I made a video today with my camera, and it is a 18 megabyte file. Anybody know how I can compress it without purchasing any software?

What format is it currently in? I sometimes have videos recorded in AVI format and then convert them to MPEG to make them smaller. I use Linux for this. If you want the steps, let me know and I'll go find them. I don't do it too often.

Yeah, it's in AVI. Though, i use Windows. do I have to switch OS's?
If I don't, I'd love the info.

You could try Windows Movie Maker (free download). Import the video and save it as a new file. It lets you choose the resulting file size (and adjusts quality accordingly).

I have windows movie maker( I guess it came with comp)

When I try to save it, though, my only choice is file type MSWMM, Windows Movie Maker file. Do you need to own windows movie maker to play such a movie? Or can I save it another way somehow.

Ahh, nvm! Just realized I have ArcSoft Video Impression. It works

I have to post this as an afterthought, get TMPGEnc (Tsunami MPEG Encoder)
It gives you more compression options than almost ANYTHING else. And best of all, it's FREE!!! (and there was much rejoicing)

Fox

How do I make a video file smaller using that tsunami? I just tried it but I didn't find a way to make it smaller. I've let it use standard options and it increased my test video from 11 to 21 megabytes!

About Windows Movie Maker: Don't save the whole WMM *project*, just save the *video*. I sadly have the German version but your menu should show something like "3. Finish the movie" -> "Save on computer". Or something like "Save movie file" in the "File" menu right under the "Save project" options you chose. Or press CTRL-P.

on TMPGEnc play with the bitrate when you click settings. Also, there are tutorials out there on how to make a ripped DVD fit onto a CD using TMPG. Just Google 'em.

Fox

I really need the steps. I use linux and have no good way of converting massive AVI files to mpeg or divx avi.

Do ou use mencoder? I don't really like it.