speed. This will FREEZE the action. To achieve this, the camera should first be set to a HIGH ISO (Film Speed) of 800-1600 making the sensor more light sensitive. This can be found either in the menu settings or a special button on the camera. Next the shutter speed should be at 150 or more (the higher the better). This is what Freezes the action in place. Now looking through the viewfinder there is a meter at the bottom of the viewfinder. Looks like a -2....0....2+ with a little triangle below it. By adjusting your Aperture ( how much light is let in) setting the triangle will go up and down the scale. Try to get it as close to the middle mark as you can and shoot. Games are FAST paced so don’t be disappointed if many shots don’t turn out. The ones you get will be VERY cool and worth the missed shots. Try zooming in and panning (following one player as a target) this is GREAT with action shooting because it blurs the background while keeping the player frozen. Good luck.

It is best to use the Manual Mode for “Portrait” type photos. The portrait setting in the camera is just a quick mode with pre-set adjustments. You will want to make your own adjustments as you go. 1) The backdrop should not be too colorful or too busy as this could be distractive in the photo. Muted colors are best. 2) Set your subject about 5-6 feet away from the backdrop. 3) Camera Settings: ISO 200 (Film Speed), Aperture between 9 to 11 (When using a Flash) between 3.5 – 7.1 no flash (This will give you that “Blurry Background look), Put the Camera on a Trypod, Shutter Speed 60 to 90 (Flash). When using NO flash, watch the Meter inside your viewfinder and adjust the shutter speed until it is centered. These are the Basic Setting. Try experimenting from here and have fun.

The Camcorder itself is basically the same. The difference is the recording format. The MiniDv is a small cassette that only records 60(Sp) or 90(Lp) minuets of video. A DvD Camcorder is basically the same but records to a DvD giving you MUCH longer record time and once finalized most will play back on regular DvD players. You can edit your footage from a MiniDv with software and a cable ( some use iLink, Firewire or USB 2.0) Dvd Camcorders are a little trickier to edit with. MiniDV tapes can be erased and used over again. DvD’s once finalized cannot be erased.