Getting Content from DV Tapes to PC

[xanis]

I have a digital camcorder that uses Mini-DV tapes to record video. I have USB and composite video cables. I have tried several times before to get content from the DV tapes to my computer, but I think I may be doing it wrong. Can anyone either tell me or point me to a good tutorial? Also, is there any special program I should use, or will Windows Movie Maker work? Thanks.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Don't use USB. The video comes out like sh!t. Use firewire. Windows Movie Maker works, but there is other stuff you can use. What are you trying to do with the videos? If you are just trying to get some home movies editing and burned, then Pinnacle Studio is a decent program to use.

To upload video from the camera to the computer, run the program, and use it to download the tapes to the hard drive. Just read through the programs help section on capturing video...

 

[RKS]

what if the model number for the camcorder, someone asked a similar question a few weeks ago but his Sony only had a USB2 port.

My Sony mini-dv has both FW and USB and the prior answer is correct; USB is usually for stills while FW is for movies.

 

[xanis]

My camcorder is a Samsung SCD-27. It only has a USB2 port.

 

[xanis]

Also, what are DV-i cables, how much are they and where can I get them?

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: Xanis
Also, what are DV-i cables, how much are they and where can I get them?

IIRC, DV-i = iLink = 1394 = Firewire. Just different monikers for the same thing, I believe. Some might have extra features (I believe iLink doesn't need a computer to download, or something like that), but it's pretty much all Firewire. I'd find each for you, but I can't, as I'm at work. Do a search for them at either google or wikipedia for more [accurate?? ] info.

 

[Googer]

http://www.cs.cmu.edu/~iwan/1394/

 

[Googer]

This too might also be of interest to you.
http://www.tomshardware.com/2004/08/23/...ove_windowsxp_service_pack_2_firewire/

http://www.tomshardware.com/2004/10/08/trash_that_webcam/

 

[rbV5]

Originally posted by: Xanis
My camcorder is a Samsung SCD-27. It only has a USB2 port.

The usb on your camera is for the memory stick (MPEG clips or stills) DV is transfered via IEEE1394 (firewire)

Read your manual.

PC Link: USB, IEEE1394 In/Out

Link

 

[tiap]

Originally posted by: Xanis
My camcorder is a Samsung SCD-27. It only has a USB2 port.

Look a little harder

"Product Description
Optics
The SCD27 features a high-performance 1/6" 680,000 Pixel CCD to capture high-quality video and digital photos. It's also fitted with a 10X optical zoom and a 800X digital zoom lens. Digital zoom is a powerful tool, but it can lead to "jaggies"--zigzag contours that reduce picture quality. Samsung has applied a Digital Image Stabilizer to correct this problem.

Digital Stills and MPEG Video
The scd27 can capture videos in MPEG4 format at a resolution of QVGA 10fps. In addition to high-quality video, the SCD23 also captures digital still photos that are stored on a memory card as JPEGs in your choice of three image qualities.

Inputs and Outputs
The SCD27 comes anIEEE1394 in / out, USB port, and Analog Input.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV is the preferred format for personal and broadcast-quality video, highly regarded for its high audio and image quality. With up to 540 lines of horizontal resolution and minimum color noise, MiniDV delivers a 20-percent clearer picture than analog camcorder formats. This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of 2 full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD.

What's included
Camcorder, AC Adapter/ Charger, Battery Pack, and Hand Grip."


Apparently the firewire port is in an awkward place. Use it to transfer video and usb for stills.