Trouble connecting DV camcorder to my computer?

Question

I am using a panasonic DV Camcorder, model # PV-GS85

I tried connecting the DV Camcorder to my computer, and using Window Movie Maker to import it. At the very last window's box, when I click the button "Start Capture", nothing comes up and nothing is recorded.

I'm connecting the camcorder from a USB output, it's not a Firewire (though on the camera it has a firewire output), on the camera the output I'm using is very similar to the firewire, expect a little bit bigger (I couldn't find a photo). I DO NOT have a firewire wire, and I'm not planning on buying one.

I'm now that smart of camcorder's, and this is the very first one I owned.

Answer 1

USB is used for transferring stills from the memory card (or maybe using the camcorder as a web-cam - check the manual). A Firewire (also known as i.Link, IEEE1394) cable is used to connect the DV port to the firewire port on your computer - for transferring the video from the miniDV tape.

If you don't want to install a firewire port (less than $15 if your computer has an available PCI slot or PCMCIA slot), then you won't be able to transfer the video.

MiniDV tape provides the best available video quality. You have a good camera. Take advantage of that and install a firewire port.