Sony DVD HandyCam-How to Edit?

I've been shooting video of my crew recently with a Sony HandyCam that records straight to mini DVD. Does anybody have any advice on what is the best way to transfer the video to my computer and edit the video? I've done some research on this and it seems that there is no straightforward way of doing it. Do I need to buy editing software? If so, what is recommended? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on some exotic software package. I just want to be able to do the basic stuff like splice sections together, add music, etc.

Found A pretty good answer for you.

...((Ok so you have this DVD and don't have a DV tape. There are two ways to go (1) convert it to DV format using any of several external boxes that will do this. The easiest is a DV camera with a "pass through" feature. This works really well. Even a used eBay DV camera with a broken tape transport will do this job well. (2) "rip" the DV using software like "handbrake" and just save it in a format the Quicktime can deal with.)).....



As far as editing software...for simple stuff like that Windows movie maker (if you are on a PC) or Imovie (if you are on a mac) will do fine. Both of those come free with their respective operating systems. Windows or Leopard.

(Message edited by kc700 on October 07, 2008)

(Message edited by kc700 on October 07, 2008)

You are going to need an NLE editing program that can edit mpeg2 files insert your mini dvd in pc right click on the dvd icon in my computer click on explore then click on on the files on dvd and drag the files to your desktop put them in a folder that you know its location ,Then you can import them to your editing software this link can lead you to some tools& editing programs also answer your questions www.videohelp.com/ .Or down load a free trial or buy sony vegas editng program it can edit the mpeg2 files good luck

Thanks for the advice guys. I will definitely check out those options. The camera seems to shoot great video I just need to be able to work with it.