How do i transfer video to my computer with a zr800 camcorder?

Question

im not shure if the camcorder came with the usb cable. is there eny way without the usb?

Answer 1

The Canon ZR800 is a miniDV camcorder. ALL miniDV camcorders transfer video from the miniDV tape using the DV port on the camcorder to the firewire400 port on your computer. If you don't have a firewire 400 port, install one.

USB will not work... as you have already discovered.

You will also need a firewire cable. 4-pin for the camera DV port to whatever your computer fire wire port is (likely 6-pin, but 4-pin is possible).

Firewire, i.Link and IEEE1494a are all the same thing.

Read your manual.

Answer 2

if its an analog cam, you will need to purchase a firewire.

Answer 3

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 or digi-8 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 other 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.