Converting Nikon video files to Proper Readable AVI

[Bugdozer]

I am trying to use Astrosurface to stack images from video files taken with my Nikon DSLR. The computer seems to think they're already AVI files and will play them without problems, but Astrosurface throws a tantrum and says they're not recognised. Can anyone advise me how to convert to a file type Astrosurface will accept?

[Mandy D]

@Bugdozer I use VideoPad. It is an excellent full-featured video editing programme that will do everything you would ever need. Nikon DSLRs produce MOV files, which your computer is capable of decoding. It knows the file type, it's just that you don't. You need to turn on visibility of file extensions in Windoze. VideoPad can be used for free, but to get the full features you have to buy a licence. I cannot remember if it allows conversion from one file type to another in the free version, but if not there are plenty that will. I think it's about $80 for the full version. I found it a very reasonable price for what I was looking for.

[Elp]

Handbrake might do it too, and it's free. More serious software like Davinci Resolve or Adobe Premier should definitely do it, but Apples Quicktime .mov format is a funny thing, many softwares don't have the codecs to interpret or convert them as standard as it's quite niche and data bandwidth heavy but usually better quality as a result (and likely also because of licensing), MPEG/MPG was more popular after AVI.

Edited October 4, 2023 by Elp

[John_D]

VLC is a popular open source option that I've used in the past. It's not always the most user friendly but there are plenty of resources online.

[Bugdozer]

10 hours ago, Elp said:

Handbrake might do it too, and it's free. More serious software like Davinci Resolve or Adobe Premier should definitely do it, but Apples Quicktime .mov format is a funny thing, many softwares don't have the codecs to interpret or convert them as standard as it's quite niche and data bandwidth heavy but usually better quality as a result (and likely also because of licensing), MPEG/MPG was more popular after AVI.

Apparently Handbrake does not

[Bugdozer]

OK I have solved the problem. I can use PIPP to convert the file into one which Astrosurface can read, with the added bonus that PIPP also crops in the image and stabilises it.