.Mov vs Avi vs MPeg4

15 years ago

What is the preferred file format for recording movies from a digital camera to be played back on a computer, uploaded to fb etc.?

My cameras have always been Canon, but lately they have switched to .mov, which I believe has limitations. I know I can either download a program to convert (I prefer to not have to do that) or I can switch to another camera brand.

So, regarding movie file formats, can anyone tell me which one will not give me a lot of headaches when it comes to sharing...mov, Avi, mpeg?

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Comments (3)

bob414
15 years ago
I don't know the preferred file format but I have no trouble with the .mov files.
I don't know what version of windows you have but I have windows 7 and use windows live movie maker. I think it also works with windows vista. It has to be downloaded. You can get it here.
I right click on .mov files from my canon camera and select open with > windows live movie maker. You can do some editing then export to facebook or youtube direct from the program. You can also save the file in different sizes (for computer, for email, etc.). It saves in .wmv format which will play about anywhere I think.
bob414
15 years ago
I have no idea what happened to the link I posted above but here is the right one.
User
Original Author
15 years ago
thanks bob414,
How stupid of me to not post my computer information. Sorry.
Windows XP, WMP 10, on 2 computers. I'm sure that whenever I get around to updating my software, I won't have these issues.
The good news is, I found out that I could export .mov files into mpeg in the camera software. Now I can play movie clips in my version of Windows Media Player and so I assume I won't have to much trouble sharing.
Thanks.