Is there a way to take a video from a minidv camcorder and put it on the computer?

Question

I'm looking to get a camcorder, but I want to be able to put it on my computer as well. Is there a way to do this with the minidv or do I need to get a different type of camcorder?

Answer 1

You can capture footage from a MiniDV camcorder using a firewire connection.  If your PC hasn't got a firewire card they're easy to install, cheap and readily available.

Answer 2

All you need is a USB or firewire cord that connects with your camcorder.(if it doesn't come with one already, then it can easily be purchased for $5-20)

Answer 3

Video  Editing  Process

CAPTURE video stream-mDV Vcam/ IMPORT files from pc folders, EDIT  to create muvee as a project, FINISH  (render / save)  muvee and /or, SHARE …burn to CD/DVD.

for starters, XP/ Windows Movie Maker (wmm*) provides the simple & easy way (& free) to learn the ropes < click Help for details>.

Steps:

CAPTURE VIDEO

a.) Connect mDV vcam to pc via firewire cable (4 or 6 pin) for good transfer (USB can do but possibly drop frames affecting quality)

b.) Set vcam mode to playback desired video, set for capture, pause

c.) Open wmm* and set to TASKS pane

d.) In wmm/ TASKS /Capture, click Capture from video device; wmm should be able to control vcam operations. On play, video stream is captured to wmm/COLLECTION (usually unto several video files)

e.) Import other files: other video, pics, music, narration from pc folder

EDIT MOVIE

f.) wmm/EDIT: drag&drop video files from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence

g.) Enhance video: drag&drop effects- transition, filter; create titles, music…test & re-edit as you wish

FINISH MOVIE (rendering)

h.) Render/Save video file to pc and/ or share; then Save project file (work-in-progress) for future edits.

Finally, SHARE

i.) Burn to CD or DVD**   (wmm2 only on CD)

   ** Most video editing app include DVD authoring, otherwise, use DVD authoring programs, e.g.,  WinDVD, Nero, Encore, etc.

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

Answer 4

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 5

Hu angeldiva,

That's a easy one, if your camcorder has firewire, just plug it into your computer. Well that's not all to it, check out my guide on doing it......