can you suggest the method to transfer dvd to mp4

[Paspguikaps]

Hey,
I am newer in video converting software, also here is my problem, I get a digital camera what creates me an extremely great movie to MP4, for opposite impossible to read on my DVD runner. I would like info on the way to convert DVD to MP4 file format or iPod once possible. I made a purchase of an apple ipod recently, so that i want to run all my digital camera's film on my ipod too. how will I know which converter make use, and do I should reproduce the whole folders on the disk and after the convert! can convert dvd to mp4 software finish the job? Perhaps I take the files on the disc and I converted! What if my DVD is protected against reproducing?

Thanks.