How do I get video from my camera to the computer?

Question

I have a DCR-TRV22 Camera and I use Windows Movie Maker. I'm using a usb cable that I found that fits it so I dont know what to do. I tried clicking File and going down to "Capture video" and I tried "Import into collections" and neither work. HELP!!!!

Answer 1

The Sony TRV22 is a miniDV camcorder, so you will need a firewire cable, NOT USB. You can pick it up at pretty much any electronics store for $20. It's called Firewire, also called iLink. It's official name is IEEE1394.

If you are editing on a PC Desktop or any Mac, you'll need a Firewire 4pin to 6pin. If you are editing on a PC laptop, you'll need a 4pin to 4pin. Nearly every computer that is reasonably new will have a firewire port, except for Macbook Airs.

Connect the 4pin end to the camcorder in the slot labeled "DV-Out" or "iLink" or "Firewire". Connect the other end to the firewire port, usually located in the back of the computer. It's best to keep the camera power OFF at this point when connecting it to the computer. Then turn the camera ON to "VCR" or "Playback" mode. A window should appear that the computer recognized the camcorder. Then open Window Movie Maker, then go to the "Capture menu". That should work.

The "Import" button is for accessing video files already on the hard drive of your computer. "Capture" is what you're looking for.