How to Transfer Video Footage from Camera Tape to Computer

Transferring video footage from camera tape to computer is a process known as "DV Pass-Through," which requires hooking up your camera to your computer with a USB or FireWire cable and capturing your footage in an editing program. The two most common video editing systems that come standard with your computer may either be Windows Movie Maker or iMovie, and the transfer process is nearly identical for each program. Before you begin, make sure there is enough free space on your hard drive for your transferred clips.

Things You'll Need

• Video capture/editing software
• USB or FireWire cable

Instructions

1. Turn your video camera on and set it to "Playback" mode. Rewind your tape to the beginning of the clip(s) you want transferred to your computer.

2. Launch the video capturing program on your computer.

   Plug one end of your connector cable into your camera, and the other into the proper USB or FireWire port on your computer.

3. Navigate to the video import menu in your editing software. (In Windows Movie Maker, click "File" and select "Capture Video." If using iMovie, set the toggle switch in the lower-left corner of the screen to the camera side of the toggle options).

4. Press the "Play" or "Import" button in your program's import screen to begin playing and transferring your tape to your computer.

   Click the "Stop" button after you have reached the end of your desired clip. Repeat as needed for your entire camera tape, naming each clip in the appropriate box in the import screen.

References

• microsoft.com: DV Pass Through and Capturing in Windows Movie Maker
• classes.yale.edu: iMovie Capture Instructions

Resources

• Windows Movie Maker How-To Center
• Apple iMovie