I am lost here in the video stuff

[4 inch pistons]

It seems every time I record video, I plug the SD card in and cannot figure out how to bring it up or open the file. Then today I read about external hard drives because of the large file content. I use a Mac mini and trying to figure out how to enjoy all of the video I am shooting.

What and how much of it am I doing wrong? Should I get another hard drive and which one?

 

[mavic3usa]

To start with, if you are using a Mac, I highly encourage you to use this software to play your videos:

Official Download of VLC media player for Mac OS X - VideoLAN

www.videolan.org

 

[Jim Martin]

You aren't necessarily doing anything wrong.
I would suggest getting an external hard drive. Something like this should work fine: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BN4B4L54 Then move your video files from the SD Card to the external drive.

You should also consider some type of cloud backup so that your videos are protected if something goes wrong.

 

[JoelP]

An external drive is a much better way to go. I have 3 and 4TB SSDs for my still images. A 2TB drive will fill up quickly if you really start to shoot more video. It isn’t that much more costly to go to 8TB. I have been happy with this one:

Western Digital 10TB WD Red Plus NAS Internal Hard Drive HDD - 7200 RPM, SATA 6 Gb/s, CMR, 256 MB Cache, 3.5" - WD101EFBX
Amazon.com

 

[Cafguy]

I too use VLC media player on my MAC . if it is what you are asking :
You remove the SD card from the drone and insert into your computer then use finder to look at the card. copy the files from the SD to your mac and enjoy!
if you have a specific problem with it let us know!

 

[4 inch pistons]

Thanks guys. You have been a great help. I will post more later when I get going.

 

[MavicAir2Marc]

On a Mac, I use quick time player, although I've never had an issue of highlighting the file and pressing the spacebar. The video will play in the finder. But as mentioned before, if you plan on doing a lot of video, extra storage space is a must. I have a Western Digital 10TB (Which I think I got for under $200 at the time) and a 8 TB NAS just so I have a backup. Overkill probably but I got the NAS from a friend that was no longer using it so it was free. IF you plan on editing Da Vinci Resolve will do anything you would ever need to do (and it's free). Steeper learning curve than others but it will do anything you need.

 

[Cafguy]

Steeper learning curve than others but it will do anything you need.

I like the fact that there are tons of useful video tutorials on YouTube for Davinci so you can just go watch the ones that apply at a certain time.

 

[4 inch pistons]

After a moderately expensive trip to Best Buy I am on the right track.

 

[Cymruflyer]

If you are new to editing, do yourself a favour and buy the speed editor from DaVinci and use that. Go on their website and search for videos about editing with the speed editor, you will be amazed at how much easier it will be. External HD units are no sooo cheap, compared to just a few years ago. Just go with something like a 4TB or higher, depending on your available budget.

Decide how you want to divide up your files, either by month or subject etc. and store them in folders. That way it is easier to find in the future, when you go back to look for something. Stick with well known brands like Western Digital etc. when buying an External HD and buy an SSD type, it is quicker to use and less likely to fail on you.

I have had several Hard Drives fail on me and I lost all data from SEAGATE, so I would suggest to never buy their products.

 

[MS Coast]

To start with, if you are using a Mac, I highly encourage you to use this software to play your videos:

Official Download of VLC media player for Mac OS X - VideoLAN

www.videolan.org

VLC works very well on PCs, too.

 

[Sky Wombat]

Oh well my two cents worth.
Open Photos. Under 'File" select 'Import'.
In the window, and from the left column) locate your drone. Then open folder DCIM & you'll see the individual movie clips. Select the one's you want and hit the 'review for import'.
That will bring the movies into Photos BUT STRONGLY recommend using an external storage device because the movies will quickly fill up space.
AND get the VLC media player as it's a great bit of kit.
Good luck.

 

[SpitFire]

Greetings From Chicago the Windy City. welcome to the forum.
FLY SAFE & FLY SMART