PaConehead

I need some help on loading my track tapes from mini DV format to my PC, DVD, or CD-ROM. I am using a Sony DCR-HC38 Mini DV and only have the standard output cable. If it is possible to down load these, what cables will I need and what software? Plain English please because I'm a video idiot - I stiil have trouble operating the camera!

Any help will be appreciated.

Gray Ghost GS

The Sony DCR-HC38 should have come with a USB cable that connects your camera to your laptop computer. I recommend using the Windows XP "Windows Movie Maker" under Accessories. Just follow the "Movie Tasks" on the left side of the program.

It's a simple application that allows you to download your videos, edit them (add music, special effects) and save to CD, hard drive, etc. You can pick the resoluton and format. I've been using it for some time now. Mike

John Shiels

I never got my Sony to work at the track more than 3 gears. It just shuts off!

Gray Ghost GS

The MiniDV format records high-quality digital video on small tapes vs. recording to a flash drive/memory card. Most problems occur with the flash drive/memory card cameras. I've never had an issue with the MiniDV tapes.

PaConehead

Thanks for the help Mike - I'll get a cable in the morning and give it try - What do you recommend for resolution?

John, I've only used mine for 2 track days at the end of this past season, but it worked well and the pics are great.

Merry Christmas and the best in '08

Gray Ghost GS

High Quality Video (NTSC) 720x480 or High Quality Video (Large) 640x480 work great for saving to your videos to DVD or uploading to "My Space" or "You Tube" on the Internet.

Here's an example of what the video looks like using the "Windows Movie Maker" at a lower resolution to meet the file size limit (100 Mb) for a long video on My Space.

rasrboy

John,
Is your camera a MINI DVD disc type? If it is I tried it too and it would not even make it out of the pits with out cutting off.

These guys are right, I am going DV and should be good. Best Buy will really have some awesome deals after Xmas.

Last C5

So far I've got the download and save to DVD part, now I've got to solve this add music and special effects end of it.

Mikelly

Most of these mini-DV recorders require a firewire card to be installed in your PC. Mine did. I have had zero issues with my panasonic unit, and highly recommend their miniDVs. I used to run a video production facility years ago and I'm simply amazed at what you can do with video now days...

Mike

Gray Ghost GS

This link walks you through the process of adding music to your video and this link provides instructions for special effects.

Last C5

Thanks! With a little more practice I may just become as computer literate as today's average eight year old.

PaConehead

I got a cable todAY, but it wasn't right one. It connected out the side of camera with some kind of a mini USBA. pparently the cable i need is unique to Sony to connect from one of the two ouputs at the back of camera. I may need to add the PC card that Mikelly mentioned.

I got a couple months before the season starts

Thanks everyone for the tips - great help!

John Shiels

Yes it has a small disc POcrap


Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to you all get the camera out of the car for the holidays!

Now my Sony won't work as the shutter won't open.

Gray Ghost GS

I was thinking you would need the cable that connects to the lower right then USB to your computer. Good luck - glad the info helped. Happy Holidays.

PaConehead

That's the cable I picked up. It ran from the port in your pic to one of my USB ports. Movie Maker gave a error message that therewas no device. I think I need one that goes from the 'A/V out' or the 'DV' port to the '1394' input on my PC - does that make sense?

Last C5

That's the message you get if the USB driver software has not been installed. Did you install the CD that came with the camera?

steve40th

Does anyone have a actual part number for the adapter cable from Sony or PC card. I am getting a Mini DV Sony Camera after Christmas, probably the same as OP excpet a "28" version.

Gray Ghost GS

The camera comes with an Application CD, which includes the USB driver so your computer will recognize the camera, etc. Once you install the CD, and then connect the camera (leaving the CD in the drive), you will see the computer recognize your camera in the lower right corner. You're almost there.

Here is the Sony website for your camera that provides instructions on how to connect it to the computer and transfer video. This link provides you the software required to make this happy if you cannot locate your CD.

johninar

Aloha has is right. The Sony offers BOTH usb and firewire. You can use either. My Sony MiniDV came with both cables. Of course I gave up on all the pc stuff and just plug it into my MAC. Then pour a glass of wine, everything else is automatic. Good luck!

PaConehead

Ok - lt's back to me here - need to check for the software and drivers, that's probably my first mistake. I'll let everybody know if I get this right!

Again - thanks for the help and tips. Merry Christmas, Happy New year, . . . and a safe track season!!!