Trouble downloading from camcorder to PC

you don't convert the files, you just downlod them via a firewire comnnection.

If you have a mini dv (cassette) camcorder....
Your dv camcorder needs a firewire connection (ieee 1394) in order to download video, your PC probably did not come with a firewire port, so you will have to buy one and install it, since most computers (except possibly brand new) don't come with a firewire port, your camcorder did not come with a firewire cord so you have to purchase a cord too. Your camcorder did come with a USB cord and that is used for downloading stills from your camcorder. Make sure your camera is in playback mode.
Open your editing program and choose the capture mode.

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


thanks.

You need to install the drivers BEFORE connecting pc to camcorder

After connecting the Camcorder to the Computer with the Firewire/i.LINK, turn ON the Camcorder.
Keep the Camcorder in Playback mode.
Start the Moviemaker Software which is pre-installed in the Windows.
Check whether the Camcorder is recognized as the Video Device.

If the Camcorder is not recognized, then check whether it works with other Computer or not.
You may also try using a different i.LINK cable that is compatible with the Sony Camcorder.
Sony Camcorder have 4 pin DV Interface and the Computers may have either 4pin or 6-pin i.LINK/Firewire port. So make sure that you are using the correct cable.

Hello,

Try searching these posts to see if they will help your problem. Seems this is common. See the link below.

http://www.fixya.com/tags/VL_Z3U

you could try to reseat the card. sometimes the cards don't fit quite right and when you plug in the cable maybe it moves it enough to get a bad connection.
does it post with just the cable pluged in pluged out?
did that help:)

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/customer-Support/download-centre.asp

See bottom two files, I think you may have a problem with your firewire port on your camcorder

pliss send my draiver camera

Many Camcorder users have faced problems while connecting their camcorder to their PC. One of the most common problems is ?no activity? after connecting the camcorder to the PC. The found new hardware wizard does not run and fails to detect the camcorder. This can mean two things. Either the DV port on the Camcorder is not working or the FireWire cable is faulty. Try using a different FireWire cable. If the camera is still not detected by the PC, try connecting it to a different PC. If the Camcorder is still not detected, then your camcorders DV port is most likely at fault. Confirming that the FireWire Port on you PC is working fine You can check the status of the FireWire port from under Device Manager. To access the Device Manager, Right Click on My Computer and then click on Properties. Select the Hardware tab and click on Device Manager. If you cannot see the FireWire port in the list, then it is not inserted properly into the motherboard. If you see a Yellow exclamation mark, then you need to install the drivers, which are usually bundled with a Floppy or CD with the FireWire card.

I've learned my lesson and will share it. Use firewire and try WinDV. Best of luck.

buy that wire, check ur camcorder if it has 6pin or 4pin for firewire then check ur pc if it has firewire card...if not you have to purchase the ieee1394card. install it then connect your camcorder to pc through firewire and that will be it.. u also need to have a software for video capturing and editing like adobe, roxio, pinnacle , etc...hope that helps.