Digital Camcorder question

[youdontseeme]

currently I am using an old JVC VHS-C analog camcorder to do my recordings.

I have a few questions regarding purchasing a digital camcorder.

1. What are the different methods of transferring the video to the PC?
firewire? usb? ilink?

2. Do some digital camcorders have the option to output the audio/video through digital video to your pc? (I don't have any firewire ports)

3. What is the best way to transfer the video to your pc ?

Thanks

[tonyp12]

1: Firewire and Ilink is the same (e.g IEEE 1394)
USB would not be for Digital Camcorders.

2: Yes, just buy a PCI Firewire Card.
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/shop/detail.asp?dpno=912428
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?product_code=280901

http://www.ubid.com/actn/opn/getpage.asp?AuctionId=8010703

3: Firewire.

[gNOMEintheRedHat]

i-Link = FireWire = IEEE 1394

There all the same......

DV CamCorders all transfer through FireWire (et all)

If the camera has an option to take Still pictures to a Flash card, it will most likely use USB for the stills.

gNOME

[ya_jai]

With Digital Camera
1. Transfer video via I-link (firewire) and/or Analog composite video cable.
2. Transfer still image or short movie mpge (in memory card) via USB 1.1
3. Like everyone says the best way is to use firewire port to transfer video from Digital Cam but if you don't have one but happen to have capture card you can capture via your card as well.(quality might not be as good as transfering).

[yg1968]

I would make sure that the digital camcorder has a video in and a passthrough feature in case that you wish to use your camcorder as a capturing device. I would suggest buying a Sony (any miniDV or digital8 models except for the TRV-140). For example the Sony TRV-18 or TRV-25 would be good choices. The Sony passthrough feature also has the advantage of defeating macrovision.

You can get a firewire card and firewire cable package for a reasonable price.

[tonyp12]

You can not go wrong with the Canon ZR40
http://www.ecost.com/ecost/ecce/shop/detail.asp?dpno=968280