How can I get videos from miniDV tapes to computer?

Question

I just bought a Canon ZR950 digital camcorder. I want to know how I can get the video I just recorded from the tapes (miniDV) onto my computer so I can put it on youtube, or just to store it. The software that came with the camera just allows still images to be transferred. They also mentioned dv cables and such, but the case only came with a usb.

Answer 1

Video Editing Process*

*CAPTURE  video stream from vcam & Import files from pc folder, EDIT to make the movie as a project, FINISH (render) movie as a video file, and finally SAVE or burn to CD/DVD.

for starters, XP/Windows Movie Maker (wmm**) provides simple & easy way (& free) to learn the ropes- **click wmm help for details. For enhanced effects, buy  SpiceFx by Pixelan.    

After learning the editing tricks, you may later venture into other video editing programs - Premiere, Vegas, Studio (Pinnacle, Ulead), etc., accdg to skill level.

Steps:

CAPTURE VIDEO

a.) Connect vcam to pc via firewire cable (4 or 6 pin) for good transfer (USB can do but possible drop frames with effect on quality)

b.) Set vcam mode to playback desired video, then pause

c.) Open wmm and set to TASK PANE

d.) In the wmm/Task pane/CAPTURE VIDEO, click CAPTURE from video device. Wmm should now be able to control vcam operations. On play, video files are copied to wmm/Collection (usually several video files, although will not notice on vcam playback)

e.) Import also other desired files (video, pics, music, narration) from pc folder to wmm Collection

EDIT MOVIE

f.) wmm/EDIT: drag & drop captured video files one by one from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence

g.) Enhance/edit your video further if you wish: drag/drop other files (video, pics, music, narration, effects, transition); create subtitles, then, test to your liking (re-edit as you wish)

FINISH MOVIE (w/rendering)

h.) Save the video file to pc or burn to cd thru VCD/DVD authoring programs DVD authoring & burning is packaged in most video editing software. Otherwise, DVD authoring programs, Windows DVD, Nero vision, Encore DVD, etc

i.) Save the project file (work-in-progress) for succeeding edits

Hope this helps…

Answer 2

Use the DV port on the camcorder to connect to a firewire (IEEE1394, i.Link) port on your computer. If you don't have one, they are easy to install. You will need a firewire cable, too.

The firewire cable is not included in the box to keep the camcorder cost low.

Answer 3

You will find a read of this article very useful and informative :-  

http://phpbb.ulead.com.tw/EN/viewtopic.p...    

The software being used is Ulead VideoStudio - you can download a free trial to see if it works for you from :-  

http://www.ulead.co.uk/vs/runme.htm  

~

Answer 4

Firewire cable and pc with firewire (ILINK=firewire-iee1394) input. Software like ROXIO MEDIA SUITE, thats what i use. Startup software, turn ON camera and folow instructions. With plug and burn can burn a dvd in real time. Dead easy.

Answer 5

You need a firewire connection and I use Pinacle studio 11 ultimate as my editing software. It's a very good program.