Connecting Your DV Camera To Your Computer

Josh demonstrates how to connect your digital video camera to your computer. He shows the connections and the cables you will need to do the job. Estimated time to complete this lesson is 5 minutes.

[@jamestyler2410]

Hey Michael can you make a newer one

[@clungebobcumpants9613]

10 years on and the problem to transfer these videos is 10 times worse.

[@MrMASSEYJONES]

Thanks ever so much.As one who owns 4 digital cameras (including one FX format) and a professional photographer for 40 years, I became an absolute newbie when it came to connecting my wife's basic Sony camcorder. Yet, I'm computer literate and started with Windows 98, right through 2000, XP and Windows 7. Your explanation is extremely simple and sensible and I learned a lot.

[@moglove109]

thank god! you wouldn't believe how long i've waited for this very video to actually explain simply what to do!

[@malh5984]

Professional video by Josh. Difficulty with Pc identifying camera, identified occasionally. Could not figure out when, sometimes immediately, not always. Sometimes when I disconnect firewire and re-connect, not always, sometimes when I switched camera off and reconnected, not always. Eventually found out pc identified camera every time with Movie Maker closed! Pc identify camera and opened Autoplay window with 'Import Video' option. Worked every time.

[@organicforlife]

15 years ago. Legend

[@VFish444]

i followed all your steps but my macbook didn't recognized my Dv camera so, i updated the firewire port and it did fix the problem and i followed your steps afterwards. thanks

[@vegeta42578]

Thank you for the video. After a day on the phone with Sony and them not knowing what to do and local Radio Shack manager No help (Very Rude). Your 5min video got it done.

[@mxownage]

I figured out how to get higher quality. But, I will definitively try a fire wire cable, I found some for under $4 Thanks for your fast help Josh

[@kennerfee100]

If your computer doesn't have FireWire (like some of the newer Macs), just either install a PCI-E FireWire card or a FW to ThunderBolt adapter.

[@edwinflynn9744]

Thank you for this video. I will attempt to connect my camera. I will let you know how I go with it.

[@colbillington]

Did you connect it yet?

[@discipline4boys]

This is old shool ,but whatever you do, keep also the tapes !! A tape will outlive your hard drive by at least two or three times . VHS ,8MM video, DV tapes if not damages will work for more than 35 Years . So make also a copy on a DVD-r and keep that as a Master(to make more copies off that ) The DVD-r will last at least 5 Years (if not damages ) But the biggest problem will be, how to play all these in the future ??!! Remember the 8MM Film ? Same problem, but they still work after 40 or more years .!! Regards D4B

[@ev1836]

or you can save them onto youtube or facebook set them to private if you'd like and then keep them forever!

[@n024pat]

I'm a huge fan of the old technology. In my opinion, it has something 'emotional'. I don't know! The fact that it takes time to do actions. To rec, to found to play, etc. It takes time per every action, the algorithm of time is different to the old technology and the human can catch that, he understanding and appreciates it (just a rushed explanation). So, in my humble opinion the best way to save everything extremely valuable from analogue stuff, is 2x HDD's (Α and B). The one HDD (A) in use and the other (B) at a safe (different) place (cabinet, closet etc) where they will be synchronized (equalize) at regular intervals. (Sorry my friends for my english, are very bad tho.)

[@123TeeMee]

KZbin upload is a very solid option, other forms of internet/cloud storage are typically overpriced. External hard drives or SSDs are another good option, if you keep two at any one time, with identical data on both, such that losing one is not a problem. Someone has to maintain this procedure over time though as they will pack up after a few years it seems. Certain DVD formats are tested thoroughly to last an extremely long time, but not the most common ones. A PCWorld article reads "Using a Blu-ray burner that supports BD XL and M-Disc, back up to BD-R HTL or M-Disc BD-R/DVD+R discs. Stay away from regular CD/DVD recordable/rewritable and BD-R LTH, aka, phase-change media. Make two or three copies and send at least one to a family member you trust, or store it in a safe deposit box somewhere. If you add data relatively slowly, add to your existing archive using M-Disc DVDs."

[@GMODISM]

Wow this is not that old but seems so extremly retro :D This is epic!

[@ethanglide]

+Gmodism Total Nerdery Channel yeah 7 years... not THAT old.

[@GMODISM]

Haha films looks like it's from the 90's though

[@ethanglide]

+Gmodism Total Nerdery Channel I know right the intro noses really hurt my head haha

[@GMODISM]

Indeed, I actually have a DV cam tho, or wait you too as you are here LOL

[@mxownage]

Thanks a lot ! I've been looking for this, very easily explained, very nice tutorial. Thanks again !!!

[@CinHalCedHerChance]

Thanks Josh, this saved me a lot of hassle.

[@plavins1]

thanks you wor tutorial i just ordered cable and firewire pci card for my computer. now i will be able to get my vids on pc!!! thnx alot!!!

[@KakarotOwns]

It's difficult now because only old laptops and computers have a firewire port, such a pain trying to find solutions for it.

[@snugray_p1659]

Thanks! HDV is popular on the market nowadays, had to jump on the bandwagon

[@jwanderer61]

Thank you so much for posting this. Worked like a charm!

[@dfrank2003]

Just helped me in 2023!

[@mrpoolplayer6379]

Great Video... something difficult made easy. Now, how do we do this with 2 streaming cams at once.

[@NightsArrowz]

I like this Josh. Josh Helps.

[@MegaBudoo]

Thanks! That video is SOOOOOO helpful! You rock Josh. Thanks again

[@jacoboviveros2426]

Excelente para un cavernícola de la computación…Mil gracias

[@TheZarakShow]

thank you soo much josh its great seeing people like you help so many. theZarakshow

[@ShadowBladeSceptile]

thanks! man ive been looking for a good tutorial EVERYWHERE!

[@thephantomdragon]

omg! thank you so much! ive been searching everwhere for something like this!!

[@vishnukirangoli]

Hi , after 12 years!!

[@princessserena7373]

Thank you! Your video really helped me with my camera!!!

[@harryxiro]

People from 10 years ago: Thank you so much this really helped!!! People now: This didn't work, dislike.

[@Marcelis]

this is the greatest video in the world. thanks for uploading, i didnt kno finding info woul dbe so easy

[@ozi76]

Cheers mate, just tried it again but this time, hooked it up before i turned pc on, not sure if this made the difference but it installed without that warning coming up.

[@joshuaaikens]

@alexbrysonmiley DVC tapes are DV tapes. If your camera has a firewire input then it can connect directly to the computer. Sony Vegas can capture probably better using your Sony Camera than wmm. Playback on the computer never did any damage to the play heads on my cameras. Hope this helps.

[@darkecountyfarmergirl5147]

Great Video. Thanks so much. I'd like to watch the follow-up videos for this. Can you tell me how to find them?

[@hubaszarvas2106]

Don't throw it away, due to it's 4:3 SD format it is a perfect match to post SD videos to Instagram. This is a new fashion! ;)

[@Mathurankan]

@MrAzsk8 mini usb ports will give you lower quality of video and slower recording while firewire cables will give you faster and better quality of video. the firewire cable i use is 4pin to 6pin.

[@oliviamulgrew]

THIS IS SO EASY TO FOLLOW AND I AM SO PLEASED I FOUND THIS ...THANKYOU :)

[@AndyJohnD1001]

thanks very useful cheers, will also look at your other videos

[@hydroglyph]

Holy crap, that's pretty easy to do.....thanks.

[@MrDredward]

Thank you for your educational dv clip.

[@Conor_OMara]

@MrTengkuFaris you can always just record over a tape by rewinding it in play mode,and then just record from there.

[@JoshGoldie]

thank you for making this vid i saved £80

[@manugogo2]

Thanks a lot, great stuff.

[@Dreadful_Ali]

okay, sorry to hear that. thanks.

[@JohnBoonBeanDutchman]

yes, problem be that there no firewire on my laptop wished was something small external box that can transfer firewire DV to USB 3 for a reasonable price or to get my old computer working again

[@kleberpluas4903]

Good job man very helpfull

[@mfmrotterdam3538]

Please, what to do if your computer has no firewire connenction, only usb?

[@Charizarzar]

+Mfm Rotterdam If your computer has a slot in it you can fit a firewire adapter card into it.

[@popageorgel8685]

Bob Ros vibe

[@dgk02livin4him]

its a firewire port and its easy to install so yeah its on amazon for as low as like five bucks

[@snook6vision]

What happens if the computer doesn't recognize the camera. I have 3 Macs & a HP desktop & none of them recognize my Sony Digital Camcorder. When I first brought my Sony & HP with the firewire I had absolutely no problem recording video to the computer then all of a sudden The HP just stop recognizing the Sony Camcorder. Eventually I brought some Macs a 2008 Macbook & 2 Macbook Pros (same year) At first I had my HD split on the Macbook for windows vista. It worked for a little while then it just stopped recognizing my Sony Camcorder. Then I did more research & I learned how to record the video on my MacBook Pro's through I Movie. The problem is that it worked however it's extremely unreliable. It may work 10-15 % (Maybe 20% at the most) of the times. I still love that camcorder. I brought is back 2008 It still works great , no problems with camera it's self. I think it still has excellence video even compared to the cameras out today in 2017. ( I guess it" true what they newer isn't always better) I just need a reliable way to transfer the video. I've brought Firewire to USB converts which technically work but the video that transfer is horrible & definitely not the video the camera produces. Please help me, I haven't been able to use this camera in years because of this issue.

[@bagsandbling7564]

Excellent tutorial except you did not show where you connected the firewire cable to the back of your computer. I have a Canon ZR200 camcorder that was my deceased husband's that has an old tape in it. I've misplaced all the cords that came with the camera so I'll need to buy them but don't know what to buy. I'm very technology-challenged, to say the least! I don't see any port on the back of my computer tower that looks like a firewire port either. Can someone please help me?

[@maherminer123]

Most computers now a days don't have this firewire port. I recommend you to buy a cheap laptop from like goodwill or somewhere that has a 4 pin firewire and or buy a desktop that has one and transfer it via that. reply 2 me if you need anymore help if that tapes really worth it

[@fcoello42]

I will try! Thank You!

[@perfektcrime]

You need a DV camcorder that got AV output as well as input. All Canon camcorders that end with a "i" got it.

[@chrisdietz3717]

excellent video

[@gobolligan]

Great presentation! Thanks...

[@ethanwashere_]

Who's here is 2021?

[@OmarOrtiz-id4ud]

my computer doesnt recognize my panasonic pv-gs120 camcorder, i think i need some drivers. do you know where i can download some?

[@jalister007]

Very nice

[@mariocomeq1961]

It was very interesting and very clear. 1.- Why don't try yoo to make a video showing how to use a digital camera or normal camera as a web cam? 2.- Images will be clearer and better using a digital camera rather than a web cam? Thanks

[@sarrajban1]

Thanks for the info but its not working on my Sony Hadicam Difital 8 700X. It is showing a message "class not registered". Please help.

[@bdiger]

Many thanks I had so much trouble but your vid made it so simple. Keep up the good work

[@eldawncatalan5105]

This is gold

[@remobrown9011]

Hello from the future! Shit has got crazy now.

[@23951028]

Superb tutorial

[@lukeparkour3712]

Thank you so much!!

[@derrobuste8565]

This video was 10 years ago, holy crap

[@5raymi5]

Thanks that help me a lot how much it cost the firewire cable?

[@lan1328]

thank you very much 4 this video it helps me lot..

[@RandomlyChandler]

they sell firewire boxes go to google start to type in firewire and it should pop up and you can check em out.

[@EasyFolkDude]

the firewire cable, can it be of the same types on both ends? i don;t have on my laptop a large hole for the large end of firewire cable, i have on the MiniDv a small firewire hole and on my laptop the same firewire hole. will it work like that?

[@gloriapr65]

Thanks, it helped a lot.

[@BadKarma714]

Hi I am from the future we use SD cards and SSD drives ECT and everyone uses windows 10 or Mac slot of use use our smart phones or DSLR cameras that shoot 4K lol cool old school video

[@multiinstalservicetechnolo4892]

hi and thank you for your vidéo. i have a question. is it possible to recover an lcd from an old handy cam and use it with rca câbles ? if yes how ?can you tell me please. thanks a lot

[@KurtAudioMusic]

I know I'm almost 10 years late on this... I have 2 questions. - Can you think of any current software for mac that will help me capture from tape? (maybe Final Cut Pro?) - Will a firewire to usb cable run into any problems? Thanks!

[@TheGameboyCollector]

thanks for the help

[@859ification]

Also the name of the camera is the "DCR-HC24"

[@DudooNW]

First of all i wanna say that you have done an excelent job , its a very good tut. I have 2 questions: What camera u use? i've ordered a canon md 110 i think its prety good and 2 : These mini dv tapes are rewritable or you can overwrite?

[@hypersuperdude]

I have a sony DCR-HC30E. thanx dude

[@pinkdomo29]

Hi Josh, I don't know where I can get the firewire ports. Where can I find it in my house? :) Thanks

[@UnitediFall]

You may have to download a driver from your camcorder's website.

[@fred306801]

If you have a plug on your camera that kind of looks like for ear phones but labeled A/V , audio video .. It is a composite type set up.. Yellow for the video and white or red for audio. Some times you might have a S-video plug as well. Then you can get the Happauge Colossus capture card and that will work. Most camera have the fire wire port. But to make it work you need the 1394 fire wire. One end goes into the camera and the other to the computer. And that is where the problem is. You need a special type plug. They make a card for older computers But I am not sure about the newer ones. So the one I listed above may be your only option.

[@appreviewer7373]

You are right it is output. And if my camera has no firewire slot there is no other why to hook it up to my computer. Right?

[@susheelgurungofficial3438]

Hi Josh ! I found your tutorial very helpful but my computer doesn't have FireWire port through which I can't connect from DV Camcorder to Computer . So pliz suggest me asap plizzz .

[@Bsantana1989]

Susheel Gurung you need an adapter

[@georgiaBRUSHHANDLEdoyle]

I don't think my laptop has a fireport, what kind of adapter do I need, what is it called? Also, the cording your using to connect your camera to the computer, what is that one called? I"m asking because during a move, I lost all cords to my camera, trying to re-buy them online..Thank you for your help!!

[@user-xo6fp7wt6i]

Can you please inform me what is the name of the fire wire dv cable you used?

[@raybucknall6909]

Thanks Josh. Is Windows Movie Maker for windows 8.1 compatable with the old Cam Corders? IE Canon MV20i. Look forward to hearing from you.

[@antiqueshopindia]

Are you there gentleman ❤

[@kyle_freedom3970]

Thankyou so much for this video it works thanku

[@SuperDieseldriver]

Cheers forgot how to do this👍👍

[@DUYEMI]

thanks for the help..

[@jacquethaxton7941]

Thank you I got one at a yard sale and no instructions came with it

[@Wens888]

oh god thanks that really helps! BUT THE QUESTION is that my video camera (which is also a canon) does not have a firewire connector like yours...it has a connector that says "DC IN 9.5V charge" and its shape is different than yours, what am i suppose to do now???

[@TOPNOTCHIDIOTS]

hold on do u have a brother or is ur last name barber pr is ur brother a teacher>?

[@liamheide2851]

Lmaoooo

[@iblorna]

Josh... thank you for such a detailed video. My problem is that I dont think my camcorder (Sony Handycam DCR-DVD-300) has a firewire port. Thre is a place that says DC IN port. The other end of said cord is permanently attached to one end of the a/c adapter. The other spot I have has a USB symbal and what the manual calls a 'USB Cable with a USB port on one end and USB jack at the other end. I have a Macbook Pro that does have a firewall port 800, as well as a thunderbolt. Do you think you are able to help me know what i need in order to transfer fron the Sony to my computer??? I would be very grateful for your help. Sincerely

[@kingeris1657]

I had a Sony dv camcorder back in 08. Made a lot of videos. I no longer have that camera. So I had a canon delivered to me. But when I load my cassette into the canon and press play I get incorrect tape specifications playback restricted. Is there anyway to fix this

[@born2live820]

thank you sir.

[@MarioRiccardi924]

@strikeah thanks thats a good idea. i'm going to try to get a firewire card but if that doesn't work i'll use this idea. it's pretty creative haha

[@grahampurkiss1557]

My camcorder is Analogue, and does not have a Firewire socket. Now I wonder if capture still possible?

[@prsfilms]

omg that is the exact camera i have.. !!! you just saved my life with this vid..however i have one issue... that cable you just used didn't come with my camera (i bought it at goodwill for 65 dollars with the case and all except for that cable the software and a memory card) is there anywhere i can go to buy that cable?

[@scooper1677]

Josh what is the best quality setting period, not just for the pc? Btw great video!

[@Rationalific]

Thanks!