How do I transfer videos from a camcorder to a computer?

Question

I can't figure out how to transfer my videos (not pictures!) to my PC.

Details to my problem:

1) I have a Panasonic digital video camcorder (model # PV-GS36)

2) The USB cable I'm using is a Belkin 5-Pin Mini-B

3) AND PLUS I'M JUST HORRIBLE WITH TECHNOLOGY!

PLEASE HELP, PLEASE!!!! I need this video for a school proect!

Answer 1

Check this site out:

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-elect...

Looks like there is a driver (software to install), that will allow your computer to recognize the camcorder when you plug it in with the usb cable.

Typically you can use windows media player as the software to transfer the movie over.  

Hope this helps - its easier than it appears.

Answer 2

PLEASE - share the right answer with me.  need to understand this too.  THX.

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

Firewire is a lot faster.

I would recommend it.

If you're using a windows then you would have to use Movie Maker.

It will say transfer file from camera or device.

Click and then it will bring up a window that will have a small screen.

That will show you what is going on in you camera.

Your controls will be the one's you have on the camera.

You click capture and then you hit play on the camera.

Answer 5

Go to BestBuy and buy FireWire.

Answer 6

PV-GS36 is a miniDV vcam w/c should be firewire- connected to a pc to capture (copy) video from tape. Capture is done using a video capture or video editing* application

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>. Upgrade to 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 (start/all programs/wmm) & set to TASK 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 other video files**

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

EDIT MOVIE: create project- movie

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

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

FINISH MOVIE: render muvee file

i.) Render/Save MUVEE to pc and/ or share- CD; Save project file (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, etc.

Answer 7

Do you have a video program?

Did the camcorder come with a disc for downloading???

That's what you need.

They usually come with discs so you can download a certain program which manages pic and videos...otherwise you can try and see if you have Windows MovieMaker.