
You can record from a video camera directly to DVD using the AV inputs. Most people still have the standard AV cables because that was how they watched the videos directly from their cameras so its not like you would throw those away. If you still have a FireWire cable with your video camera from twenty years ago, you are better off trying to copy those videos directly to a computer and not a DVD/VCR combo. And is that connection important nowadays? While the Samsung has an extra option with a DV IN IEEE 1394 (FireWire/i.LINK). The Panasonic device above will only allow for composite cables for input. That being said, not all devices are equal. Most DVD/VCR hybrid machines have extra AV INPUTS allowing you to plug in RCA cables from another device like a video camera for example. Can You Record To DVD From External Video Cameras? This can be accessed in the menu of the DVD recorder and by doing this also means the DVD cannot be erased by accident. So you have chosen the quality you want, the VHS cassette has finished and you’ve hit stop on the DVD recorder.īefore you can watch the disc on other devices (computers, other DVD players) you need to finalize the disc. Two hours on a 4.5GB DVD disc is safe for good quality. Rule of thumb: The longer the video time recorded onto DVD, the worse the picture quality becomes. LP – long recording mode will give approximately four hours.ĮP – extended long recording mode will be up to eight hours. SP – standard quality mode will generally be two hours in length. XP – high quality mode will usually only be an hour but the picture quality will be great. Most VCRs will have at least several settings for recording quality: When copying a VHS to DVD using this method, pay attention to the quality settings from in the menu. Other brands only allow you to copy using the functions on the remote control.If the DVD recorder has a quick copy function (like the Samsung image above) simply click the copy to DVD button and let the device record.Hit play on the machine to start the VCR.ĭepending on your machine, there are several ways to record:
