Transcoding to the right format & codec

[serlex]

Hi everyone! I have the folloowing problem and not much idea about recoding and I'd need some help before jumping onto the tutorial:

I have a digital camera (Canon Ixus 60) which I use to record some nice videos. The thing is that a 7min long clip is about 800MB in size (res. 640x480/30fps) I dont really know about this stuff but I find that... outrageous-

So I was thinking about transcoding my vids but there are some thing I'd like to know first:

1) Which codec should I transcode it to? Divx, Xvid, h.264...? I dont really know their benefits/flaws.

I can only say that my intention is to keep the same resolution & framerate, but reduce the clips' size as much as possible without noticeable quality loss (sounds like wonder! :p)

I'd also like to recode the audio stream and make it stereo (by putting the same stream in both channels I guess... if there is a point in doing so... I accept suggestions)

2) My second problem is that, once chosen a codec, I have no idea of which program to use for the recoding/transcoding.

The source's codecs are motion jpeg for video and PCM Audio 11024Hz 88 kb/s (1 chnl)

TVM for your help!

[Awatef]

The smallest size you'll achieve with H.264, that's for sure. Downside, you can't play it on any SAP known to me.

DivX and XviD, if encoded with Home Theater Profile, will deliver video playable by any certified SAP. They are not as efficient as H.264 though (about 30% higher size for same quality). XviD tends to be a little more efficient than DivX though, but DivX is easier to use.

Anyway, with DivX, you can compress your 7 minutes to about 70MB without bigger flaws.
You can use VirtualDub to compress your video.

For the audio, I wouldn't change to Stereo unless your SAP sends mono signals to the center speaker only (in case you have a 5.1 speaker system). Else, you're better off keeping it mono, saves you some work :)

[serlex]

Sorry fot the delay and TVM for your answer! I'll stick with Xvid and Virtual dubs (Ill try the Home Thetre profile...)

Now I have another question: If I were to upload the vids to Youtube, which would be the recommende compresionsettings to do so?!