I want to download recordings from my sony handycam to my desktop (windows xp)?

Question

I want to download recordings from my sony handycam to my desktop (windows xp)?

Answer 1

It depends on what kind of camera it is.

If it is a real camcorder using

MiniDV tape: You need to connect with a Firewire cable from the DV port of the camera to the firewire port of your computer and import with MovieMaker. USB will not work.

Hard drive or flash memory card: You need to connect with a USB cable from the USB port on the camcorder to the USB port of the computer and copy the files. Bring into MovieMaker.

DVD based camcorder: Place the finalized DVD in the drawer loading DVD drive of your computer and rip the DVD using HandBrake. You may also need ISOBuster. NEVER put a minidisc in a slot loading optical drive - you will break the drive and scratch the disc.

Analog camcorder (Hi8 or VHS-c): Using the AV cables, connect the camcorder to an analog/digital bridge (Pinnacle Dazzle for USB or Canopus for firewire). You can use this same method for DVD camcorders if you do not have a drawer loading DVD drive on your computer. You can use this same method for miniDV tape camcorders if you do not have a firewire port on your computer. You can use this same method for hard drive or flash based camcorders if you do not have a USB port on your computer.