How to transfer video from a MiniDV camcorder to a computer via USB

[@ConsumerDV]

It is not always clear, whether a DV camcorder can send video over USB, even if you read the operation manual. If the camcorder supports USB 2.0 High Speed mode (480 Mbps) and UVC, it is a good sign. If the camcorder supports only USB 1.0 or USB 2.0 Standard Speed mode, then it will not be able to send video over USB at full resolution and frame rate. At best, it can be used as a low-resolution webcam. If your Panasonic camcorder supports transferring DV video over USB, then put the camcorder in Play mode (not in PC mode). Select USB FUNCTION → MOTION DV, it should be either in BASIC or ADVANCED menu. If you have a camcorder from a different brand, follow the operating manual. On Windows, verify that System Settings → Privacy → App Permissions → Camera is enabled for desktop apps. I was able to capture video from my Panasonic GS500 MiniDV camcorder via USB on Windows 7 and Windows 10 at full quality without re-encoding.

[@bubbleboy821]

Couple of questions: 1. Does the USB transfer cable also power the camcorder without a battery? If not, what cable do I need to power it without using a battery? 2. Does Windows basically see it as a webcam/video source? If so, I should be able to use OBS to record the tape, correct?

[@ConsumerDV]

@@bubbleboy821 No, it does not power it via USB. The power supply voltage is 9.3 V, but 9 V should work as well. I don't use OBS, so cannot tell for sure whether it will work.

[@bubbleboy821]

@@ConsumerDVThank you for the reply! Will any old 9.3V power supply work (also what about amps)? And where does it plug in, the port labeled "DV" underneath the USB? I'm only able to find the battery chargers online that explicitly mention they work with this camera.

[@ConsumerDV]

@@bubbleboy821 Hold on, I am giving you wrong info, which I thought I remembered correctly. It should be actually 7.2 V from a battery pack, and 7.9 V if a power adapter is used I believe? Funny, I've never used this camcorder with a power adapter, it seems the only way to power it from an adapter is to use one with a plastic connector panel that clicks into the place of the battery. The dongle ID is K2GJ2DZ00018. As for batteries, I am using packs from newer HD camcorders, VBG130/260, they fit (but the GS500 batteries do not fit HD camcorders, huh). I have some third party packs rated 7.4 V, they work too. 9.3 V is for 2006-2010 HD camcorders, and these work with 9 V. Some of them have a round barrel connector, other have a special connector. I apologize for the confusion.

[@bubbleboy821]

@@ConsumerDV No way, you found it! I've been looking for that adapter all day. I couldn't believe the only way to plug it in is through the battery connection. Also, looks like the only person selling this part is on eBay for $99.99... of course! Thank you for your help. Subscribed

[@stereophonicstuff]

I’ve known about (and even did a video on) Sony’s low-fi USB steaming, but never knew there a hi-fi variant existed. That Panasonic camcorder would be a great buy to use as a USB transfer deck for somebody who doesn’t want to deal with FireWire. Great video!

[@ConsumerDV]

Yeah, it works great on Windows 10 using Movie Maker!

[@eladbari]

​@@ConsumerDVDoes it suppose to work also with Premiere Pro? (Or they disabled their capture capabilities with new versions of Premiere?)

[@Pues_Eso_Mismo]

@@eladbari si que funciona con premiere, probado w11 con PV-GS500, todo correcto

[@rxtee.]

Thank you so much! This helped me import all of my videos from my Panasonic PV-GS400 with 0 dropped frames from Windows Movie Maker over USB! I was looking at other videos but they wanted me to buy a capture card but this video made me realize I didn't need one! Thanks so much

[@ConsumerDV]

I am glad this video was useful for you! Really appreciate your comment.

[@Oretal]

Thank you for that last bit, I have a jvc camera and was worried my current method of digitizing my vids wasn’t good enough.

[@NevilleStyke]

I just tried an NV-GS280 camcorder and that model (as expected) worked fine with a Windows10 computer, for capturing full quality DV over the USB connection.

[@PeterEmery]

This is why I like the Apple way of connections. Modern Macs have Thunderbolt ports which are backwards-compatible with both USB and Firewire provided you have the correct dongles and/or cables.

[@ConsumerDV]

The USB-C-shaped connector capable of transmitting USB, Thunderbolt and Firewire is indeed perfect, on paper. In reality, I have never seen direct Firewire-to-Thunderbolt3 dongles, so you need to chain two of three dongles to go from 4-pin Firewire 400 to 6-pin, then to Firewire 800, then to Thunderbolt 2, then to Thunderbolt 3, and some of these dongles are out of production. If you know about a direct Firewire400-to-Thunderbolt3 cable, please post a link.

[@1057MB]

@@ConsumerDV Please tell me more about this setup if willing, as I'm having trouble getting some old firewire data from old miniDV cams

[@leopoflexpostdigital]

Excellenr information, I have found my old Panasonic DV camera and have an old HP laptop with firewire, and you have given me a good starting point

[@Gumcol]

I guess that you're a lifesaver! I'm looking for a minidv camcorder and your list of (probably) usb-compatible models is brilliant. Now i'm trying to find some of these specific Panasonic models!

[@TC-iv7dn]

Buy the Panasonic gs320, it's 3ccp with great colours

[@sl5311]

update?

[@Gumcol]

@@sl5311 I found a HDD camcorder, Sony SR52E, and bought it. Back then there weren't many Panasonics to buy in my country :(

[@sl5311]

@@Gumcol How is it working, are you able to transfer tapes to your computer?

[@Gumcol]

@@sl5311 yes, with Sony PlayMemories app even on windows 11. But be aware that they no longer support this app and old cana - newwst version does not recognize camera. You have to download older one and it works flawless :)

[@LoudlabsNYC]

What cable should I search for (Camcorder to USB?)

[@ConsumerDV]

It all depends on what you have. What model of the camcorder do you have? Are you sure it can send video over USB? A suitable cable may have been provided with the camcorder.

[@cristianmorales6607]

Amazing video my guy! Just trying to import old miniDV of my old thomson camcorder and this video was perfect, Thanks man!

[@AngelaPaulineJuntayas]

This is a great video, thank you! I have here a Panasonic NV-C2 not sure if this will work but will try :) As for the connector, I think it also uses Firewire DV with 4 pins.. does this have another name to search when buying online? thank you!

[@imnotsurehowmynamewaschanged]

Same! will this work?

[@ConsumerDV]

Firewire is the standard protocol for transferring DV video, but *some* DV camcorders can transfer DV video over USB as well, and this was the point of this video. If your computer has a Firewire port, just use Firewire.

[@tattooartist5870]

You sir are a legend, saved me a lot of money; scenealyzer is also free now with download key attatched to zip file and I finally have my videos; thank you so much for this

[@zakesk374]

Perfect video thanks very much with your help I was able to get videos from the Panasonic PV-GS320

[@EmmanuilNovikov]

Hey. I just did this with the panasonic nv gs300 and i can confirm it works perfectly

[@bertholdt_1644]

Hey there, i have a SONY TRV16E and my mac or windows cannot recognise the device (I shot videos on tape). I've tried a capture card (only showed audio signs) and recently bought a FireWire cable too and still now luck. Any suggestions? Thanks in Advance!

[@cherrib0m]

I'm having the same issues with a canon zr70! Not sure where to go from here

[@ConsumerDV]

The operating manual for the TRV16 instructs to install the custom USB driver and to use Pixela ImageMixer, but let's hope that with modern Windows you can use standard Windows tools and drivers, so instead of (4) you can try using something like Windows Movie Maker or even WinDV. Viewing images recorded on a tape: (1) Turn on your computer and allow Windows to load. (2) Connect the AC power adaptor, and insert a tape into your camcorder. (3) Set the POWER switch to PLAYER. Select USB STREAM in to ON in the menu settings. (4) Select “Start” → “Program” → “PIXELA” → “ImageMixer” → “PIXELA ImageMixer Ver.1.0 for Sony”.

[@ConsumerDV]

I don't think that the ZR70 can transfer DV video over USB. It can only transfer content from a memory card.

[@bertholdt_1644]

thanks for your help!@@ConsumerDV

[@MrTonyBianco]

I need to connect my daughters Panasonic MiniDV camcorder to my Aurora R10 Ryzen addition. The Panasonic does not have any RCA jacks, it only has the DV jack and my PC does not have a FireWire port, or even a lightning port. I only have a couple old precious tapes to transfer, of when her husband was alive and of their children. Does anyone know if it is even possible to connect these two for AV transfer and if so how? I would truly appreciate it, there are many articles saying you can use a USB port and then there are people saying you can not. Also I am told that the Motherboard on this Aurora does not have a slot to accommodate an IEEE 1394 Card.

[@laichoonchan6749]

Thank you. This video is very helpful. I am using a GS250 which has a label that says "USB 2.0 HS DV data streaming". So I was able to set the USB port to Motion DV and capture the output using Vegas Pro 14 like you showed. The video resolution is 720x576 and the dropped frame count is fairly low. The only problem I have is that the audio did not come through very well. I did enable audio capture. Were you able to capture good audio through USB, together with the video? There was no sound in the clip that you used in the demo so I could not tell. If there is no audio embedded in the USB data, then I am going to try to get that out of the AV output and record it separately using Sound Recorder. Then recombine the video and audio with Vegas Pro.

[@ConsumerDV]

The first time I tested this with Vegas I was getting both video and audio. After I installed a PCI A/V card, I am getting video only. Luckily, other tools like Windows Movie Maker and WinDV work fine. The encoding is the same, it comes directly from tape, so it does not matter which tool you use.

[@laichoonchan6749]

@@ConsumerDV Thanks for the reply. So the problem seems to be with the software. Someone else suggested MotionDV Studio, which is created by Panasonic. I downloaded that and it apparently works with 64-bit Windows 11, even though it was created in 2007 and was supposedly designed for Windows Vista. I have been able to capture both video and audio through USB with it. Thank you again.

[@mokhleslajmi8095]

@@laichoonchan6749 so this USB 2.0 high speed IS équivalent to firewire for video transfer?

[@ConsumerDV]

Yes, it is equivalent to Firewire when used in "Motion DV" mode. If you set USB to "Webcam" mode, it will be lower resolution and frame rate.

[@jamesthomas2754]

@@laichoonchan6749 Where did you download Motion DV Studio from?

[@chwilla]

Thanks for the great explanations, does Video transfer also work with a Mac ? Any advice or experiences? Thanks

[@ConsumerDV]

I tried connecting my Panasonic DV camcorder to a 3rd generation Macbook Pro via USB, and it did not work. The computer did not recognize a device connected to USB, Finder did not show it, iMovie did not offer to import from it. Connecting the camcorder to a Windows computer was markedly different: Windows Movie Maker as well as other applications recognized an A/V device connected to USB and offered to import from it. I don't know whether additional drivers for Mac are needed, but even the old user manuals mention capturing video over USB only in relation to Windows. YMMV.

[@NevilleStyke]

Just for an experiment, I tried installing a home copied disc of the old Panasonic MotionDV Studio 5.6E (which was included with the camcorder and was for WindowsXP) on a Windows10 computer and, much to my surprise, it worked and it would capture DV quality video via the USB cable. I installed it in compatibility mode for WindowsXP but I haven't tried editing with that software, as it would take me a while to learn my way around it. I can't really recommend the Panasonic software, as I don't have any other experience with it but it does work for downloading vie USB and it's free. I haven't got a Windows11 computer to try it on, so I don't know if it would work with that.

[@shanilla]

Hi there. Thank you for this video, it’s really helped makes sense of the process for me. I’m trying to find adapters online for the FireWire to USB, but i see a lot of negative reviews. Do you have an adapter you’d recommend?

[@ConsumerDV]

There are no generic Firewire to USB adapters. There are Firewire to Thunderbolt adapters, and Thunderbolt 3 uses the same connector as USB-C.

[@shanilla]

@@ConsumerDV thanks for the quick reply! Does this mean the FireWire to usb adapters I’m finding on Amazon are fake?

[@ConsumerDV]

Most likely, yes, they are fake. You cannot make a Firewire-to-USB adapter simply by connecting wires, you need to convert the signal, so you need a chip inside. There are boxes that can do that, like Pinnacle 500 and 700, but they are not just adapters, they need appropriate drivers to be installed.

[@shanilla]

@@ConsumerDV wow thank you! You saved me some money

[@bradriley9777]

Hair-brained idea: Can any of these be used to CONVERT an incoming Firewire signal to USB? Since the IEEE1394 jacks are two-way (support Out but also In). Unfortunately, it looks like "No" at least for the PV-GS500. Manual, section about digital dubbing using 1394 jack: "Disconnect the USB cable since input signals from the external input terminal cannot be recorded while it is connected with the USB cable." (This would be useful for Digital8 cams which don't have a full-quality USB option.) Love your videos!!

[@greenfairyfloss]

thank you for this video! if use the 2.0 mini-USB output on my nv-gs150, and then use a USB to USB-C adaptor, will it transfer onto my Mac?

[@ConsumerDV]

I've tried it on a Mac, and it did not work for me. WinXP to Win7 worked out of the box. Win10 needed older software.

[@concessionculture]

Thank you! This works perfectly on the Panasonic NV-GS330 with Windows Movie Maker over mini USB. Can you please share your approach for de-interlacing the captured video?

[@ConsumerDV]

Thanks! I use VirtualDub2 for Windows, you can see it in this video if you skip to 3:50 mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqu8YomlZtSWmcU I usually use built-in Yadif deinterlacer or MSU deinterlacer, which is slightly better but much slower than Yadif. The best free deinterlacer is QTGMC, you run in a script, to run the script you need a runtime environment, and VirtualDub can function as such runtime environment as well.

[@livealittle1100]

Im going to get myself a panasonic nv gs250, and now im panicking because my laptop doesn't have any firewire port, and it's running on Windows 10 as well. Most people say that dv to usb is a hoax. It won't work. Now im afraid to buy because this thing is pretty expensive. I have to order it all the way from Japan to Malaysia.

[@ConsumerDV]

Generic Firewire to USB conversion does not work, but sending DV video over USB does work for certain models. The GS250 is one of the models thst can do it. If buying the camcorder is expensive, maybe building a computer with a Firewire input would be cheaper. You can buy a refurbished desktop for $150 and add a Firewire card for $10-$20.

[@jamesthomas2754]

Hey man, my laptop won't recognise the camera. I get the error: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43) A request for the USB device descriptor failed. Is there any way to solve that?

[@ConsumerDV]

I haven't seen an error like this, quite unusual. Not sure how to help you, sorry.

[@millieroseb]

Hi! is there a way i can import it onto windows without using movie maker? unfortunately i am unable to download it now but have a different video editor? i have a panasonic nv gs230

[@ConsumerDV]

Of course, you can use other software. Most commercial NLEs have capture module that allows to capture video from DV camcorders, it usually works with USB connection as well. WinDV, which one normally would use for Firewire connection, works with USB connection too. Put the camcorder in Play mode (not in PC mode). From ADVANCED menu select USB FUNCTION → MOTION DV. On Windows, verify that in System Settings → Privacy → App Permissions → Camera is enabled for desktop apps.

[@CandySantamaria-b1b]

Hi! Great info! But I’m having trouble with a Sony Handycam DCR SR42. I need a cable from the camera to the laptop, USB. The camera port is labeled a/v out and is shaped 3/moon. Any IDEAS? Just want to save my videos to my laptop. TY 🙏 in advance

[@ConsumerDV]

Use USB Type-B cable to connect to the Handicam Station to copy files off the camcorder to your computer.

[@shreyasshetty5631]

Hello sir, i have an old Panasonic camcorder Panasonic SDR-H20, i need to recover the videos from the cameras HDD since it contains many memories, the pc doesn't recognise when connected to the camera , even after selecting connect to PC on the cam please help

[@ConsumerDV]

I don't think I'll be able to help here. This is not a DV camcorder. I suggest starting with the owner's manual.

[@jdastro]

I am considering buying a PCIe 1394 board to add to my PC to copy my Mini-DV tapes. I have a Sony DV camcorder (HC96). What USB/firewire cable are you using to go from the camcorder to the computer? Thanks for posting the video.

[@ConsumerDV]

Just a simple Firewire cable, 4 pins on one end for the camcorder and either 4 or 6 or even 9 pins on the other end depending on your card. I have a cheap card with VIA chipset, works fine for me.

[@guilhermeuchida5389]

Is it possible to do this in Windows 11? I have the NV-GS250. I hope it`s possible, I have tons of tapes that my father recorded in the early 2000's

[@ConsumerDV]

I did it on Win10. Haven't tried Win11, but I don't see why it would not work.

[@kevindodo6973]

Thank you for the explanation! But I have a question here, can we transfer video from MiniDV's tape that unfinished? And after we transfer the video, can the tape use to record a video again?

[@ConsumerDV]

There is no "finished" or "unfinished" tape. It is not a file, nor it needs finalization like a DVD. You can transfer as much or as little as you want. Yes, you can reuse magnetic tape again.

[@batulanlancegabrielv.2863]

I have a question, i have this hitachi dvdcam and i also have the USB but the thing is i can't see the folder or drive on it (like notification or something that it says that its in the G; or any type) but the camcorder appears that it blinks a green that indicates that it was connected to a pc. Any thoughts about it?

[@ConsumerDV]

I have never used a DVD-based camcorder. Have you closed the session and finalized the disc?

[@batulanlancegabrielv.2863]

@@ConsumerDV yep, but it still not viewing in my laptop, but what do you think if i remove the disc, will the other laptop can read just the sd card? (like using dvd camcorder to open the files on my sd card thing)

[@johnsmith6580]

i have a JVC GR-DVL520U that im trying this on and when i go to windows movie maker it doesn't appear there. any advice?

[@ConsumerDV]

It does not seem capable of this functionality. The operating manual says: For GR-DVL720/DVL520 Owners: If you are using the USB connection, set the VIDEO/ MEMORY switch to “MEMORY”. Only the still images stored on the memory card can be transferred to a PC.

[@johnsmith6580]

@@ConsumerDV okay thank you so much

[@johnsmith6580]

@@ConsumerDV do you think you can give me your contact it seems like im having a very specific problem on 2 of my camcorders and you seem very knowledgeable

[@ConsumerDV]

I've been using different camcorders for almost two decades, but I don't know how to repair them. If you have a usage question, feel free to ask here.

[@Jcpineda26]

Basically, any camera (at least Panasonic) that shows usb 2.0 on it should let you transfer video using usb, right? Thanks

[@ConsumerDV]

Not exactly. USB 2.0 can be both standard speed (12 Mbps) and High Speed (480 Mbps), you need High Speed. Also, you need the camcorder to support UVC. Some Sony camcorders have the same feature. I had big hopes for JVC, but the model I got is not good enough for full-size transfer. I believe UVC was adopted in 2003, so I would look models 2004 and onwards. Then again, I think most brands stopped offering MiniDV camcorders starting from 2007, and I don't know whether there are HDV camcorders that have the same capability. So, 2004 through 2006 is the best bet, IMO.

[@Jcpineda26]

@@ConsumerDV got it Thanks a lot

[@jaycedeathmetalscream]

can you make a vid on how to hook a camcorder into an hp computer my camcorder is a 48.0mp 5k dv camera

[@ConsumerDV]

DV is a standard definition format, usually tape-based. You seem to have a modern file-based digital camera that records onto solid state media, like SD cards. Just pull the card out and insert into a computer. If the camera has built-in memory, then usually all you need to do is connect the camera via USB and copy video files.

[@kvrt]

Is this method have lesser output quality than firewire?

[@ConsumerDV]

Same quality. Bytes are bytes. Well, to clarify: some camcorders send unmodified data off tape, they need USB 2 High Speed or better. Other camcorders send video over USB 1 or USB 2 Standard Speed, which is only 12 Mbit/s. In this case they reduce video to something like 320x240 or even 160x120 @ 15 fps, this is garbage. The Panasonic I have sends the data off the tape unmodified.

[@kvrt]

@@ConsumerDV thx! gs400 have this method too!

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

I have a 2006 Panasonic PV-GS39 and it looks high quality over firewire but like trash over USB 2.0 into Sony Vegas. It only captures 320x240 at 15fps

[@ConsumerDV]

Page 7 of the user manual for the PV-GS29/PV-GS39/PV-GS59 reads: USB Jack: PV-GS29: No | *PV-GS39: Yes (Full-Speed)* | PV-GS59: Yes (High-Speed) Full-Speed is 12 Mbit/s, High-Speed is 480 Mbit/s, DV is 29 Mbit/s. So indeed, the GS39 does not have enough throughput for DV at full quality. Interesting that the manual later reads, "[USB FUNCTION] (PV-GS59 Only)", so I think you used it in WEB CAM mode, not in tape transfer mode.

[@FreshSqueezedLightning]

@@ConsumerDV wow thank you for the most thorough answer I’ve ever received on KZbin!

[@eladbari]

​@@ConsumerDV I'm confused. How does your PC knows if to capture the full res of the camcorder feed? This control should be set on the camcorder. You wanna say the user mis used the camcorder while capturing and it's obvious if he set it to webcam capture or MiniDV capture?

[@ConsumerDV]

@@eladbari The camcorder will send full-res DV if it supports USB 2.0 High Speed. I don't know the details of how the UVC protocol works, but in operation is very much similar as DV over Firewire. I can even use the same capture tools.

[@eladbari]

@@ConsumerDV I checked sample footage of the Panasonic GS500 and it looks too "new". Feels like HD footage but it's not :) So I wonder about other models which feel more 90's in their look, yet, have this USB 2.0 technology for video capture

[@niniheart1375]

when i use the play mode my pc doesn't register it. i tried vegas but nothing happened ... i have the panasonic nv-gs320

[@ConsumerDV]

Have you selected USB FUNCTION → MOTION DV, it should be either in BASIC or ADVANCED menu. In Windows control panel, verify that System Settings → Privacy → App Permissions → Camera is enabled for desktop apps.

[@niniheart1375]

@@ConsumerDV yes i had that all, but now it worked when i changed the usb port. i got the video but can't get the sound on vegas pro, how do i capture the sound too?

[@ConsumerDV]

I probably should not have mentioned Vegas... It worked for me once, and then stopped working as well. Try something else, like WinDV or ScenalyzerLive!, I was surprised to see they work with USB despite that these tools have been designed for Firewire. Or try the capture module from Microsoft Movie Maker, it works pretty reliably for me.

[@soursopstudio]

so super helpful and coin saving - how would I know if this would work with the Canon DV MV800 E?

[@ConsumerDV]

The operating manual is the best place to start. Your camcorder does not seem to have a USB port.

[@RoboMWM]

My Panasonic PV-GS16 has an option between "WEBCAM" and "DV STUDIO" in PLAYBACK > USB FUNCTION. I see no mention of this when searching in its manual from the PDF I looked up. Does this also mean it can work over USB, or what does this option mean?.

[@ConsumerDV]

Webcam mode is 320×240 MJPEG. The spec sheet states, "max. 12 Mbps", which is not sufficient for DV video, which requires about 29 Mbps. I have a JVC camcorder that can send video over USB from tape, but not in the original DV format, instead it recompresses it into 320×240 @ 15 fps, maybe your camcorder does the same? I apologize I cannot help further. If you are able to get anything usable from it, please write back!

[@DonSibleyGames]

I'm able to capture video with the Panasonic NV-GS180 using the USB out and scenalyzer

[@ConsumerDV]

Awesome! I did not test ScenalyzerLive and WinDV in this video because I thought they would not work with USB, but looks like they do. Thanks for the info!

[@DonSibleyGames]

@@ConsumerDV thanks for the instructions. Just followed what you had in the description and it worked!

[@baysyl]

is there any solusotion for camcoders that doesn't support DV from USB?

[@ConsumerDV]

FireWire a.k.a. iLINK a.k.a. IEEE-1394 is the standard digital link for DV camcorders. If you computer does not have a Firewire port, then as the last resort you can use analog output. SVideo is pretty good actually, if your camcorder has it. Otherwise, the lowest common denominator is the composite output. Basically, you capture in the same way as from a VHS or Hi8 camcorder. On the positive side, the picture still will look better than VHS and it will be steady without jitter or picture roll.

[@baysyl]

@@ConsumerDV Thanks for the fast response! Is it possible that my camcorder (Panasonic NV-GS120) only sends video signal through SVideo? I tried connecting it through A/V to a composite capture card device, it only reads the mic accurately, and a split second green glitch on the video sometimes when I changed the mode in the cam

[@ConsumerDV]

It looks that the camcorder has a TRRS jack, they may have different wiring. Are you using the A/V cable that originally came with the camcorder? As long as ground is on the proper pin, you can juggle the RCA jacks to find where the video is and where each of the audio channels is. If the ground is incorrect, you need another cable. See this, for example: www.reddit.com/r/audio/comments/ukgcgl/curious_about_how_35mm_trrs_jacks_works_cant_get/ or img.radiokot.ru/files/105130/1itqcr7yb3.png You may want to search more for "TRRS pinout". Also double check the menu [TAPE PLAYBACK MENU]>>[AV IN/OUT]>>[AV JACK]>>[IN/OUT], make sure it is set to [OUT].

[@zx8346]

I've tried to transfer DV content via firewire400-800-thunderbolt2-thunderbult3 to my Mac. However, when I used FCP or Quicktime to capture the video, only a fraction of the original content was captured with many dropouts due to glitches on my tape after many years of storage. So I tried to hook the camera to my TV via AV cable and the playback is quite smooth in terms of video quality with negligibly choppy audio. Therefore, I wonder if I can acquire better digital transfer through A/V cable and USB2 connection to my Mac instead? Thanks a lot !

[@ConsumerDV]

I know about the firewire400-800-thunderbolt2-thunderbult3 solution, but haven't tried it myself. @ScottSchramm has done a lot of research on the issue. You sure can capture off a DV camcorder through an analog connection, although SVideo would be preferable to composite, but not all DV camcorders can SVideo output. Transferring DV digitally provides the best quality all other things being equal, SVideo is almost as good, composite is the worst, but still quite watchable. Regarding capturing to Mac, I am not an authority here, as I use Windows. Supposedly, you should be able to use Mac as many of analog-to-digital converters have Mac-compatible software. I don't know whether good free software exists for Mac. I apologize I cannot not help much.

[@Intelwinsbigly]

​@ConsumerDV pcie card is much more stable connection than the four adapter cludge. Also a lot cheaper

[@SHADXWNINJA]

The Panasonic NV-GS30 does not work with a usb to dv cable sadly :(

[@ConsumerDV]

Not sure what you are talking about. The GS30 does not have a USB port, does it?

[@jon6969.]

doing it this way does that give you the best quality to copy?

[@ConsumerDV]

It gives the quality identical to copying via Firewire if the camcorder supports USB 2.0 High Speed and advertises this type of video transfer from tape. Normally you would use Firewire to transfer MiniDV or Digital8 video.

[@jon6969.]

Thanks@@ConsumerDV looking on Amazon not sure which firewire card to install on my laptop. Any suggestions.. Thanks

[@ConsumerDV]

I don't think you can install a fill-size expansion card on a laptop. 15-20 years ago you would use a PC Card adapter, but these are not used anymore. Firewire cannot be converted into USB. You have these three options: 1. Get a camcorder that can send video over USB. 2. Get a computer that has Firewire port or accepts Firewire expansion cards. 3. Send video over analog connection, most camcorders have composite output, even HD ones, and many camcorders have SVideo output. Then you would use an external dongle to convert analog to digital and capture it over USB. Something like Diamond VC500 or an old Dazzle DVC100 or IOData GV2-USB.

[@kvrt]

Does this panasonic camcorders could capture miniHDV via USB? Cause miniHDV have same datarate as usual miniDV

[@ConsumerDV]

Yeah, it is the same rate, but sadly it does not recognize HDV. On the other hand, despite that it does not show anything onscreen, maybe it still sends it over wire as is? I haven't tried it, so cannot neither confirm nor deny whether it is possible.

[@kvrt]

@@ConsumerDV thx! thats intersting to try... it would be ultimate good if panasonic could this!

[@tecesphere]

hey i have an old mac with a firewire port 9pin. I bought a cable mini dv to firewire800. 4pin to 9pin. i put the mini dv cable in my panasonic nv ds65 and the other firewire end into the mac. the mac doesn’t recognize any camera. did i forget something?

[@ConsumerDV]

I have never used Mac for working with video. Supposedly, it should work out of the box, but... I have a 1999 DV camcorder that my Windows machine cannot not recognize via Firewire. Windows automatically finds and installs appropriate driver for newer models (despite that some people say Firewire devices do not need custom drivers). The DS65 seems pretty old. I don't know how compatible those early Firewire machines were with computers. Really cannot help you here, sorry :(

[@stacydescoteau4408]

What is the white wire called that you plugged from your camera to your computer? Ok maybe I read that it's a Type A to Mini USB? Can I use a Type A to a regular USB?

[@ConsumerDV]

It is a USB cable, Mini-B on the camcorder side, Standard-A on the computer side.

[@stacydescoteau4408]

@@ConsumerDV thanks. Do you have a link? Can I buy something like that at Best Buy? And that will work to capture my Panasonic camera to my laptop with some kind of video software?

[@ConsumerDV]

What model of the camcorder do you have? Are you sure it can send video over USB? A suitable cable should have been provided with the camcorder. Does your computer have full-size Type-A USB socket? Maybe you need a USB-C plug instead? It all depends on what you have. A cable similar to mine can be found here www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=3896 or here www.amazon.com/Amazon-Basics-Charging-Transfer-Gold-Plated/dp/B00NH11N5A/

[@stacydescoteau4408]

@@ConsumerDV omg thank you. I'm such an idiot. Yes that cable did come with the camera. Duh! Now I need to figure out software to capture the video. I appreciate you responding so quickly

[@stacydescoteau4408]

@@ConsumerDV ok maybe that's not going to work. How would I know if that wire can move video from my camera to my computer? I have a Panasonic PV-GS9 camcorder

[@retepsnikrep]

Thanks for this video it helped me preserve some tapes for a friend.

[@akaria2943]

Hey, I have the Canon mini DV MV700 Pal, i've searched all around for how to get the video imported into my computer, would you be able to tell me what cables I would need? I have tried DV to USB and it does not recognize it any of my computers/laptops Would be amazing and a great help!

[@ConsumerDV]

There are no general-purpose Firewire-to-USB converters. You need to use the Firewire connection.

[@akaria2943]

@@ConsumerDV Gotcha, would I use a IEEE 1394 DV to Firewire and then female firewire to USB cable in that case? ordering them on amazon now, if you have a suggestion i dont mind using your referral link if you got one

[@ConsumerDV]

There are no general-purpose Firewire-to-USB converters. You need to have a Firewire port on your computer.

[@akaria2943]

​@@ConsumerDV Thanks for the help man I managed to finally get it all running, you're awesome for letting people in on your knowledge man Last thing, is there an easy/convenient way to erase/overwrite a miniDV tape so I don't have to keep buying them after every hour its used?

[@ConsumerDV]

Just record over your existing video, it will be overwritten unless you used the write-protect tab to prevent recording. You can use a demagnetizer to erase the whole tape at once if you don't want others to see what has been recorded on your tapes. But normally you just record over an existing recording.

[@davestorm6718]

I wish there was a way to record via the Firewire method. The problem with the USB method is that the video is compressed (Sony, Canon, Panasonic all compress it via their usb interfaces, so you lose quality!).

[@ConsumerDV]

Firewire is the standard method. USB 2.0 + UVC offers the same quality as via Firewire on camcorders that support it. Some camcorders that support webcam mode can recompress DV video into lower resolution and bitrate, but it is not what this video is about.

[@davestorm6718]

@@ConsumerDV I don't know for sure about Sony, but the Canon's & Panasonic's USB output is lower quality than the FW. It's written in the manual.

[@ConsumerDV]

Depends on the model. This video is about the camcorders that offer full quality identical to Firewire.

[@BärenmarkeScotch]

Can I transfer minidv footage to my windows 10 PC, without buying a firewire card? I got a Samsung VP-D361 and a USB to DV cabel. Installation of the Firewire 1394 legacy driver didnt work.

[@ConsumerDV]

There are no USB to DV cables. The user manual says the camcorder can do USB 2.0 High Speed and can be connected via USB in streaming mode to "view camcorder video", so there is a chance ir can send video off tape via USB.

[@BärenmarkeScotch]

@@ConsumerDV well, i would call the cable in your thumbnail usb to dv. anyway, i got one.

[@portmeirrion]

Have you tried using the free WinDV capture software to see if it will capture DV over USB? Maybe it will only detect a Firewire connection, but if it will also work with a USB connection then it may be the best capture software to use for DV over USB as it is easily available.

[@ConsumerDV]

Funny I did not think about this before. I just tried WinDV, it could not find my Panasonic GS500, but it has been hit or miss lately. Then I tried ScenalizerLive, and it worked perfectly! I did not expect it to work. Thanks for the tip!

[@portmeirrion]

@@ConsumerDV That's great. But just for clarity... You were able to capture lossless DV using Scenalyzer on Windows 10, without having to install the Panasonic USB driver or any other drivers/software ? And checking the DV AVI files with MediaInfo shows that they really are DV data?

[@ConsumerDV]

I am using Win7, but I have a Win10 laptop, I will test it and report back. In the meantime, this is what I am getting from Win7, I don't remember whether I needed to install a special USB driver for the camcorder. If anything, Windows downloaded it automatically. Interesting that "commercial format" is reported as DVCPRO, despite that the GS500 is a consumer camcorder, and DV25/4:1:1 is a consumer format. Codec ID is Sony probably because I have Sony DV codec installed by Sony Vegas. General Format : AVI Format/Info : Audio Video Interleave Format_Commercial_IfAny : DVCPRO File size : 68.5 MiB Duration : 18s 886ms Overall bit rate : 30.4 Mbps TAPE : sclive TCOD : 11423745667 TCDO : 11612267333 VMAJ : 4 VMIN : 0 STAT : 0 -1 3500.000000 1 DTIM : 27111835 3340451840 Video ID : 0 Format : DV Format_Commercial_IfAny : DVCPRO Codec ID : dvsd Codec ID/Hint : Sony Duration : 18s 886ms Bit rate mode : Constant Bit rate : 24.4 Mbps Width : 720 pixels Height : 480 pixels Display aspect ratio : 4:3 Frame rate mode : Constant Frame rate : 29.970 fps Standard : NTSC Color space : YUV Chroma subsampling : 4:1:1 Bit depth : 8 bits Scan type : Interlaced Bits/(Pixel*Frame) : 2.357 Stream size : 64.8 MiB (94%) Encoding settings : wb mode= / white balance= / fcm=auto focus Audio Format : PCM Format settings, Endianness : Little Format settings, Sign : Unsigned Codec ID : 1 Codec ID/Hint : Microsoft Duration : 18s 886ms Bit rate mode : Constant Bit rate : 1 536 Kbps Channel(s) : 2 channels Sampling rate : 48.0 KHz Bit depth : 16 bits Stream size : 3.46 MiB (5%) Interleave, duration : 497 ms (14.89 video frames)

[@portmeirrion]

@@ConsumerDV Not sure why it would say DVCPRO, perhaps something to do with how sclive constructs the AVI header. The codec dvsd seems prety conclusive that it is DV data. WOuld be great to hear how you get on with Windows 10 - I seem to remember reading somwehere that some UVC functions had been added to Windows 10 and 11 but can't remember where now! Would be interesting if it worked on Windows 10 without having to try installing an ancient Panasonic USB driver.

[@aaprods]

@@portmeirrion I can confirm that no drivers are required for DV over USB in Win 10 or 11. I have a GS25 and a GS300 and both appear in WinDV and Scenalyzer as a "Video Edit" device. In my recent experience WinDV is quite flaky in Win 10 and 11, so Scenalyzer is the go-to transfer software for this.

[@teddyb4168]

Can you use OBS for capture with gs500 via USB?

[@ConsumerDV]

I have not tried OBS for Windows, as there are better tools. I have not tried using OBS on Mac either, but other tools like Quicktime and iMovie would not detect the camcorder connected via USB. Do you use a Mac?

[@teddyb4168]

@@ConsumerDV no PC. I have seen in my research that OBS classic would work and I have a download link. I plan to test this soon and see. Otherwise let me know your best software for PC for this instance. It sounds like Adobe Premiere disabled these features.

[@ConsumerDV]

Tons of options for Windows, I listed some of them in the video. In particular, Movie Maker from older versions of Windows, which can still be downloaded. Or WinDV, which works with USB to my surprise.

[@thierrydh-x2y]

hi thanks for this video. I've tried to connect a Panasonic NV-GS80 (USB & Firewire is present on the camera) but it wasn't recognise by wibdows 10 with USB connection, I've contacted Panasonuic and they mention that there isn't any driver for windows 10, did you had one that can be compatible ? on an old windows XP it was working, that oone had also a Firewire port But I really woud like to connect to newer PC using USB, shoud this be possible? thank you

[@ConsumerDV]

Verify that System Settings -> Privacy -> App Permissions -> Camera is enabled for desktop apps.

[@bo0o0o0op2k]

Hey, have you found a workaround?

[@manuelneves248]

Excellente idée d'avoir fait cette vidéo! Elle va m'être très utile, car j'ai des tas de cassettes à copier. Heureusement j'ai la chance d'avoir un caméscope Panasonic 3CDD des années 2000, avec sortie MiniDV. Pardon de vous écrire en français, mais je ne maîtrise pas l'anglais. Un grand merci de Paris.

[@ruicarvalho9802]

Hello! I hope you still come back to these older videos, I have a Samsung VP-D80 and in the user’s manual it says USB Interface( Transferring Digital Image through USB connection) is only available on VP-D81/D81i. Even though my camera has the same ports has the latter. is there any way I could transfer my videos to pc?

[@ConsumerDV]

Hi, I don't think it can transfer video over USB. The "Getting to know your camcorder" chapter reads, "You can transfer still images to a PC using the USB interface without an add-on card". The same chapter says that both moving and still images can be transferred to a PC by using IEEE 1394 a.k.a. Firewire port. The operating manual does not specify which version of USB the camcorder supports. You need at least USB 2 High Speed to transfer DV video without recompression, I don't think it is capable of it. You should use Firewire/DV port for uploading video to a computer.

[@ruicarvalho9802]

@@ConsumerDV Damn I forgot I commented here! Found a way to do it using a usb adapter and recording the videos on OBS. Thanks anyway!

[@ConsumerDV]

Have you settled on sending analog video into a USB dongle and then into a computer?

[@martaafonso291]

Hello! I followed your steps, but the computer doesn't recognize the camera. Do you have any tips?

[@ConsumerDV]

What is the camcorder brand/model and what is your computer OS?

[@SwitchOnARpg]

Trying to use Panasonic pv-102dv. ran into a problem, the software i use, Motion DV , doesn't detect it but my PC does. I'm using usb to mini but It states that my drivers are unavailable.

[@ConsumerDV]

What do you mean, "USB to mini"? Are you trying to use USB to transfer video? I don't think it is possible. The operating manual reads, "Transfer takes for about 30 to 50 seconds for every 1 second of the Motion image when using USB connection," and "The maximum capture time is approximately 30 seconds." It seems the camcorder has a built-in buffer which reads video off tape, then sends it over USB at much slower speed. I believe the camcorder only supports USB 1.0 I think your best bet is Firewire. But, this may not work as well. Some people out there say that replacing Windows Firewire driver with an old one helps, I haven't done this. I suggest searching on a forum like doom9 or videohelp for details.

[@twoexem6548]

Do you reckon this works under Linux?

[@ConsumerDV]

No idea, I use Windows mostly. The good thing is I don't remember installing any drivers. So I suppose if your distro supports UVC, then it may work.

[@nourkaidi5051]

I can't find driver for it When i plug it to my laptop it's show as usb device ⚠️ in device manager

[@ConsumerDV]

What camcorder model do you have? I have not installed any special drivers for mine.

[@nourkaidi5051]

@@ConsumerDV sony handycam "dcr-trv265e"

[@ConsumerDV]

You are supposed to set the camcorder to USB Stream mode, then connect it to a computer, agree with Windows setting up the driver, then Sony's USB Streaming Tool - which you should have installed earlier - is supposed to start up, and you should be able to set the quality so that there are no dropouts. I wonder whether at the highest quality setting the camcorder sends full-resolution DV over USB.

[@nourkaidi5051]

@@ConsumerDV

[@albertgioda230]

hello, the video transmission works for me, but unfortunately without sound, do you know where the problem could be? I record in the vegas. but thank you very much for the video, it helped a lot :)

[@ConsumerDV]

Vegas worked for me once, then stopped working as well, no sound. I suggest trying different software. Surprisingly, WinDV that is meant for Firewire transfer, worked for me when transferring via USB.

[@albertgioda230]

@@ConsumerDV ok, thank you very much, and it doesn't work through the other apps as well? I would try to download them somewhere, I don't want to buy a usb converter for one video :D. thank you for your reply.

[@ConsumerDV]

It DOES work through the other apps. Good luck!

[@albertgioda230]

@@ConsumerDV ty🤙🤙

[@familylewis4491]

This video connects via USB, is there a video for Firewire only, on Windows 10 I have set up a PCIe Firewire card, downloaded the legacy 1394 driver, I can see my camera in device manager but when I fire up a capture app I can't select my camera, only a generic 'Microsoft DV Camera and VCR' device. My camera is a Panasonic NV-MX300

[@khutaboy]

Were you able to find a solution. I have the same problem with my Canon elura 100. Show up as Microsoft DV and VCR. Can't import any videos.

[@LeonGroschek]

What ist with the NV-GS330 from Panasonic. Should it work with it too? And is there a specific cable i need?

[@ConsumerDV]

Yes, it should work too. The camcorder has a Mini-B USB port and a 4-pin Firewire port.

[@R00Y]

I have a Canon Elura 85, which is both a digital camcorder and a MiniDV one too, but for some reason it's not capturing whenever the MiniDV mode is on? Any solutions maybe to this? It does capture it digitally, just not on the MiniDV one.

[@ConsumerDV]

MiniDV is digital. Your camcorder cannot send full-resolution DV video over USB. It can only send Motion JPEG clips having 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 resolution. To capture video from tape you need to go the Firewire route.

[@R00Y]

@@ConsumerDV Awesome, thanks! You got a vid on that by any chance?

[@ConsumerDV]

@@R00Y No, I figured it was simple enough: connect the Firewire cable, run the capture program (WinDV, ScenalyzerLive, or a capture module from most NLEs), play the tape, get the bits from tape to computer into a file, job done. But quite a few people have been asking about it, so maybe I will make one.

[@عيسىالمالكي-ب2ك]

I have a Sony camera, model HVR-HD1000E. What is the best way to transfer video to the computer in HD quality? Previously, I tried to transfer using a USB IEEE1394 cable, but it failed.

[@ConsumerDV]

IEEE 1394 is the preferred method, make sure you select "HDV" in your software when capturing HD, and "DV" when capturing SD. You also have HDMI and component options to explore, both should be able to transfer HD. I don't know whether it is capable of sending video over USB.

[@عيسىالمالكي-ب2ك]

Is it better to use a computer with an old Windows 7 or Windows 10 system??​@@ConsumerDV

[@ConsumerDV]

Whichever works for you. As long as data flows, it is the same data. My main machine is Win7/64, but I tried using USB with the Panasonuc GS500 with Win10, and it worked.

[@عيسىالمالكي-ب2ك]

Thank you 👍​@@ConsumerDV

[@kartersink]

Do you know where to find a cable for DV to USB for Panasonic GS-250?

[@ConsumerDV]

I believe you need one with a Mini-B connector, but double check with the user manual.

[@nabilaputri3763]

i have a question, im trying to do this with my panasonic nv-gs27 on windows 7 but when i plugged it, it only says unknown device and i couldnt transfer it, do u have any solution please?? thank you sm!!

[@ConsumerDV]

The NV-GS27 cannot transfer DV video over USB. You need USB 2.0 High Speed + UVC, and instead you have only USB 2.0 Full Speed. Panasonic's 2006 video camera booklet lists four MiniDV models: GS27, GS180, GS300, GS500 and reads: "Transfer data to a PC at high speed too USB 2.0 (HS Mode) and Video Class* Compatibility. USB 2.0 compatibility lets you upload DV data to a PC at high-speed over a single USB cable. Video Class compatibility allows real-time transfer of DV moving picture data over the same USB cable. *Video Class is a standard format that allows the real-time transfer of moving picture data over a USB cable. GS27: USB 2.0 (FS Mode)". You should use Firewire instead.

[@mezgageza2688]

I want to the date be shown, can u help me how it is possible? I am using DV cable To DV on a laptop windows xp

[@ConsumerDV]

Unlike VHS/8-mm video that burns date/time into the video, DV has a separate timecode track. Most NLEs have tools to display timecode info. I use Sony Vegas, so I would create a separate track on the timeline and add FXTimecode effect as a Text overlay.

[@mezgageza2688]

@@ConsumerDV Thank you i would think the same to put after i recorded. Can you help me how am i able to cut .avi files? If you convert it to mp4 it is reduce the quality. Or where can i convert with the less loss?

[@ConsumerDV]

I apologize for a belated answer, the comments accidentally got turned off. AVI, MP4, MOV, TS, MKV and others are just file extensions that usually correspond to a container file type (wooden crate or cardboard box), they do not predicate the codec used to encode the content (apples or oranges) neither they predicate the quality (green, ripe or rotten). That said, DV AVI can be easily cut with most NLEs and saved without loss, as each frame is self-contained (intra-frame coding). If you want to upload your video to youtube, you need to deinterlace it, preferably preserving the image rate, that is 30 fps interlaced would be converted to 60 fps progressive. You also need to upscale it to at least 720 lines for youtube to switch 60 fps mode on. You can check out this video for some insight, starting from 8:33 mark: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqu8YomlZtSWmcUsi=SNkJQbDvAJdNIxW4&t=513

[@mezgageza2688]

@@ConsumerDV Thank you for your answer

[@RoboMWM]

@@ConsumerDV Does this mean using some programs like Movie Maker to dub/record the video will not contain the timecode in the output file? Or is it stored within the file (and later can be extracted?)

[@jordanbrowny]

Can you use the first software to just play the videos in large screen? It’s my mums birthday soon and I want to play some old family videos from the old camcorder, my plan was to play them on my laptop and then connect that via hdmi to the TV

[@ConsumerDV]

Why would not you connect the camcorder to the TV with a composite cable? (unless, of course, your TV does not have a composite input). The first software, you mean, the Movie Maker? I need to check whether it can play video being captured in full screen, but I don't think it can. But you can capture a video first, then play it on a computer with a player of your choice.

[@athiradha262]

i downloaded the movie maker and i have a sony dcr model.........and the usb is registered in my laptop when i connect the camera ....but movie maker ain't showing my camera in it to import from devices someone pls help...im running a win11

[@JamesBlad]

same

[@NevilleStyke]

Sony needs firewire. AFAIK only the Panasonic camcorders specified here will do full quality DV transfers to Movie Maker. I tried my Panasonic and that worked, even with the old version of Movie Maker included in the WindowsXP operating system.

[@ConsumerDV]

Some people, who have not a single video on their YT channel, don't believe that USB can be used to transfer DV, even if Panasonic has advertised this feature in its booklets. Thanks for the test upload on your channel.

[@JamesBlad]

@@ConsumerDV I found the solution. If u use the windows 11, and u install movie maker on it, u need to change the driver, for example I used the Sony digital camera. And movie maker show me my handycam. I have the Sony DCR-HC23E and it’s working.

[@ConsumerDV]

Interesting, thanks. I don't remember that I needed a custom USB driver for the Panasonic camcorder. Unless you actually use Firewire.

[@antoniodbo]

Do you think there's a way around for doing this on Macs? I have a PV-GS500 which i love btw

[@ConsumerDV]

I haven't tried doing it on Mac. Since you already have got the camcorder and a Mac, maybe you can try and report back :) Also, you can try the hack with converting Firewire into Thunderbolt.

[@antoniodbo]

@@ConsumerDV I got a cable, tried it and didn't work. And the Firewire to Thunderbolt adaptor seems to be unavailable in all stores. Gonna have to try and get an old pc or mac with thunderbolt just for it

[@antoniodbo]

Or maybe I didn't tried it enough, because I only tried with softwares I have here which is Final Cut and QuickTime Player, maybe if I get a different software who knows

[@cartertran4601]

Does this work with a pv-gs180? I plugged it into my computer and it shows up as DVC, but it does not show up in the import photos and videos on the movie maker. I also noticed that it only works in PC, when I try playback or any other type of mode it has a message saying "Disconnect USB". I have the USB function as "DV Data", and have enabled all camera access.

[@ConsumerDV]

It should work. Try this: put the camcorder in Play mode (not in PC mode). Select USB FUNCTION -> MOTION DV, it should be either in BASIC or ADVANCED menu. On Windows, verify that in System Settings -> Privacy -> App Permissions -> Camera is enabled for desktop apps. Hope it helps! I This is a frequent question, I will put it in the description.

[@MattBrandon]

I am looking at a Panasonic Digital Mini Camcorder PV-GS35. Can I transfer my old Mini DVs to my Mac via USB? Do you have any idea?

[@ConsumerDV]

This camcorder is capable of transferring video over USB. Not sure about Mac though. I am on Windows. The camcorder's user manual does not mention Mac... :(

[@mokhleslajmi8095]

​@@ConsumerDVshould it be equivalent in quality with firewire transfer?

[@ConsumerDV]

@@mokhleslajmi8095 Yes, it is equivalent to Firewire transfer - same digital data, just a different interface. Make sure to set "USB Function" to "Motion DV".

[@dbapple]

which soft would you suggest? for the best quality

[@ConsumerDV]

The quality is the same as long as the computer sees the camcorder and the software works. DV is DV.

[@lxmminatii9758]

i have a panasonic vdr-d310. i try to connect the usb and prompt pops up saying “the directory name is invalid”.

[@ConsumerDV]

You connect the USB cable, and the prompt pops up “the directory name is invalid”? Frankly, not sure what is happening here.

[@runitsidewayz]

will it works on sony dcr trv17 ?

[@ConsumerDV]

Is the DCR-TRV17 a digital camcorder? Does it have a USB port?

[@petepictures]

Cool, any way to do it on Mack?

[@ConsumerDV]

I could not do it on my Gen3 MBP.

[@Missmaggy101]

I have a Panasonic PV-GS9 and the movie maker app doesn’t find the camera when I click on import from device. I’m not sure what to do

[@ConsumerDV]

The GS9 does not support USB 2.0 High Speed (480 Mbit/s), it only supports Standard Speed (12 Mbit/s). Its USB port is for transferring still images off a memory card, for using the camcorder as a webcam, and for capturing "your favourite scene on a tape to your personal computer as a still image". So, it cannot send full-res video over USB. Use Firewire. If your computer does not have Firewire port, you can capture via composite, but the quality will be lower compared to transferring digital data.

[@Missmaggy101]

@@ConsumerDV thank you for your response. What’s is a composite by the way. And yes the camera has a viewfinder so I can sort of navigate the menu. What do I need to do in the menu? I don’t think my computer has a FireWire port though.

[@ConsumerDV]

@@Missmaggy101 Since it does not support sending video over USB, and your computer does not have Firewire, then composite is the only remaining choice. See the user manual, page 45, "Copying on an S-VHS (or a VHS) cassette". Instead of a VHS VCR you would use an analog-to-digital converter, something like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGS5foSDerSKodE See this for my capturing workflow: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqu8YomlZtSWmcU

[@rachelix6469]

I used a USB cable to connect it to my pc and turn the camera on to play mode it says USD MODE PC or M and I want pc mode but idk how to select it. help

[@ConsumerDV]

If your Panasonic camcorder supports transferring DV video over USB, put the camcorder in Play mode (not in PC mode). Select USB FUNCTION → MOTION DV, it should be either in BASIC or ADVANCED menu. In Windows, verify that System Settings → Privacy → App Permissions → Camera is enabled for desktop apps.

[@rodrigogouveia5]

i got a sonydcr trv14e and i dont know how to pass it

[@ConsumerDV]

It has USB Streaming option, but I am not sure it would be able to pass full-resolution video even if you were able to install the software. Firewire is the standard and the more realistic version. If it does not work, then an analog connection is your last hope.

[@mohammadsabbagh9596]

hello , where i can get the camera driver , when I clicked on import I coould't see the camera

[@ConsumerDV]

Not all camcorders can transmit video over USB. If your camcorder supports sending video over USB, then in my experience you do not need a driver on a modern Windows machine. Verify that in Windows control panel, System Settings → Privacy → App Permissions → Camera is enabled for desktop apps.

[@mohammadsabbagh9596]

@@ConsumerDV hi thanks a lot , after changing usb from dvc to web cam i could finally being able to Import live video from camera to pc , until this moment i have problem with sd card i tried 2 types of cards and did't work , it is good now finally i can have something to record with

[@mr.frosty5328]

How do I get import videos there not showing up on the import thing

[@klauckter]

Can't connect my PV-GS150 to my Windows 11 PC. I plug the USB cable in and nothing shows up in the explorer, or in the camera settings, or in Movie Maker. Any help? Am I missing some old driver? Or this doesn't work in win 11?

[@ConsumerDV]

Try the following: switch the camcorder in Play mode (not in PC mode). Select USB FUNCTION → MOTION DV, it should be either in BASIC or ADVANCED menu. In Windows control panel, verify that System Settings → Privacy → App Permissions → Camera is enabled for desktop apps. I was able to capture video from my Panasonic GS500 MiniDV camcorder via USB using Windows 7 and Windows 10. I have not tried Windows 11 though.

[@klauckter]

@@ConsumerDV THANK YOU!! After a lot of trys, it worked!! Do you happen to know if its possible to use this camera as a 'web cam'? Like, capture the video feed directly from the usb in OBS or something like this? I've tried the AV out method, but or I got the wrong cable or AV port of mt camera is broken; I'm trying to figure out a work around.

[@gloryboy8397]

What is the wire called? And also can i transfer my video from a miniDV tape to pc using this method or just memory?

[@ConsumerDV]

It is a regular USB cable, Type A on one end, and Mini-B on another. I am using this method to transfer from tape. Some Panasonic camcorders support it, also supposedly some JVC and Sony camcorders too, but I did not have much luck with JVC, and O do not have a Sony MiniDV camcorder to verify it.

[@Vyrnam]

can someone send me the usb cable link?

[@discription3671]

when opening movie maker and pressing import from device the camcorder(nv-gs180) shows up as a disc and only lets me import pictures

[@ConsumerDV]

Do not use PC Mode, use regular Play mode.

[@gibran6725]

thanks for video, its work on Panasonic NV-GS25

[@ConsumerDV]

Awesome! I am glad it works.

[@Kamfms7]

Hi! Thanks to this video, i got an old SONY DCR-TRV17, can't find camera in device list, could u help me out thanks!

[@ConsumerDV]

You camcorder can use USB only to transfer from a MemoryStick. For capturing video from tape you should be able to use Firewire. If you cannot use Firewire, you can use an analog output: you camcorder has both SVideo and Composite.

[@Kamfms7]

@@ConsumerDV ok thanks

[@newecreator]

I never knew Windows Movie Maker version 16 could do that.

[@richardgreenwood9168]

Will this work with a Panasonic NV-GS5?

[@ConsumerDV]

I don't think so, if only because its USB port does not provide enough speed. The spec reads, "USB 2.0 compliant (max. 12 Mbps)". DV video is about 29 Mbps.

[@richardgreenwood9168]

@@ConsumerDV thank you. What would you suggest as a way to transfer video files off of the mini dv tapes? Will I need to install a proper FireWire PCIe card to my PC and use the proper FireWire cables? I just found our old DV recorder and I’m trying to save the files to share digitally. Thanks again.

[@ConsumerDV]

Yes, Firewire is a standard protocol to transfer DV video. You need a Firewire expansion card if you computer does not have a Firewire port. Some camcorders require custom Firewire drivers, which puzzles me, after all standalone DV decks did not need drivers to connect with other DV equipment. Anyway, I saw my Windows machine searching for drivers online and installing them. The operating manual mentions digital dubbing but does not mention connecting to a PC: "Even if you use device equipped with DV Terminals (such as IEEE 1394), you may not be able to perform Digital Dubbing in some cases." One of my DV camcorders, a 1999 JVC GR-DVL9000, is not recognized by my PC when connected via Firewire, so YMMV, but worth a try. If Firewire won't work, you can use analog output, feeding it into a dongle like I-O Data GV-USB2, then into USB, then capture it with something like AmarecTV. The GS5 is equipped with SVideo output, which provides video quality comparable to digital if you capture it correctly.

[@richardgreenwood9168]

@@ConsumerDV yes I can’t believe I totally overlooked the svideo port covered up at the front!!!!! 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️ I’ve ordered a FireWire to usb to at least try and now I’m looking for an svideo which I know I had hundreds through the years but can’t find any now!

[@ConsumerDV]

I am not familiar with a generic Firewire-USB converter that actually works (aside of a couple dedicated products by Pinnacle), but if yours works, please write back.

[@agustinbadt]

Hey, i have a samsung Mini DV digital cam. Can i use this method with a cable from dv to usb on my computer? If not, what can i do? Thanks

[@ConsumerDV]

Check with the operating manual. Ideally it should explicitly mention such capability, maybe it mentions USB2 High Speed mode and/or UVC. If not, then the standard way of uploading DV on a computer is via Firewire. Firewire expansion cards are cheap.

[@ayet1220]

is there any possibility that I will transfer my minidv tapes to computer with safeguard mode from my camcorder?

[@ConsumerDV]

Not until you repair it. Safeguard mode indicates a problem with the tape transport. The camcorder switches to safeguard mode to prevent further damage.

[@VelocityDesignComfort]

would this work for a Panasonic NV-GS11? thank you!

[@ConsumerDV]

It can be used as a webcam and also seems capable of sending motion pictures off tape, but you may need proprietary software, DV Studio. It does not support USB 2.0 High Speed, so the bitrate is limited to 12 Mbit/s. At best, it re-encodes video to something like 320×240 @ 15 fps. It cannot send full uncompressed DV over USB. Use Firewire instead.

[@przemogaming-aka-przemkm]

I can't see my Panasonic GS250 in Movie maker. Any ideas?

[@ConsumerDV]

Have you already tried the things I mentioned in the pinned comment?

[@andresgo1321]

u are the best

[@sahlty1472]

Hey! This was exactly the video I was looking for, but I cannot see my camcorder (Panasonic NV-GS300) in the import from device window on Windows Movie Maker. I am on the playback mode on the camcorder but cannot access the menu (it shows a red exclamation mark) any thoughts?

[@ConsumerDV]

For connection over USB, put the camcorder in Play mode (not in PC mode). Select USB FUNCTION -> MOTION DV, it should be either in BASIC or ADVANCED menu. On Windows, verify that in System Settings -> Privacy -> App Permissions -> Camera is enabled for desktop apps. Hope it helps!

[@sahlty1472]

@@ConsumerDV Yep! This got it working. Thanks for the speedy reply. Also- any idea how to fully erase a miniDV with the NV-GS300? I have digitalised the film and now want to clear it for re-use. Thanks!

[@ConsumerDV]

Unless you are giving away the tape, you don't need to erase it. Just record over it. If you really want, you can record the complete tape start to end with the lens closed, some pros used to do this to "pre-stripe" a fresh tape with continuous timecode, but amateurs usually never have done this. If you are giving away your tape, you can degauss it.

[@Missmaggy101]

@@ConsumerDVhow do you mean put the camcorder in play mode? Is this a setting on the camera? What if the display is not working but everything else works fine?

[@ConsumerDV]

@@Missmaggy101 Does it have an eyepiece in addition to a flip-out monitor? If not, you'll need to output the video somehow to be able to navigate the menu. You may be able to see the menu if you output via composite, but I am not 100% sure.

[@joethomas5983]

great music!

[@Jonn-lemonn]

How to make the date left on the video?

[@ConsumerDV]

Unlike VHS and 8-mm camcorders that burn the date onto the video, DV timestamp is recorded separately. Depending on your NLE, you may be able to make it visible. Also, some professional DV camcorders allow to burn the date onto the video.

[@ev7d167]

Will this work with the Panasonic nv GS-70?

[@ConsumerDV]

No, it will not. The GS-70 does not have USB 2.0 High Speed mode, the best it can do over USB is a webcam mode with 160×120 pixel frame.