How do I transfer video recordings from a Canon Elura 100 digital video camcorder (NTSC) to a laptop?
I am trying to transfer video recordings from my camcorder (-which uses a mini-digital video cassette) to my laptop (runs Windows XP Home Edition). I am using a DV cable to connect the two, and am using Windows Moviemaker software. The laptop simply doesnot recognize the camera. I connect the two and turn on the camera to play mode (as the camera instruction manual says), and hit “capture from video device”, I get a message saying – “No video capture device detected”. Am I missing something here? Is it simply a fault with the DV cable? Should I be using a different software?
Please advise.
[I wrote this long answer, from years of experience editing. This is not copied from any website. - Chris Villarin]
TRANSFERRING VIDEO FROM CAMCORDER TO COMPUTER
Camcorders usually come with connecting cables. Older camcorders have yellow, red and white RCA cables that connect the camcorder to your TV or in this case your computer. Newer camcorders have FIREWIRE connectors that conveniently connect to FIREWIRE connectors in newer computers be it PC or Mac.
FOR CAMCORDERS WITH RCA CONNECTORS & PROPRIETARY CONNECTIONS
If you are using a camcorder with RCA connectors then your computer must have a Video Capture Card or any kind of video capturing device connected to your computer. A webcam is not a video capture device.
RCA connectors/cables come in 3 colors, yellow for video, red and white for left and right audio channel. In some camcorders you will see the 3 outlets with the 3 colors. While other camcorders are provided with a proprietary outlet that needs a proprietary cable with RCA connectors on the other end of the cable. These cables usually come with the camcorder.
Make the connections on the camera and connect the RCA to the outlets of your Video Capture Card/device. Color codes on the RCA and the outlets are important. The yellow RCA is carries the video signal and should be connected to the “video in” outlet of the Video Capture Card/Device. The red and white RCA cables are the left and right audio signal. These can be swapped without any problems.
Sometimes the camcorder has a minijack or headphone jack for outputting sound. And, sometimes the Video Capture Card/Device also uses a minijack to capture sound. If this is the case, only the yellow RCA cable needs to be connected both to the camcorder and the computer. Use a minijack to minijack connector cable to connect the camcorder and the computer. The minijack cable replaces the red and white RCA cable. There is such a thing as a “Y-Cable”. The Y-Cable is a minijack on one end and 2 RCAs on the other end. You can use this if the camcorder and the Video Capture Card/Device have different ways to connect audio signals. With all these complexities you don’t have to worry about connecting the wrong cables because NOTHING WILL BE DAMAGED in case you make a mistake.
Once the connections are done you are now ready to capture the video on your computer. Video Capture Cards/Devices come with programs that allow you to capture video to a location in your computer. Captured video files are most of the times in .avi or .mpg format stored in your computer.
FOR CAMCORDERS WITH FIREWIRE CONNECTOR OR (IEEE) 1394 CONNECTOR OR i.LINK
New camcorders and new computers come with FIREWIRE or 1394 Connectors. These are more convenient to use. All you have to do is connect just 1 Fireweire (1394) cable to the camcorder and the computer. Turn on your computer and make sure all the programs that need to load during startup have been loaded. Connect the camcorder to the computer using the Firewire cable. Turn on your camera and set it to “play” mode. Not “record” or “camera” mode. Your computer should detect the camera and prompt you to open the associated program. Open the program and look for the “capture” button.
CAPTURE SETTINGS
Leave everything on default and you should be OK. Once you get the hang of it you can start tweaking some settings. Here are common settings that you might want to experiment:
Resolution – this refers to the number of pixel. A 320×240 resolution means 320 pixels horizontally and 240 pixels vertically. 320×240 is the advised capturing resolution for youtube videos. 352×240 is ideal for VCD. 640×480 is the ideal resolution for full screen computer videos. 720×480 is the ideal resolution for DVD.
Data Rate – refers to the amount of data allocated for capturing video(and audio). 300 kbps (kilobit per second) in mpeg-1 format is recommended for youtube. 1152 kbps in mpeg-1 format is for VCD. 2,000 kbps in mpeg-2 format is recommended for DVD. These numbers are here as reference. You will get a low quality DVD if you recorded in 300 kbps mpeg-1. Commercial DVD data rate is 4500 kbps in mpeg-2 format. Data rate also determines the file size of the captured video. The lower the data rate the smaller the file.
Compression – MPEG 4 is for ipod videos, MPEG 3 is for music, MPEG 2 is for DVD, MPEG 1 is for VCD. DV compression is the highest quality compression available to standard desktop/laptop computers. If you plan to capture a video for editing I suggest you capture in DV compression .avi file.
MAKING DVDs
You make DVDs by burning the DVDs in a DVD burner drive. DVD+R and DVD-R are now interchangeable types. Most commercial DVD players can handle both types. Open your DVD burning program. Most of the time DVD burners come with programs to make DVDs. Just follow the instructions on how to make DVDs and you’re done!
There is a live discussion on how to capture videos and make DVDs at http://www.overdose.ph/index.php?board=1.0
Canon PowerShot S95 10 MP Digital Camera Review
|
|
Mini Tripod Stand for Digital Camera Webcam Canon Sony $5.49 |
|
|
New Universal Mini Tripod Stand for Digital Camera Webcam Kodak Canon Sony Nikon $1.29 |
|
|
STARTECH HDMI TO MINI HDMI ADAPTER Cable FOR DIGITAL Camera Canon EOS Nikon $10.99 |
|
|
Mini Metal Tripod For Digital Camera Sony Canon Nikon $1.29 |
|
|
Mini Metal Tripod For Digital Camera Sony Canon Nikon $0.99 |
|
|
Mini Tripod Stands for Sony Canon Digital Camera Webcam $4.35 |
|
|
Mobile Phone Digital Camera Case Coin Bag For Nikon Sony Kodak Canon Mini Purse $4.85 |
|
|
New Universal Mini Travel Tripod Stand for Sony Nikon Canon Kodak Digital Camera $4.72 |
|
|
Mini Digital Camera Bag Ipod Cellphone Case Cover+Strap For Canon Nikon Sumsang $3.99 |
|
|
Universal Mini Tripod Stand Holder For Digital Camera Webcam Canon /Sony/ Nikon $1.69 |
|
|
Mini Tripod Stand for Canon Sony Samsung Camera Digital $0.99 |
|
|
canon Zr80 Digital Video camcorder MiniDV Mini-DV Camera Analog Digital Convert $95.00 |
|
|
CANON ZR900 CAMCORDER MINI DV DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA SILVER/BLUE $9.99 |
|
|
CANON VIXIA HV40 HDV CAMCORDER 1080I MINI DV DIGITAL VIDEO CAMERA BLACK $56.56 |
|
|
Flexible Universal Mini Travel Tripod Stand for Nikon Canon Kodak Digital Camera $6.30 |
|
|
Mini Tripod for Kodak/Canon/Sony/Nikon Digital Camera $2.69 |
|
|
Mini Black Digital Camera Pouch Bag Case for Canon Sony Fuji Kodak Panasonic $1.99 |
|
|
Universal Mini Tripod Stand For Digital Camera Webcam Kodak/Canon/Sony/Nikon New $1.29 |
|
|
canon Zr80 Digital Video camcorder MiniDV Mini-DV Camera Analog Digital Convert $31.00 |
|
|
10X Universal Mini Travel Tripod Stand for Sony Nikon Canon Kodak Digital Camera $15.78 |
|
|
Sima mini tripod for canon PowerShot S95 100 300 500 HS A1200 camera cell phone $17.99 |
|
|
Sima mini tripod for canon PowerShot A2200 A3300 A800 ELPH 310 D10 camera phone $17.99 |
|
|
mini HDMI cable for canon PowerShot A2200 A3300 A800 ELPH 310 HD digital camera $9.95 |
|
|
Sima mini tripod for canon PowerShot 510 S100 SD4500 SX150 SX230 G12 G10 camera $17.99 |
|
|
Mini Tripod Stand for Canon Nikon Sony Digital Camera $2.37 |
|
|
mini HDMI cable for canon PowerShot 510 S100 SD4500 SX150 SX230 G12 G10 camera $9.95 |
|
|
Sima mini tripod for canon PowerShot 110 310 520 A2200 A3300 A1200 camera phone $17.99 |
|
|
mini HDMI cable for canon PowerShot 110 310 520 A2200 A3300 A1200 SX40 G1 camera $9.95 |
|
|
Mini Tripod Stand for Nikon Canon Sony Digital Camera $0.98 |
|
|
10 X Flexible Universal Mini Travel Tripod Stand for Canon Kodak Digital Camera $30.00 |
|
|
USB CABLE for CANON Mini DV Digital Camera PowerShot $1.00 |
|
|
Mini Digital Camera Case Bag Pouch Cellphone Coin Purse for Canon Nikon Casio $3.55 |
|
|
Mini Tripod 4 Digital Camera Canon S2 A2200 A1100 IS Kodak M530 C143 M522 iphone $1.99 |
|
|
Mini Tripod 4 Digital Camera Canon S2 A2200 A1100 IS Kodak M530 C143 M522 iphone $1.99 |
|
|
Mini Tripod 4 Digital Camera Canon S2 A2200 A1100 IS Kodak M530 C143 M522 iphone $1.99 |
|
|
Mini Tripod Stand for Canon Nikon Sony Digital Camera $1.00 |
|
|
Mini HDMI Audio Video TV HDTV Cable/Cord/Lead for Canon CAMERA EOS 500D Digital $8.89 |
|
|
Mini HDMI Audio Video TV HDTV Cable/Cord/Lead for Canon CAMERA EOS 550D Digital $8.89 |
|
|
Mini HDMI Audio Video TV HDTV Cable/Cord/Lead for Canon CAMERA EOS 600D Digital $8.89 |
|
|
Mini HDMI Audio Video TV HDTV Cable/Cord/Lead for Canon CAMERA EOS 60D Digital $8.89 |
|
|
Mini HDMI Audio Video TV HDTV Cable/Cord/Lead for Canon CAMERA EOS-50D Digital $8.89 |
|
|
Mini HDMI Audio Video TV HDTV Cable/Cord/Lead for Canon CAMERA EOS-7D Digital $8.89 |
|
|
Free Ship Mini Flexible Tripod Stand Holder Fit Digital Camera for Canon Nikon $3.79 |
|
|
CTA MR-NB5L MINI BATTERY CHARGER FOR CANON DIGITAL CAMERAS (FOR NB-5L) $27.97 |
|
|
Mini Ballhead for Digital Camera Camcorder with 1/4″ Screw Thread Canon Nikon $5.45 |
|
|
Polka Dot Mini Digital Camera Bag Ipod Case Cover+Strap For Sony Canon Panasonic $5.50 |
|
|
Mini Digital Camera Bag Ipod Cellphone Case Cover+Strap For Canon Nikon Sumsang $5.17 |
|
|
6.3″ 160mm Mini Flexible Tripod Stand Holder Fit Digital Camera for Canon Sony $3.52 |
|
|
Flexible Mini Tripod Stand Fit Digital Camera for Nikon Samsung Canon Kodak Sony $3.55 |
|
|
Lowepro Edit 120 For ILC Mini DV Digital Video Camera Case Bag Sony Nikon Canon $28.95 |
|
|
Canon PowerShot BLACK Mini Glove Bag Carrying Sleeve For Slim Digital Camera and Camera Accessories: models Canon PowerShot SD1200IS, Canon PowerShot SX200IS, Canon PowerShot D10, SD890IS, SD780IS, $10.85 Prevents your camera case from getting scratches while inside your brief case or tote bag. Made from soft Neoprene material!!! Perfect case to protect your camera since it stretches to form-fit your camera!!! Digital Camera Screen Guard is Perfect to protect your cameras screen from scratches and dirty prints!!! Vangoddy TM(Trademarked) WristBand states Live*Laugh*Love on the front with Vangoddytm… |
|
|
Mitaki-Japan Mini Digital Pocket Scale Tare Function Lcd Screen Faux Leather Pouch $27.38 Mitaki-Japan Mini Digital Pocket Scale Tare Function Lcd Screen Faux Leather Pouch… |
|
|
Defender Security Mini 2-Channel DVR DIY Installation OSD Menuosd Menu 12VDC 500ma $78.59 Loaded with features and easy to install this two channel DVR supports up to 8GB SD storage (SD card not included) and 15FPS recording. Connect two cameras for simultaneous manual recording, or motion-activated JPEG snap-shots, or ten second AVI footage…. |
|
|
CTA MR-NB5L MINI BATTERY CHARGER FOR CANON DIGITAL CAMERAS (FOR NB-5L) $17.96 CTA MR-NB5L MINI BATTERY CHARGER FOR CANON DIGITAL CAMERAS (FOR NB-5L)FOLDABLE, FLAT-PIN DESIGN FOR EASY STORAGE ;SLIM, LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN; CHARGES DIGITAL CAMERA BATTERY IN 6090 MIN;SMART CHARGING LED INDICATOR ;AUTOMATIY TURNS TO TRICKLE CHARGE AFTER FULLY CHARGED ;AUTO SWITCHING POWER VOLTAGE FROM 110V240V AC ;CONSTANT VOLTAGE & CURRENT CHARGING ;OUTPUT SHORT CIRCUIT & ELECTRONIC SHOCK PROTECTI… |
|
|
Aluratek External Battery Pack and Charger Variation Parent … |
|
|
USB Cable for Garmin Nuvi 1350T, 1370T, 1390T, 1490T, 270 $0.01 Do not miss that picture perfect moment again; just keep this cable handy! This cable allows you to charge your digital camera through any USB 2.0 port. You can also use this cable to transfer pictures and videos from your camera to your computer. Length of cable is 1.2m / 3.94 ft and has USB to Mini B USB (5-Pin) connectors. Compatible with Nikon, Canon, Kodak, and many more…. |
|
|
For Magellan RoadMate 1200 / 1210 / 1212 / 1340 / 1400 / 1412 / 1430 / 1440 / 1470 GPS USB Data Cable $0.01 Do not miss that picture perfect moment again; just keep this cable handy! This cable allows you to charge your digital camera through any USB 2.0 port. You can also use this cable to transfer pictures and videos from your camera to your computer. Length of cable is 1.2m / 3.94 ft and has USB to Mini B USB (5-Pin) connectors. Compatible with Nikon, Canon, Kodak, and many more…. |
|
|
16 GB SDHC 16gig 16GB (SD) Secure Digital High Capacity Flash Memory Card $64.99 - 16GB Secure Digital Memory Card, for Nintendo Wii - SDHC High Speed Class Rating: Speed Class 2, Class 4 & Class 6 - Fully compatible with SD Card Association – SD2.0 SDHC memory card specification standards - Minimum Sustained Write Speed : Class 6: 6MB/sec - Durability: >10,000 insertion / removal cycles - Supports Content Protection for Recordable Media (CPRM) for music and other commercial m… |
|
|
Transcend 8 GB SDHC Class 6 Flash Memory Card TS8GSDHC6E $8.99 Fully Compatible with SDA 2.0 specification. Suitable for SDHC compliant devices, MLC flash chip with High Speed transfer rate. Perfect for highend digital devices. Please make sure your device can support SDHC format before you purchase! SDHC host devices can use both SD and SDHC memory cards…. |