Create video files from Camcorder recorded information

[question1]

I recently purchased a Camcorder. I was wondering how I could convert the recorded footage into a format that I could use on my PC. What kind of software packages are good when it comes to working with video and creating the types of files????

[Speak2Jim]

I have a little piece of hardware called a "Snappy" that does a pretty good job of converting video tape to .avi files. It also captures single frames in .jpg It cost about $250

[hiredgoonz]

Unless it's a digital camcorder with a firewire output, you'll need a video capture card...there are many available...one I hear is very good is the winnov videum, it's less than $200 and captures avi from your camcorder...

with any capture device, the quality of the capture and the capture size are dependent on the power of your computer...when comparing them, I would look at the max capture size in pixels, try for at least 640x480 for good quality, but you'll need at least a fast P2 to capture at that size...