Capture high-res webcam or similar to make high-quality DVD?

[jd_hupp]

Anyone have any experience using something like a high-quality, high-resolution webcam as the capture device for Ulead? I can imagine such devices, but don't know if they are being made (and made well).

To say that another way, does someone make something like a high-quality digital video camera, but the only output is a streaming connection to a PC? It would have the same adjustable optics, CCDs, and controls as a digital video camera, but dispense with recording mechanisms for mini-DV tape or DVD.

To say it yet differently, this would be like a super webcam or a stripped-down camcorder.

I think there are a number of applications that could use this: 1) situations where the source is destined only for video editing and then DVD authoring 2) situations where portability is not an issue, where the camera can be tethered to a stationary PC.

[THoff]

You can use many DV camcorders to stream audio and video. They generally send DV data even when not recording to tape.

For instance, with my Panasonic PV-GS400, I can take out the tape (this keeps the camcorder from shutting down in an attempt to prevent tape and head damage), power it using the combination battery charger / AC adapter, and capture DV data for hours on end.

A 3CCD camcorder is probably overkill, but there are plenty of inexpensive single-CCD camcorders available. You could even get a used one with a bad tape transport mechanism or cosmetic damage off eBay.

The downside is that DV produces 25Mbits of data every second. Unless you have a very high-speed internet connection, you can't send that much information during a video conference.

[michaeltee]

I agree, a single chip DV camcorder would be an excellent choice from a quality standpoint. If you're going to consider webcams you'd probably want to look at some of Logitech's high-end units such as QuickCam Pro 5000 or QuickCam Orbit which are both 1.3mp and have decent optics. I've never tried either in VS9 but I don't know of any reason they wouldn't work well as capture sources. That said, I'd play it safe an buy from a seller with an easy return policy such as Staples, Office Depot, etc...

-Mike