MiniDV to Computer?

Question

My camera has no firewire/usb jacks. Just an AV one. It's a MiniDV camcorder (Sony Hi-8).

My computer on the other hand has a AV jack, TV tuner, and etc.

Is there a way to get the video onto the computer? What programs are necessary.

Answer 1

This is a hardware problem, not a software problem.

If you have a mini dv (cassette) camcorder….

Your dv camcorder needs a firewire connection (ieee 1394)  (dv) 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. Make sure your camera is in playback mode.

The fine print in your manual makes reference to firewire (ieee 1394) connection.

Answer 2

if your camcorder came with a wire to hook up to the tv you could record the tape that you have by playing it and recording it to a dvd (if you have a dvd recorder)then take the dvd and putting it into your computer