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General discussion

Firewire or USB?

Dec 17, 2005 3:36PM PST

I have decided to purchase a mini DV camcorder, probably the Canon ZR200, but I am undecided if I should buy a firewire port and cable for video editing on the computer. It comes with a USB cable, and I have been told that it doesn't transfer video well, just the still shots? Is this true?

Should I invest in IEEE 1394 (firewire/ilink) or just rely on the USB?

Any advice and info would be appreciated.

Discussion is locked

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I don't unpack the USB cable.
Dec 17, 2005 11:44PM PST

I'm unsure what it's used for anymore.

Bob

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ZR200
Jan 11, 2006 1:55PM PST

The USB, I am told, will only transfer from the SD card.

You must have firewire capabilities to download to PC the video from the tape the ZR200 uses.

That's the way I understand it works......

Anyone else...??

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I use USB 2
Jan 12, 2006 3:42AM PST

I just got a Panasonic PV-GS250 and it came with a USB 2 cable. Works perfectly for me.

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I use USB 2
Jan 12, 2006 3:49AM PST

What sofware? What image quality are you capturing at 320x240 or 640x480? john

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HC42E-Mini DVs into DVD
Jan 15, 2006 2:58PM PST

hi
i have sony HC42E and i want to convert my mini DV cassettes into DVDs
i have heard about firewire cables and port but no idea at all how to run this process
can anyone pls send me the xact procedure???

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firewire cables and port but no idea
Jan 19, 2006 1:08AM PST

If your PC does not have a firewire port by a firewire PCI card, $15~50 many will come with the cable.
Install the card, XP will most likely have the driver, if not install the drive that came with the card.

Now turn your camera on to the VCR mode plug the cable in to the camera, the PC. Start youe video editting program.
Windows Movie Maker will work( it's OK, not great, but easy to use) select import video(capture) you can select different quality settings.
Here is a link that has good info. John


http://www.timwerx.net/odds/pcfile.htm

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Two Options
Jan 20, 2006 1:03AM PST

Here are the two methods I use for transferring miniDV to DVD. The first method is the most expensive and time consuming, but allows for more editing and opens up more compatability doors down the road. The second is the fastest, easiest, cheapest, and most convenient. I have also listed the approximate cost of everything needed in case you don't have it yet.

1. Firewire to PC
You need these things: one firewire port ($40), one firewire cable ($25), good ediitng software ($60-100), an internal or external DVD burner ($150). After everything is installed, hook your camcorder to your computer with firewire (sony calls it iLink, but its the same thing). Use your editing software to import the video and burn to DVD, following the onscreen prompts. This can get complicated depending on your PC and software.

2. Direct to DVD
You need one thing: Sony's DVDirect ($230).
It comes with all the cables and software you need. Plus, it has inputs for S-video, composite video, stereo audio, firewire, and USB 2.0. This means that you can transfer video from almost any camcorder or VCR to DVD. You have the option of hooking it to your computer later on for editing purposes. Just turn your camcorder to playback mode and hook it to the DVDirect. Presto! Very easy, and you can take it ANYWHERE. I burned a DVD of my sister's wedding and passed a few out at the reception later on.

I hope this helps. Good luck!

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thanks i will try n let u know
Jan 20, 2006 2:01PM PST

thanks greek

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Forgot to tell you...
Jan 21, 2006 8:46AM PST

Hey... I forgot to mention that with Sony's DVDirect, you can only input video via Firewire with a Sony Handycam. All other brands of camcorders must use the other connections. Just one more way for Sony to force you to use their stuff..... lol...

Good Luck!

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(NT) (NT) One more reason to avoid Sony.
Jan 21, 2006 11:59AM PST