How can I connect or get videos from an old video camera to a computer?

Question

How can I connect or get videos from an old video camera to a computer?

Answer 1

Older cams don't have firewire or "ilink" ports, so you're stuck with using something like Dazzle. This is a $70 piece of equipment that will allow you to connect older camcorders to computers for editing via USB.  Check it out -- full name is Dazzle Video Recorder, I believe.  This is your best, and cheapest, way to go.  It'll work with any camcorder that has an audio in/out port, and most camcorders, even the ancient ones, have this jack.

Answer 2

First you camera must have a/v outputs. They will probably be RCA connections, like a stero. If you're lucky it may have an s-video output. You can buy an inexpensive video capture card for your computer with RCA and/or s-video inputs. You can find them for a good price on ebay. With more luck, they will come with a driver CD containing a video editing program. Good luck!

Answer 3

Depends on WHETHER your old camcorder has ANY video/audio outputs.

Answer 4

You need to be specific about what sort of old video camera you're talking about.  If it's MiniDV or Digital 8 you use firewire.  If it's an analog video camera you've got options:

If you've got a camcorder with a pass through option you can use it as an analog / digital converter - it's free and the quality's good.

TV capture card - cheapest option if you're going to spend money, but the quality's usually very poor

A USB capture device like the Dazzle or the Kworld Professional DVD Maker - reasonable price and quality.

An analog / digital converter like the Canopus ADVC range - best quality but expensive.