Is this a standard Firewire/1394a port? On a digital videocam

[MichaelD]

In this pic here:

maybefire.jpg

Is this a standard Firewire/1394a port? It's on a Panasonic DV videocamera.

I'm getting lousy video quality when transferring using the USB cable and I've read I'd get better quality with Firewire; but I need to buy the cable.

Thanks.

 

[Geiser34]

Well, mine looks like This..

But, this seems like a firewire port. Pic

 

[bob4432]

yes, it is the small firewire port or 4pin. the one geiser34 links to is usually on the back of the computers or 6pin and the one you link to is usually on the cameras.

make sure which one your computer has then order a cable if needed from monoprice.com - http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10301&style= they have all that you need.

my sony minidv camcorder has the same connector you have and my firewire card has the larger connector, so i got a cable that has one of each on it and it works fine

the 6pin part has power and and data where the 4pin part only has data - to be used with external hdds you would more than likely use the 6pin to 6pin and possibly not need an extenal power supply for the unit

 

[n7]

Yessiree.

Just get a 4/6-pin Firewire cable & you're set.
(one end = 4-pin; other = 6-pin)

 

[MichaelD]

Thanks very much guys, I appreciate the replies.

Ironically, my spanking new, speedy fast PC has no Firewire on board. :roll: Every motherboard I've had in the past 5 years had FW onboard...my new DS3 motherboard doesn't. :roll:

I need to get a PCI FW card.

Oh well. Thanks again.

 

[TTM77]

Hey, I also looking for a FW card. But I am also asking a lot.
I am looking for a card that has USB2.0/1394/IDE... but mostly I see them around $50s. Too expensive so I have been waiting. Last I saw one of this for $15 but they screw with my order then removed the item completely and without a trace of it from their website. So now I am back to square 1.

 

[corkyg]

Try E-Bay for a used FW card. $50 is not expensive for what you get.

 

[pkme2]

http://search.ebay.com/firewire-port_W0QQfromZR40
Here's a start.

 

[gsellis]

Or get a Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS Gamer... Has a great Firewire port.

And the hint that the 4 pin was firewire was the DV text above it. Other usages will say iLink.