How do I make my DV Camcorder work with my PC?

Question

I plug in the firewire cable and turn the camera on but nothing happens. The PC doesn't do anything... shouldn't something pop up and say "you have a new device" or something?

I'm trying to import video to it. Oh, and I don't have WMM.

Answer 1

If you are really using a firewire cable (not USB) and it is connected to the DV port (not USB) of the camcorder and the firewire400 port (not USB) of the computer AND the camcorder is in "Play/Edit" mode, nothing is going to happen.

You need to launch the video editing application you want to use (typically Windows MovieMaker or Apple iMovie) and either "capture" or import the video. It is not automatic.

The reason this happens the way it does is because it is Firewire. The "device" is the firewire card. If that is working properly, no other camera specific drivers are required. So... No, it is not like USB where device-specific drivers are required and dialog boxes pop up when you plug something in the USB port.

Since you did not tell us what kind of PC it is or what operating system you are using (or version), the camera manufacturer and model, it is impossible to provide any other assistance.

Answer 2

Wmmaker is packaged in XP. click start/all programmes. If you found wmm, open: or dwnload free from Download.com

Video  Editing  Process

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & easy way to learn the ropes < click help for details>. For enhanced effects, try  SpiceFx  by Pixelan. Venture into other video editing app ( http://video-editing-software-review.top... ) accdg. to need & skill level.

Steps:

CAPTURE VIDEO :  video stream from tape-based Vcam

a.) Connect miniDV vcam to pc via FIREWIRE cable (4 or 6 pin) for best transfer (USB w/quality concern)

b.) Set vcam mode to playback, set for capture, pause

c.) Open wmm and set to TASKS pane

d.) Click Capture from video device; wmm  controls vcam operations- on play, video stream is captured to wmm/COLLECTION

IMPORT FILES :  from pc folder

e.) Import video files*  

f.) Import other files: pics, music, narration

EDIT MOVIE:  create movie as a project

g.) Drag&drop video files from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence

h.) Enhance video: drag&drop music, effects, transition, filter; create titles…re-edit as you wish

FINISH MOVIE: render muvee file

i.) Render/Save MUVEE to pc and/ or share- CD; Save PROJECT (work-in-progress) for future edits.

Finally, SHARE:

j.) Burn to DVD***   (wmm2 only on CD)

   ** Most video editing app include DVD authoring, otherwise, use DVD authoring programs, e.g.,  WinDVD, Nero, Encore, etc.