How to Use the Sony Handycam with Windows Movie Maker?

Question

I am using a Sony handycam for a project. I wanted to transfer the video I took to my laptop, then discovered I lost the software and never installed it. It wont let me download anything from the camera! I wanted to edit the video with Windows movie maker, so is there a way to download the video onto the movie maker without installing any software?

Answer 1

If your camcorder is a miniDV tape based camcorder, it transfers the video from the miniDV tape to your computer using Firewire (IEEE1394a, i.Link - all the same thing). You will also need a Firewire cable. You will connect the Firewire cable to the DV port on the camcorder and the Firewire port on the computer.

USB will not work.

You may need to install a firewire port on your computer. Typically, this is cheap and easy to do. Once the firewire port is successfully installed, you can import the video (when the camcorder is in "play/edit" mode) using MovieMaker and selecting "Capture".

If your camcorder is a DVD based camcorder, then the easiest way to get that video is to rip the DVD with something like Handbrake.

http://handbrake.fr/

Warning, DVD based camcorder provide the worst available video quality.

Flash memory and hard drive based camcorders mount as USB mass storage devices and there are generally downloads at the manufacturer's site for the USB-specific drives required.

Answer 2

Lack some details on vcam: miniDV; miniDvD; HDD or Flash Media?

- for miniDvD, insert disk to pc drive, use file mgmt- win explorer, copy/paste vob files from folder Video_TS. If video editing software is win movie maker, convert first vob to avi or wmv as vob is not supported by wmmaker. Try Prism.

- for HDD, USB-connect vcam to pc, use file mgmt- win explorer, copy/paste files. If video editing software is win movie maker and files are not supported, convert thru Prism.

a miniDV vcam must be FIREWIRE**-connected to pc to upload video thru video capture or video editing (VES)* software while vcam is on playback. Note: DV or Firewire port of vcam is 4pin. Before cable purchase ** (Vcam/4pin->CABLE->PC (4/ 6pin?), check the firewire port of PC whether 4 or 6 pin. If none, procure firewire card: pci for pc or pcmia for laptop (Google).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire    

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker* (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & easy way to learn the ropes < click help for details>. Upgrade to intermediate video editing app accdg. to need & skill level

http://video-editing-software-review.top...

      video editing process - XP

      >>> open wmm- start/all programs/wmm->TASK pane

1a. Capture miniDV video stream** - editing software remotely controls vcam operations

1b. Import converted video files from pc folder

2. Edit- drag/drop files->timeline & enhance w/effects, transition, music & titles

3. Finish (render)- save Movie file, also save Project* ** file

4. Share-burn to CD (if DvD, thru a DvD authoring app like DvD Flick, Nero, etc.)

Answer 3

Download the software from the Sony support site. Follow the link below>>>>>>>>