How do i get mini DV cassette videos onto the computer?

I agree with Chuckie... a couple more notes:

If the camcorder is standard definition video only, the sticker on the bottom will have a model number that starts with "DCR", then it will be safest to get a Sony camcorder - better yet, the same model Sony camcorder. This is because when in standard definition video record mode, there are options to recod in the normal, standard, default SP mode that stores 60 minutes of video on a 60 minute tape or an "LP" mode that allows the camcorder to slow the tape transport mechanism so a 60 minute cartridge can record up to 90 minutes. Many times, when recorded on one camera, playback on another camcorder (usually from another manufacturer) won't happen.

There are miniDV tape decks available - they usually cost more than a camcorder...

One other option is to find a used Pro video recorder. I was able to find a used Sony DSR-20 video recorder at our local surplus store. It cost me $50. The nice thing is once I'm done transferring all my tapes I can sell the recorder on ebay for $100-150. That will pay for the video recorder purchase and for Adobe Elements.

The recorder connects to your computer with a Firewire cable. I used Adobe Elements to import the videos but other software might work as well. The quality was 10X better than my Canon mini-dv camcorder.

Mini Dv To Computer

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DV cassette is old Analog technology. There is ways to get that video onto your Computer as videos files. 1. TV tuner card. This is a PCI card that you install into you computer to record video from AV jacks and Anntenna. 2. There is a USB alternative for there AV input, but it does not have a TV tuner built-in.. 3. Use a DVD recorder to write the files directly onto DVD. With these 3 methods you have to have a comcorder to play the tape and output it into an AV cable.. Now for buying a new camcorder i would sugest to buy one with build-in Flash Memory. Thats the newest way to capture video. Also don't go for cheap camcorders they might be HD but have poor lenses. Good luck.

MINIDV

You have a mini dv (cassette) camcorder

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Your dv camcorder needs a firewire connection (ieee 1394) in order to download video, Firewire to usb will not work to download video. You might end up with only sound or only video. Your PC might not have a firewire port, so you will have to buy one and install it, you need to buy a firewire cord too. Your camcorder came with a USB cord and that is used for downloading stills from your camcorder. Make sure your camera is in playback mode. If you have a laptop, make sure your laptop has an empty bay for a card.

The fine print in your manual makes reference to firewire (ieee 1394) connection.

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The cheapest way to transfer your miniDV videos to computer is probably to buy a used mindDV camcorder (and sell it after). You'll need a firewire cable - make sure that your computer also has a firewire port (most computers do not have one in it's standard configuration).

http://www.ehow.com/how_4966809_transfer-minidv-pc...

The easiest way is to have it done at the photo department of Costco, Walgreens or CVS. But this could be costly if you have lots of miniDV cassettes to be transfered.

http://www.costcodvd.com/

http://www.walgreensdvdtransfer.com//transfer-vide...

http://www.cvsyesdvd.com/Videotape_to_DVD.aspx

So long as the tapes have been recorded in SP mode you should be OK with a different make / model of camcorder. If LP mode has been used then you may need the same make and model.

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