Is there a way to record to a file as video is recorded, instead of playing back previously recorded video from a tape? There are two ways, some video editors, like iMovie, let you dump live footage straight on to the computer. There are also some free/shareware products that specialize in live capture straight to the the hard drive.
If you want to do this professionally, the next best thing is to hook the camcorder to a converter or VTR and then connect that to a computer that is running Avid or Final Cut Studio. Hook up data recorder machine through firewire. Search for datavideo product. | 