My computer cannot detect our video camera..?

Question

I plugged it in with a USB cable (everything fits in) but when I go to Windows Movie Maker to Capture/Import video, the camera cannot be found. The video camera didn't come win an installation CD or anything... I'm all confused. Can someone tell me how I can make the computer recognize the camera or how I can import the video? It would be appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

Presuming it is a miniDV tape based camcorder, USB will not work. If your computer does not have a firewire port, add one. That is usually easy to do and firewire cards are cheap.

Since you did not tell us what manufacturer or model camcorder, we can't direct you to a page in the manual - but usually, the instructions are in the "connect to computer" section. Firewire, IEEE1394a and i.Link are all the same thing.

If you are using a DVD based camcorder then you can rip the video by taking the disc out of the camcorder and putting it in the drawer loading optical drive on your computer - of course, this assumes you have a DVD drive on your computer. You will need to download and install a did ripper - like HandBrake:

http://handbrake.fr/

Rip the video, then import to your video editor. Warning: DVD camcorder based video is terrible for editing.

Answer 2

If it's an HD camera then the USB should work.

If it's a minidv camera then you need a firewire connection, if it's a miniDVD camera then you need to finalize the disk in the camera and then convert it using a program like handbrake.

Answer 3

TRY ANOTHER USB SLOT , BECAUSE SOME TIME THE SLOT IS NOT WORKING , IN THE BACK SIDE OF CPU THERE ARE 4 SLOT , CHECK THERE , IT WILL WORK , IF NOT THEN CHECK YOUR CAM IN ANOTHER COMPUTER MAY BE CAMERA IS ..........NOT WORKING

Answer 4

Blow on the USB Port a little or stick a q-tip in because there may be dust trapped inside that makes your computer unable to detect devices.

Answer 5

im sure all you have to do is turn the camera on while it is connected to the computer =)

Answer 6

Try another USB slot.

There should be a tiny light on your camera. When you plug it in firmly, the light should be on.

See if there's anything popping up on your camera.

I think sometimes you'll need to install the camera first on your computer in order to have it recognized by your computer.

Answer 7

Jell-O....  does your cam have a brand name?  If so, I'd suggest googling the name and seeing if you can find their website to help you troubleshoot it.

I've run into similar issues with my camera in the past so feel free to msg me or email me and I can try to help as best I can.  My email address is the same as my screen name but with an @yahoo.com on the end!  :)

Answer 8

some cameras don't work with certin computers and programs. i had just bought a new camera and had tons of stuff on it and plugged it into my computer, then found out it doesn't work with macs. make sure it's turned on once its plugged in, and that the computer recognizes that it's plugged it (go to my computer and look for a new item). if that doesn't work, try calling the number that came with your camera. otherwise it just may not be compatible with that program, there's probably other programs you can download. check the camera brand's website.

Answer 9

first of all do you have  USB.2 most cams only work through USB.2  ,  and same as the above answer  . normaly you do need to turn on the camera for the PC to reconise it .

if not  check the computers device manager see if it shows in there  , or even  check  the My computer icon see if there is a removable Drive there which is  your camera's memory .  other than this  uninstall all the Drivers for it and reinstall off the CD-ROM provided with the Cam . follow all steps carefully  such as it may say  "Connect camera now and continue"  things like that .

good luck

Answer 10

Since you neglected to tell us the make & model of your camcorder or the make & model &  OS of your PC you don't have many options!! Consult your manual!! There is a whole section devoted to your answer!! If you don't have one, you should be able to download one from the manufacturers support site. Suffice to say, you should chack the camera for a firewire port & you will need to buy the appropriate firewire hardware for your PC. Good luck!!