How to Set Up a Video Camera to the Computer
If your computer didn't come with its own built-in camera, setting up and connecting an external camera isn't hard. A small, inexpensive web cam will quickly connect to the computer. You can also connect any camcorder to your computer and use it, especially if it's a digital camcorder. Your method of connecting the camera to the computer will depend on the type of camera you use and the type of video-capture card installed on the computer.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
See if your computer has a video-capture card installed. An IEEE 1394 card works best. If you don't have a card and can't install an IEEE 1394, install an analog capture card, many of which connect to a USB port.
-
2
Connect a web cam to your computer if that is the camera you have. Get a camera with a USB connector if your computer has an internal video card, or one with S-Video or composite plugs if you're using an external card. Check the camera's manual to confirm it works with your card and see if it includes a microphone.
-
-
3
Attach your digital camcorder to the computer if you choose to use this. If the computer has an IEEE 1394 card, use an IEEE 1394 cable. Otherwise, you will need a plug that connects to the camera and has plugs for both the video card and the computer's audio inputs. A digital camcorder often comes with such a cable.
-
4
Use an analog camcorder if that's all you have available. This will give you the poorest picture quality. You need a cable that will connect to your camera's output port and the capture card's RCA composite ports.
-
5
Connect a separate microphone if the camera doesn't have one. This usually requires a mini stereo connection. If your microphone has a different plug (like a large stereo), get a mini plug adapter that will connect to the microphone.
-
6
Find the right place to set the camera near the computer once you know how to connect it. Most web cams can be mounted to your monitor. A camcorder can go on top of the main computer or elsewhere on your desk.
-
7
Open your video-editing program. Go to the list of available video sources and make sure the program recognizes your connected camera.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
An IEEE 1394 cable, also called FireWire, has a connector that looks like a stretched, rectangular hexagon. RCA composite cables have the three yellow, white and red plugs. An S-video cable uses a rounded plug with five pins on the inside. A mini stereo cable has the thin plug with the rounded tip and two black bands around it.
