How do i upload videos from my camera to my computer?

Question

i have a JVC GR- DZ7. it records onto miniDVs and i am not sure how to get these videos onto the computer. i have a usb cable that came with it. what do i do?

Answer 1

Nothing.. :-).. with USB cable... That is good for transfering pictures. For miniDV movie is better Firewire, which all miniDV cameras should have although some name it differentkly like DV port, iLink port etc. It is simple the other "computer" port on camera (not audio/video jack).

Now, no cameras are coming with the cable and your computer might not have firewire port. So, if it has one, you need to buy cable, if it does not, buy a combo kit - firewire card with cable. You can get the combo of ebay for < 20$. But every local computer stor will ahve one too.

Unlike USB you do not need any drivers, firewire drivers are included in both windows XP and Vista. Just plug your cam a turn it on. Windows will find a new video digital device.

Then you open  video editing software (some is usually included with firewire card, if not (or if you're not buying new card), you can use Windows Movie Maker in XP, Vista premium has even a self-standing videocapturing utility which opens automatically after connecting the camera.

Navigate into capture section of the program, choose your miniDV cam from the list of video source and than play the movie. It needs to be played in real speed = one hour tape will take exactly one hour to download.

Remember that one miniDV tape = 12-13 GB of AVI data file. (miniDV format) in amazing quality. Creating DVD of it takes several hours depending on your computer speed.

Have fun....