Reducing video size?

[james_bondage]

I run a music website. Recently, the wbesite held a small gathering which was all filmed. I'm going to put a few of the clips online, but first I want to make sure that I have the best size, format, and file type for my visitors.

What's the best file type for small, three minute videos that'll be downloaded by impatient music fans? What dimensions should I use? Codecs? Any programs in particular?

Also, I have no idea about codecs and such, so any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks thank thanks.

[soybean]

You might try Windows Movie Maker; it comes with Windows XP.  Did any software come with your video camera that can edit videos?  As far as best file type and Codecs, I have no idea.  

[james_bondage]

I have a great video editor, actually, but there are so many options when I go to create a file that I haven't been able to figure which formats, codecs, and resolutions result in lower sizes.

Thanks for trying to help, though.

[Rob Pomeroy]

Different file formats will have differing results depending on what's in the video. So it's hard to be categorical.  MPEG-based codecs are a good place to start.  Why not try MPG, AVI, or something DivX based?  Compare file sizes afterwards.