MINI DV Importing to computer?

[08Guardian]

hello. New here and I'm thinking about buying a new video camera and see alot about MINI DV. How do I import this from tape to computer for editing using windows movie maker. Do I need a special program or special equipment to do it. Currently I'm using a polaroid i634 to flim hunts, but need more zoom and better quality. Jere's a sample of what I would like to do with the video I take.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bvuPg3ru_U0

[filmboss80]

Mini DV is linked from camcorder to computer through a firewire port.

[08Guardian]

is that something I need to download or will I already have it? I'm really new at this. Is a small miniDV camera a good option?

[MJA]

WinDv is a light and free program for video transfer to PC(Firewire only)

whats your budget for a new Cam?Looks like you need a Cam that can handle harsh weather,resist moisture,,,

someone else on this forum will explain in details for you(101).

[filmboss80]

This website has a nifty feature called a glossary. It can tell you what Firewire (aka: IEEE 1394) is. You can also do Google searches about it. A minidv camcorder will typically have a firewire port. Many newer PCs have firewire ports built-in, but if they do not, it is easy to get a PCI firewire card. Most video editing software can capture the dv footage into the computer, once the firewire connection is made from camcorder to PC. The most reliable freeware dv capture program is WinDV.

[08Guardian]

Thanks guys. My budget isn't much. i'm looking for used on Ebay for under 200. I saw that if you hold your mouse over a word like firewire it gives you a defanition, but did a google search and found a pic. My sony doesn't have a firewire port so I gue I'm buying a card if I get one.

[MJA]

Thanks guys. My budget isn't much. i'm looking for used on Ebay for under 200. I saw that if you hold your mouse over a word like firewire it gives you a defanition, but did a google search and found a pic. My sony doesn't have a firewire port so I gue I'm buying a card if I get one.

don't get a used one.just buy a budget cam .like the Canon ZR930 from amazon.com for only $234 free shipping no tax

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-ZR930-1-07MP-Camcorder-Optical/dp/B00114163O/ref=cm_cr_pr_sims_t

whats the Sony model number?you still can use the USB to transfer to pc

[edDV]

USB from a most DV cams is low resolution CIF (~320x240) intended for web streaming. Full resolution requires Firewire (IEEE-1394).