Taking it Digital: Video Capture Devices

Larry Lemm
May 2001

If you've got a computer and you've got a camcorder, and want to connect the two together, you need a video capture or digitizing card. Some computers, like the new Apples, come with a built-in video capture device in the form of a FireWire port. But if you've got a computer, or are planning to get a computer and want to make it jibe with your camcorder, video capture and digitizing cards are the devices you're going to need to get started.

If you have a Mini DV or Digital8 camcorder, you're going to want to get a FireWire (also referred to as i.LINK and IEEE 1394) card. These devices are easy to install. If you have an analog camcorder (like any from the 8mm or VHS families), you're going to need an analog digitizing card. These are a little trickier to install (see the Proceed With Caution sidebar). If you have some analog video and some digital video, you may want to consider a card that has both kinds of inputs (or you could use an analog-to-digital converter or record analog footage to DV tape for transferring). Lastly, if you don't really plan to edit your video, but want only low-res video to put on the Web, you can get by with an inexpensive external device. Let's take a look at what's out there.

When you compare different cards, you'll notice that a few things separate them. First and foremost is whether the card captures full-frame full-motion video or not. If your card won't capture full-frame full-motion video, it will not deliver even VHS-quality video. If you're just looking to put some low-res video on the Web, however, one of these less-than-full-frame, full-motion capture devices might be the compromise your budget demands.

Next consider the types of inputs and outputs. Obviously, if you're using Hi8 with S-video outputs, you're looking for a card that has S-video, and if you're using a camcorder with IEEE 1394, you should look for FireWire in/output.

Then you need to consider the maximum resolution of the card. You'll notice that analog-only cards tend to max out at 640x480, while the DV-capable cards usually go to 720x480. You'll find most of the external capture devices limit themselves to 320x240, or half-screen.

There are still a lot of options available for the analog videographer. If you're a Mac user you should take a look at the Aurora Video System Fuse001 capture card. It lists for $499 and offers S-video and composite inputs. It runs on a G3 with 128MB of RAM.

If you've got a Mac and want a component input, you can get the Aurora Igniter101. It lists for $3,099 and requires a G3 with 128MB of RAM.

If you're running a Windows box you have more options. You could get something as simple as a $99 Pinnacle DC10plus. It has S-video and composite video inputs and also includes Pinnacle Studio software.

If you're really serious about your video editing, you should take a hard look at the NewTek Video Toaster for Windows. This $2,995 card doesn't compress the video, which improves the quality. It requires an NT or Windows 2000 box with a Pentium III 450MHz with 256MB of RAM and some substantial hard drives. It also includes in:sync Speed Razor SE editing software. This is a more serious capture card for people expecting to get higher-quality results.

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