Hello, Boy phew, I really have alot to say here, but lets get some info first, how many and what type of prts does your camcorder have ? USB ? DV ? both?, windows Xp comes with the basic USB and Video stream drivers you need, make sure you are upgraded to Win XP SP2, as SP2 has a fix for 1394 AND comes with Windows Movie Maker , plus there are 2 HOTFIXEA called (1394-1)WindowsXP-KB904412-v2-x86-ENU.exe and (1394-2)WindowsXP-KB885222-v2-x86-ENU.exe , you can see the KB # in both allowing you to search the knowledge base to see exactly what they do and are for. when I attached my camcorder it did install a network driver for usb and another for 1394, didn't have to use the xp disk, when they are disconnected it shows them as disconnected, the USB is used for the pictures whether stored on SD cards or on Tape BUT you can transfer video using the USB to but it's so slow the quality sucks and MOST software doesn't recognize USB for video transfer or editing, you should be able to see a Windows window popup that allows you to watch the video on your computer though and take snap shots while doing so, the DV port connected to a computer OVAL IEEE 1394 (i.link) port IS the way to go for video, although again I transfered using BOTH and burnt to cd that played on my OLD DVD player and the computer, I do not know what your particular function is called, (I read VCR setting) to play and transfer on your computer but make sure FIRST turn off your computer then connect your camcorder cable to the computer then the camcorder and turn on your computer and as it boots turn on your camcorder in the proper playback mode although they say to do that all that way, and it should not have to be playing back, (just on and on the playback or vcr setting ) after the first time I did that and it recognized everything I do it while the computer is on, then windows xp should popup a window for you, if not open MY COMPUTER hopefully you see something that wasn't there before
and it does not exist when the camcorder is not attached. sorry forgot all I was going to say it's late , I DID notice at Panasonsic they had some sort of PHOTO driver for your camcorder might want to check that out feel free to try these steps hope somethign works if not reply or email me, I really do have alot more to say and try Lol. ADVICE is get WinXp SP2 and a DV Interface cable for the DV port to IEEE 1394 about $30 at walmart
take your camers with you they make 4, 5 and 6 pin, AND count the contacts for your IEEE 1394 port, 4 and 6 pin exist here to. let US know if you get it to work or need more suggestions..