Whats the best way to compress a wmv movie file?

[Sporadic]

I recently purchased a Sony Digital Handycam. I edit the work in Windows Movie Maker. When the movie (wmv) renders. The files are insanely huge. Is their a way to compress the video down to the point where it contains acceptional video/audio.I've read into virtualdub but seems like its only for mpegs. is it wmv compatible or do I need additional software to do a lot of converting?..

If so, can someone please assist me with the name & link of what I need?!

Peace...

[atifsh]

1: im assuming u hav a dvcam, get ulead videostudio 8, get ur dv avi file and then encode it to dvd compatible mpeg2 file.

2: get windows movie maker 2, use bitrate of under 5000 and ull get decent quality/size.

3: virtualdub is for making divx avi's or just AVi's, not mpeg's.
u can use tmpgenc a free tool to make mpeg2 outof ur dv-avi files.

for all u need a firewire capture card in ur pc, or a svideo/composite capture card incase ur camera is not dv.