Windows Video Software

In order to share your videos with others on the Internet you'll have to transfer them from your camera to your computer, then save them in a format that most people can use. Typically about anyone that has a windows computer can view .wmv files, so that's the file format I would recommend. If you're using Microsoft XP for your computer operating system there is a very simple to use and "FREE" program that is available from Microsoft called Microsoft Movie Maker. It saves files in the .wmv format which almost anyone can see if they have Microsoft Media Player and has the ability to slow the video down to analyze launch video and other fast moving events. If you want to get fancy, you can add music, different effects, etc.

Free - Download Movie Maker for Windows XP

Other software that comes highly recommended for racing video editing is Pinnacle Studio which sells for around $99 to $130 depending on options, etc. One of the nice features of Pinnacle Studio is that you can export frame-by-frame images. This is very useful when combined with a slide show viewer.

Here's an example of how Scott Smith uses this in his web gallery using video stills exported from Pinnacle Studio

Scott's Slow Motion Slide Show

Posting your video

Once you have your video in .wmv format you'll want to upload the file to a website so your friends can download it. Don't email the video to your friends unless you know for sure they have a high speed connection to the Internet. If they are on a dialup service they won't appreciate having to download a large video over the phone line! It's a lot better to share if you host it on a video server, and you can post a link to download it on your favorite message board. If you have your own website, then you can also upload the file to your server. Be forewarned though, typically videos use up a lot of bandwidth and could make your site go over it's bandwidth allocation quickly.

Some of the best places to use that will host your video for free are;

Putfile (max 10mb)
Google Video
Streetfire (Automotive Only)

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More articles about video
Using Video to Help Diagnose your Launch
Choosing a Video Camera