Need help connecting Panasonic DV camera (NV-DS77) to computer via firewire?

Question

I just bought a 4 pin to 4 pin firewire adapter to use from the camera to my computer. The Camera is not being recognized in the computer. I am not sure what the problem is. Do I need any drivers, if so, where do I find them?

Answer 1

You have to use a video capture or video editing application.

If on XP, movie maker may present some possibities.

Video  Editing  Process

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & easy way to learn the ropes < click help for details>.

Steps:

CAPTURE VIDEO:  video stream from tape-based Vcam

a.) Connect miniDV vcam to pc via FIREWIRE cable (4 or 6 pin) for best transfer (USB w/quality concern)

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

c.) Open wmm and set to TASKS pane

d.) Click Capture from video device; wmm  controls vcam operations- on play, video stream is captured to wmm/COLLECTION

IMPORT FILES :  from pc folder

e.) Import other video files*  

f.) Import other files: pics, music, narration

EDIT MOVIE:  create movie as a project

g.) Drag&drop video files from collection to TIMELINE chart below at the desired sequence

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

FINISH MOVIE: render muvee file

i.) Render/Save MUVEE to pc and/ or share- CD; Save PROJECT (work-in-progress) for future edits.

Finally, SHARE:

j.) Burn to DVD***   (wmm2 only on CD)

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

Answer 2

This is an interesting statement you make:

"4 pin to 4 pin firewire adapter"

I know there are 4-pin to 4-pin firewire cables because *some* traditional Windows computers (Sony Vaio laptop) use the 4-pin IEEE1394a ports. This *should* work - presuming the camcorder is in Play mode. You may need to de-install, then re-install the Firewire (IEEE1394a) drivers.

I am also aware that there are some "USB to Firewire" adapters that provide the 4-pin firewire... these won't work because you are tying to use the USB port and the application won't recognize that as a place to grab the video.

However, *most* computers use 6-pin Firewire port...

If the Firewire port is working properly, no device (camcorder) specific drivers are needed. If you are using the USB adapter method, that won't work.