What sort of camcorder do I need?

Landro offers several different options for shooting your session video and getting it into Landro.

Digital capture cameras

Landro is compatible with several video camcorders that capture your session as a digital file. Simply connect your computer to the camera via a USB cable and import the recording(s) you want. (Note: this requires Landro version 1.3 from October 5, 2009 or later.)

Flip Ultra HD (best value)
Flip Mino HD
Flip Ultra (120-minute version, second generation)

Earlier versions of Flip camcorders are not compatible with Landro.

Landro capture box

Landro is able to capture standard-definition video (legacy "composite" video) using a capture box. This product (sold as the "Pinnacle Video Transfer" device by Pinnacle Systems) is compatible with any camera or video source that produces composite or S-Video signals according to the "NTSC" standard used in the USA. For more information on the capture box, see our reference page.

Note: as of October 2009, we have learned that Pinnacle Systems has discontinued the manufacture of the capture box. You may find it difficult to obtain further units.

Mini-DV camcorders

Landro Education Editon (but not Student Edition) is able to record video in real time (that is, while the session is occurring) using a Mini-DV camcorder connected to your computer using a FireWire (IEEE-1394) connection.

Mini-DV camcorders record onto a small tape but use a good quality standard-definition digital signal. You can usually find these camcorders for $300 or less (although there are higher-end, more expensive models as well). These cameras require the FireWire connector, not USB; FireWire connectors are found on some laptop computers but few desktop computers. Most computers are able to accept a FireWire "card" to provide this connection if it is not present.

 
Return to Frequently Asked Questions