Capture video from Sony Handycam 8 TROUBLE

[alken]

I have sony handycam 8. I also have sony vegas pro 11. Recently I decided to download video from my handy cam. My computer doesn't recognize my handycam. I have recently purchased a Sabrent usb 2.0 video capture with audio and still my computer doesn't recognize the handycam. I know I could use a firewire but since I have the conversion cable I want to use it if I can.
Does any one know how to capture video from a handycam 8
or does anyone know why my computer won't recognize the camera so I can capture the video???

[hech54]

Does the camera have a firewire output?
Many cams with USB ports only output the photos taken with the camera, and/or video at VERY low quality.

[smrpix]

If it's digital 8 use firewire. Anything else will degrade the image substantially.

It's not too surprising that Vegas doesn't recognize the sabrent, and in no case will it give you camera control.

[The_Doman]

I know I could use a firewire but since I have the conversion cable I want to use it if I can.

As mentioned already, IF you have the firewire capture option available just use that!

If you have trouble capturing from firewire you also can try the ScenalyzerLive.
http://www.scenalyzer.com/
This software is now free available for use!

One note of advise!
It seems the firewire chip used in the Sony Camcorders is very fragile.
So it is urgently advised to connect it only when the camcorder and PC are both powered off.

[smrpix]

I know I could use a firewire but since I have the conversion cable I want to use it if I can.

I have a glass of water and a cup of pee. Seems a shame to let that pee go to waste.

[turk690]

I have sony handycam 8...

What specific model number??

[alken]

I have model: DCR-TRV280 NTSC Steady shot-usb


I don't want to use a firewire if I don't need to with the converter program

[smrpix]

I don't want to use a firewire if I don't need to with the converter program

All anyone here can do is steer you towards best practices and try to explain why. You are certainly free to do as you please.

Sabrent has manuals on their website if yours is missing.

[hech54]

I don't want to use a firewire if I don't need to with the converter program

I have NO idea what you mean by this.
There is tons of freeware out there that can do a simple firewire digital transfer of the footage.

And by the way....this is JUNK:

I have recently purchased a Sabrent usb 2.0 video capture with audio and still my computer doesn't recognize the handycam.

That USB device is not going to recognize anything. It's an analog capture/recording device. You need to use the 1/8th mini video/audio plug from your camera and plug the yellow, red and white RCA plugs into that Sabrent thing. It's your computer that isn't recognizing the Sabrent thing....cause it's junk.

Digital "transfer" via firewire vs. re-recording via that Sabrent thing?
No Brainer. Firewire.

[turk690]

I have model: DCR-TRV280 NTSC Steady shot-usb
I don't want to use a firewire if I don't need to with the converter program

Just because it has USB doesn't mean you can transfer footage in the original resolution over it. The instruction manual is clear about what can be accessed via the USB and FireWire. You have to use FireWire for what you want. You are probably hesitant to do so because the computer you are using doesn't have FireWire. If so, return that wretched sabrent to the store ASAP and figure out how to install a Texas Instrument chipset-based FireWire card. Then we'll go from here.