Firewire transfer

[left210]

I have read thru many of the threads and most recommend using firewire to transfer from camcorder to PC. How do I know if my PC has a firewire port if that is what it is called? Also, I have many cables at home that came with PC and camcorder - how do I know if one is a firewire cable? Also, how do you hook up the camcorder to PC with firewire? Lots of questions I know but I really have no clue. My computer is a Dell & about 3 years old and I am thinking I recall something about firewire but not certain. I will also look for my original paperwork to see if it is listed but just didnt know if there was something I could look at on the outside of the PC to tell me. Thanks again.

 

[caniswolfie]

A firewire port on a laptop computer usually looks like this and a desktop computer firewire port usually looks like this (scroll down a little bit, you should see the image)
[The above links were things I searched on in google image search just for reference, I make claims other than they have pictures of firewires ports for reference]

I found a random webpage on steps with dealing with the camcorder video. However it does use Adobe Premiere, though I don't know if Windows movie maker handles camcorder video. If you are on Mac I'm not sure about the video editing options either.

 

[PaulD]

They are often labeled as "1394"

I would highly recommend one if you are looking at video transfer. They are better at sustained transfer than USB and so more suitable for video. You might not have one on a three years old computer unless you specifically requested it from Dell. Luckily you can buy a card for $20-$30 and you're good to go.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

on your PC you will see either "IEEE 1394" or just "1394" or "iLink" or "Firewire" or a logo that looks like the letter "Y"

on the camcorder side, it usually says "iLink" or a logo that looks like the letter "i"