How to Convert Digital Video to MPEG

by Daniel Ketchum
You can reduce the size of a video by converting it to MPEG format.

You can reduce the size of a video by converting it to MPEG format.

Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images

If you have a digital video camera, you may occasionally need to convert your footage to another format such as MPEG. This will reduce the size of the file and allow you to share it with others. One way to do this is to use a video editing program such as Adobe Premiere Pro that can capture and convert digital video. Similar applications can be purchased from software publishers such as Avid and Ulead.

Step 1

Plug in your camcorder, connect it to your computer and turn it on.

Step 2

Run Adobe Premiere. Select the format you want to use for the editing process in the dialog box that opens. This is not the format you will use for conversion but should be set to the size and resolution output by your camcorder.

Step 3

Click "File" on the program toolbar and select "Capture." In the box that opens, use the controls to play the video, then click "Record" to save the sections you want to the Bin.

Step 4

Drag the video to the timeline and use the editing tools in the usual manner. Go to "File," "Export" and click "Movie."

Step 5

Click "Settings" in the next window. Under the General tab, change the file type to "QuickTime." Under the Video tab, change the compressor to "MPEG-4." Click "OK." Name your file and save it.

About the Author

Daniel Ketchum holds a Bachelor of Arts from East Carolina University where he also attended graduate school. Later, he taught history and humanities. Ketchum is experienced in 2D and 3D graphic programs, including Photoshop, Poser and Hexagon and primarily writes on these topics. He is a contributor to sites like Renderosity and Animotions.

Photo Credits

  • Ryan McVay/Photodisc/Getty Images