Today we would like to talk about the easiest way for saving large video files created with a camcorder. When you have a camcorder, you can record a lot of video footage, but what do you do with the huge video file once you've done shooting? How do you properly save and send large video files you've shot with your camcorder?
Proper Way for Archiving Large Video Files
For archiving your camcorder-created large video files, follow these steps:
Step 1: Transfer big video files to a computer
It is a smart idea to transfer big video files to your computer’s hard drive as soon as you can. But first, check that you have enough free space on the drive. The easiest way to transfer large files from a camcorder to a computer is to connect them with a USB cable and use the software that came with your camcorder.
Remember that your computer is not the best final place for keeping large video files. Getting video onto your computer allows you to make edits or transfer the large video files to another storage format.
Step 2: Create a DVD backup, or transfer the large video files to an external hard drive or another computer
The best and least expensive way to archive your video files is to burn a DVD disk. You can get a standalone DVD burner that connects directly to a camcorder for saving footage to a disk. Or you can use the DVD burner on your computer. The software that came with your camcorder should include an option for disk burning.
Useful tip: Do not write anything on the disk itself! Put a disk in a labeled case and store it in a cool, dry and dark spot.
Another good way for archiving your video files is to save them to an external hard drive. To transfer big files to an external hard drive, just connect the hard drive to your computer with a USB and copy folders. Try to buy the highest capacity hard drive you can because no matter how large a drive you get, you'll eventually fill it.
You can also send large files online to another computer, or to your friends, using FileWhopper. It is safe and fast, and is a good alternative to an external drive or a DVD disk if you don't have it close.
Step 3: Keep track of memory formats and transfer files to newer ones
Digital memory formats become extinct as fast as new ones appear. As you see storage media evolving, try to transfer big files from the older formats to newer ones. This will allow you to save your video files onto your new computer and export them onto new storage media as needed. There is nothing worse than having a bunch of cherished family videos stored on media that can no longer be read by any device you own. There will probably be services where a third party will help transfer files from older media formats to newer ones, just like today we can get tape-based videos burnt onto DVDs, but such services can be pricey.
Step 4: Ensure your software can replay your video codecs
Keep track of new video codecs. All large digital videos are encoded into a special file format, for example, AVCHD, H.264 or MPEG-2. This is sort of like the digital video language. For viewing video, there is a special software that translates these codecs into the video you can see.
Video codecs and “translation” software change over time. You need to keep track of new codecs and be sure that they are supported by any new software or device you purchase.
How to Get Information About Your Video Codec
First, you can check the software manual. Another way is to look at the file name of your digital video. The extension that goes after the dot tells you the file format, like .mov, .avi, .vob and others. This file extension will indicate the type of codec you have.
Always Look for New Stuff
For proper archiving of your large videos, it is important to always be curious about new devices and technologies that get released and new information that comes out. You should be able to save your digital videos for generations as long as you keep track of the new storage formats and codecs that appear.
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