Do i need a firewire capture card

widdyst · 5 Nov 2009 at 08:55

Ok i am a total noob at this and so need your help.
I have a fairly old sony digital 8 camcorder and just need to know the easiest way to get the films onto my pc so i can burn them to dvd.
My pc spec is in my sig, i am prepared to spend some money but prefes to keep it minimal

Mr Jones · 5 Nov 2009 at 09:05

Does your soundcard not have any Firewire?

widdyst · 5 Nov 2009 at 09:22

my motherboard has a firewire socket .
Is it just a case of plug and play ?
Also what would be the best software for this ?

Mr Jones · 5 Nov 2009 at 09:27

It is indeed plug and play, if it doesn't, just install your sony drivers (google the brand and model number should do the trick). Use software like Windows Movie Maker (be it for XP or download the Beta from Windows Live), it's free and does most of the job.

widdyst · 5 Nov 2009 at 09:36

i see , i shall give it a try and see what happens . I'm running windows 7 ,do you know if it has inbuilt capability to do this ? ie the moviemaker you mention

Mr Jones · 5 Nov 2009 at 09:55

No in-built but you're a short download away

albert · 8 Nov 2009 at 00:24

I use a Sony Digital 8 and yes you will need a firewire connection for the best quality.

....love the DVD output quality of Digital 8 but i upscale my footage using Cyberlink Powerdirector.