CheapBastid

I'm on a Windows based PC with a MiniDV camera and I'd like to convert some of the stuff on tape to clips on the computer.

My initial experimentation has been with Windows Movie Maker, but it kinda sucks. I'd like to be able to do some de-interlacing, noise reduction, cropping, and fade in and out from black. I tried monkeying with VirtualDub, but it seems not to be able to capture directly from the camera.

Any suggestions on freeware and/or workflow processing that will give me the best quality files?

Thanks!