Kodak zi8 and MOV. files

by **KarenK** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 7:58 pm

Hi,
I am a complete newbie and am having problems trying to make videos. I have a Kodak zi8 which I bought because it can use an external mic. I have a PC and originally planned to use Windows MovieMaker to edit. (I am making how-to videos on arts) However the Kodak zi8 makes videos in the MOV. file format which is apparently incompatible with MovieMaker.

I bought Premiere elements but I don't know which media setting to choose to get started. None of them seem to me to be the one for this camera/format.
Does Premiere work on MOV.'s?
Do I somehow have to convert the files into something else? If so, how?
What setting do I choose when setting up my project?
Do I use the "720" even though my camera is not a DSLR?

I hope someone can help because this is how I feel! :pull:

Thanks,
Karen K

by **Chuck Engels** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:21 pm

Hi Karen,
Welcome to Muvipix :wcm:

You've definitely come to the right place.

Premiere Elements will work just fine with MOV files. Do you know what the resolution of your video is from the Kodak camera?
Is it high definition or standard?

If you could give us a little info that would help us to provide answers to your questions.

by **Chuck Engels** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 8:30 pm

I see online that the camera can record 1080p high definition video, is that what you are recording at?
Capture modes

1080p (1920 Ã— 1080, 30 fps)
720p/60 fps (1280 Ã— 720, 60 fps)
720p (1280 Ã— 720, 30 fps)
WVGA (848 Ã— 480, 30 fps)
Still (5.3 MP, 16:9 widescreen, interpolated)

If so then there is only one possible option for you;
1. (the same preset that I use with my GE camera that is very similar to the Kodak and records also in 1080p HD MOV files) This one works best for me: DSLR 1080p 30
This is the only 1080p option and if you use any other preset Premiere Elements will tell you that you used the wrong one.

Hope this helps

by **KarenK** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:29 pm

Hello Chuck,
Thank for the quick response and help. Just as I pulled out my instruction book to look up the information, you already had it up!

I am shooting so far in the mode 720p , which is described in the instructions as "Best for viewing on a computer, sharing on YouTube and Facebook". (Not the one called "720/60fps").

I choose this mode as I am going to be making videos to post on YouTube and on my own site (when I get it up!). Also I want to provide a way that my students can access other videos, maybe through Amazons3. I don't know yet, it is all so new to me--but exciting!

Hope this helps you help me. :-D

Again thanks for your timely help and expertise.

Karen K

by **Chuck Engels** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 9:53 pm

You will be able to learn as much as you want to here Karen, there are lots of people here that just love to help

Then you must be using the 720p 30 frames per second option.

To start with try the AVCHD / AVCHD Lite 720p 30 Preset.
When you add your video to the project Premiere Elements might say that the preset is wrong for your media.
Don't let it change the preset for you as this can cause some serious errors. Just don't let the program change the preset, you should still be fine. There is one other preset that you can try if this one doesn't work out.

Next would be the DSLR / 720p / DSLR 720p60
Although this is for video shot at 60 frames per second it will still work for video shot at 30 frames per second, I have used this setting for that format myself.

Be sure to watch the Free Premiere Elements Basic Training Tutorials

http://muvipix.com/products.php?subcat_id=44

There are lots of other free tutorials as well, and some free motion backgrounds and DVD templates also.
The motion backgrounds might be something you will need to add to your videos.

Just keep coming back with any questions, someone is almost always around to give you answers

by **KarenK** » Sat Jun 25, 2011 10:29 pm

Thanks Chuck,
I will try those settings and see what happens. Will check out the tutorials first though. I have the book Steve wrote on Premiere Elements 9 and it seems excellent and easy to understand. Of course, reading is not the same as doing, and I am keen to get started. One reason I was so concerned about this question is that Steve indicates in the book how important it is to set up the project correctly from the beginning.

I originally had a Flip Ultra which I bought because it is supported in the book and easy to choose the correct format. However my videos will be with me in front of the camera and too far from the built-in mic of the Flip. So I got the only inexpensive camera that I could find that allows for an external mic.

Really appreciate the help and hope that as I learn I can reciprocate!! :TU: