Panasonic NV-DS150EG dv camcorder - Transfer recordings to my PC?

Question

Just got it as a gift from my stepdad. (He got another one :) )

Googling yields no result! 1 hr search...

Or perhaps someone knows of a general way to easily transfer recordings from dv cams to computers which usually works well with various models?

Will I need additional equipment?

I'd love to make it work with windows movie maker...

Answer 1

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

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 2

The NV-DS150 is a MiniDV camcorder so yes, there's a general way.  You'll need to capture the video via firewire  - if your PC hasn't already got one you'll need to install a firewire card. They're cheap, easy to install and readily available. You'll also need a firewire cable.  Once everything's connected you can capture and edit the video with Windows Movie Maker.