We've got a Sony HC42 mini DV camcorder. I figured out the USB streaming video capture, but I'm a little unhappy with the quality off the tape. What'* the best way to get video off the tape to my computer. Would it be better to use the memory stick? If I try the "View video and pictures" option through the supplied software, it doesn't find the camera, but USB streaming finds it just fine.

Oh, USB capture makes AVI files. 1 minute of video is approaching 500 mb for not so great quality.

A few years back, I bought a video capture card for transferring VHS home videos to DVD. It'* done a decent job. It'* a Dazzle Video Capture card. This is their current version for digital video.
http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSit...le/DV+Clip.htm

Any advice without buying something extra? How does everybody get decent video onto their computers?

I know you guys get your vids onto your computer one way or another... please share.

If you have the avi on the computer, it needs to be encoded to the correct codec. This is a very inefficient way to do video. You should record the video on the memory stick. Go to www.videohelp.com. There are alot of free encoders on that site. Go to the "how to convert" section.

OK, your camcorder records in mpeg format on the memory stick. Do you have the i-Link cable (and firewire port on pc/laptop)

No firewire.