Camcorder? can usb import videos or will i need firewire?

Question

i know firwire is quicker but my uncles just bought a camcorder with no firwire port on computer will usb import the videos (i know its slower) or will it jst import stills??

Answer 1

A USB will import video as well.  The difference between USB and Firewire is this:

A USB connection transfers data faster than a regular Firewire port, however, it transfers in bursts of data which can lead to a higher probability of frames being dropped from your footage.

A Firewire connection transfers data slower than USB but is more reliable for video because it transfers the data in a continuous stream of information.

Answer 2

Just stills. You need to install firwire hardware on your PC!!

Answer 3

Here's what my video production teacher told my class one of the first few days of school:  "You need FireWire for video."

My teacher also works at Apple, so I believe him on that one.

Answer 4

It depends on the type of camcorder:

For tape-based digital vcam (miniDV, digi-8), connect to pc using firewire cable in order to capture video stream via video editing software while on playback.

=> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire

or USB cable for hdd, minidvd, flash media to upload video files via file mgmt.-win explorer. No need for firewire as you will just be copying files, NOT capturing video stream w/c needs a fast 'hiWay'.

Where does your camcorder model fit?

Answer 5

It depends on if the camera is minidv(cassettes) or mini dvd or an analog (VHS) videocamcorder.

If you have a mini dv (cassette) camcorder….

Your dv camcorder needs a firewire connection (ieee 1394) in order to download video, your PC probably did not come with a firewire port, so you will have to buy one and install it, since most computers (except possibly brand new) don't come with a firewire port, your camcorder did not come with a firewire cord so you have to purchase a cord too. Your camcorder did come with a USB cord and that is used for downloading stills from your camcorder.

If you have a mini dvd camcorder….

You will have to finalize your dvd in the camera and then put the dvd in your computer 's DVD burner (top loading only) and then you will have to convert the files (i downloaded handbrake file converter free) and import them into your editing program. Use the HELP feature in your editing program to learn about editing. Once you are ready to burn, your project will be burned to a different DVD and you can file the original away.

If you have an analog (VHS) camcorder…

You need an analog converter, either internal card or external such as the dazzle. It's very easy to use and come with good software. You would hook your analog VHS camera to the analog converter, the dazzle and then hook the dazzle to your PC. The dazzle cost around 70.00 , but worth the money if you have a lot of VHS to tapes to convert.