How to Transfer Video From Camcorder to PC

Now that you have thousands of memories stored in your camcorder tapes, it’s time to turn them into videos you can cherish for a lifetime. Transferring video from a camcorder to a PC is generally a process that your computer will walk you through.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Camcorder
• PC

1. Find all the camcorder tapes that you would like to transfer from your camcorder to your PC. It’s a good idea to keep these tapes labeled for the times when you do want to transfer your videos to your PC.

2. Locate the cables you will need to connect your camcorder and your computer. In some models, you may use RCA cords (the yellow, white, and red cables). The most commonly used connection is the firewire cable.

3. Connect the firewire cable to your camcorder, which should fit in what is called the DV port. Review a diagram of your camcorder in your owner’s manual if you are having trouble locating this.

4. Connect the other end of the firewire cable to your computer. Turn on your computer. Once it is booted up and logged on, turn on your camcorder.

5. Look for any notice that your computer has indicated that it has found the camcorder hardware. This should come up automatically (usually in the bottom right-hand corner).

6. Guide yourself through the options your computer gives you. Look for the option that will allow you to transfer your videos.

7. Upload your files. Once they have finished, you can load any video editing software you have. Save your files.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that transferring video from a camcorder to a PC can take up hard drive space if you choose to save the files.
• Software is available for making movies out of your transferred videos. For example, Windows XP has a utility called Windows Movie Maker.
• Close out all other programs that you have running before transferring your videos. This way, you can ensure that your images will transfer more successfully, in half the time.
• Make sure to check the owner's manual for your camcorder before beginning this process to see what specific type of connection you will need to allow you to transfer images.

[jramanuk]

on 8/23/2007 what cable should i buy for transfering videos