I have a JVC Digital Video Camera (Need Help!)?

Question

Its model number is GR-D720EK, it dosn't record onto mini disc. I didn't get a usb cable, but even though it isn't Disc recording, can I get one for it? Will it work if I got the right one.

There is a slot on the camera that hasn't been used I don't know what it is for, but it say's beside it DV. And there is an (i) underneath the slot.

Answer 1

GR-D720EK, a minDV vcam, almost always comes w/ a 4 pin port. A pc or laptop can have either of the two or neither. Before buying a firewire cable, check first what type is installed ... if neither, u have to procure the accessory: pci card for pc or pcmcia card for laptop (just goggle). The firewire cable needed would then be either 4pin to 4pin or 4pin to 6pin.

Connect vcam to pc & upload video files thru video capture or video editing* application

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

The video editing process:

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

Step 1. Capture video stream while vcam is on playback- pc remotely controls vcam operations

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

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

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

Answer 2

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.

Answer 3

First of all, thanks for posting the model number.  It makes everything so much easier, wish more people would do that.

Well, as for that DV slot, get another look at it, because you're going to be using it a lot from here on in!  It's shaped like a rectangle, with a small indentation on one of the long sides, correct?

DV is also known as FireWire, i.Link, or IEEE 1394.  All of those terms mean exactly the same thing.  I'll refer to it as "Firewire" from here on in.

You need a Firewire cable (this is NOT USB!).  Your camera has what we call a 4-pin Firewire port.  If your computer has a port, it'll likely have either a 4-pin port or a 6-pin port.  6-pin is a bit longer, about the size of a USB port, but with a more pentagonal shape.  Look up Firewire to see what the ports look like.

If you have a port, just get the necessary Firewire cable (either 4-to-6 or 4-to-4, depending on what your computer has) and you're set!  Open up Windows Movie Maker (PC) or iMovie (Mac), or whatever other piece of editing software you want to use, and follow its instructions to "Capture" or "Import" video!

If you DON'T have a port on your computer, you'll need to purchase a Firewire card to install; readily available at most video-supply or computer stores, they're not expensive (think $30 USD or so), and they're fairly easy to install.

Any other questions?