How to Use the Sony Handycam with Windows Movie Maker?

by Alexandros_

I am using a Sony handycam for a project. I wanted to transfer the record I took to my mainframe, then learned I lost the software and never installed it. It wont let me download anything from the camera! I wanted to edit the record with Windows movie maker, so is there a way to download the record onto the movie maker without installing any software?
I have windows XP and have tried to download the software from the Sony website, but it tells me that there are currently no files available to download.

Answer by midknight_6
Download the software from the Sony support site. Follow the link below>>>>>>>>

Answer by Nu’uanu
If your camcorder is a miniDV tape based camcorder, it transfers the record from the miniDV tape to your computer using Firewire (IEEE1394a, i.Link – all the same business). You will also need a Firewire cable. You will connect the Firewire cable to the DV port on the camcorder and the Firewire port on the computer.

USB will not work.

You may need to install a firewire port on your computer. Typically, this is cheap and simple to do. Once the firewire port is successfully installed, you can import the record (when the camcorder is in “play/edit” mode) using MovieMaker and selecting “Capture”.

If your camcorder is a DVD based camcorder, then the simplest way to get that record is to rip the DVD with something like Handbrake.

http://handbrake.fr/

Warning, DVD based camcorder provide the worst available record quality.

Flash memory and hard drive based camcorders mount as USB mass storage devices and there are generally downloads at the manufacturer’s site for the USB-specific drives required.

Answer by TiddiVisual
Lack some details on vcam: miniDV; miniDvD; HDD or Flash Media?

- for miniDvD, insert disk to pc drive, use file mgmt- win explorer, copy/paste vob files from folder Video_TS. If video editing software is win movie maker, convert first vob to avi or wmv as vob is not supported by wmmaker. Try Prism.

- for HDD, USB-connect vcam to pc, use file mgmt- win explorer, copy/paste files. If video editing software is win movie maker and files are not supported, convert thru Prism.

a miniDV vcam must be FIREWIRE**-connected to pc to upload video thru video capture or video editing (VES)* software while vcam is on playback. Note: DV or Firewire port of vcam is 4pin. Before cable purchase ** (Vcam/4pin->CABLE->PC (4/ 6pin?), check the firewire port of PC whether 4 or 6 pin. If none, procure firewire card: pci for pc or pcmia for mainframe (Google).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire

for starters, free Windows Movie Maker* (XP-wmm2 & Vista-wmm6) provides simple & simple way to learn the ropes < click help for details>. Upgrade to intermediate video editing app accdg. to need & skill level

http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/powerdirector-review.html

video editing process – XP
>>> open wmm- start/all programs/wmm->TASK pane
1a. Capture miniDV video stream** – editing software remotely controls vcam operations
1b. Import converted video files from pc folder
2. Edit- drag/drop files->timeline & enhance w/effects, transition, music & titles
3. End (render)- save Movie file, also save Project* ** file
4. Share-burn to CD (if DvD, thru a DvD authoring app like DvD Flick, Nero, etc.)

What do you reckon? Answer below!

Sony VX Series


Image by wZa HK

I have a sony handycam that records on a small cassette tape. How do I place that onto imovie?

Answer by Emily Nice
Connect your sony handycam to Mac.

Then start iMovie, then choose File > Import , and then steer to the folder where your file is located, finally, make a new event and click “Import” button.

Answer by snowwillow20
I’m assuming it’s MINIDV
You have a mini dv (cassette) camcorder….
Your dv camcorder needs a firewire connection (ieee 1394) in order to download record, Firewire to usb will not work to download record. You might end up with only sound or only record. 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 mainframe, make sure your mainframe has an empty bay for a card.
The fine print in your manual makes reference to firewire (ieee 1394) connection.

Give your answer to this question below!

Sony DCR-SX45 Handycam Camcorder (Silver)

• 70x Extended Zoom to get even quicker to the action
• Professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens
• 3.0″ touch-screen Apparent Photo LCD Plus show (230K)
• SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode
• Intelligent Auto (36 different scene combinations possible)

An ideal solution for recording just about any occasion, the ultra-compact Sony DCR-SX45 Handycam Camcorder features a 3.0″ touch-screen LCD (230K), a professional-quality Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® lens, which delivers sharp, high-resolution images and powerful 70x extended zoom that lets you capture exceptionally tight shots–even from far away. There’s also a convenient built-in LED record light on the Sony DCR-SX45 Handycam Camcorder which makes it simpler to capture low-light situations.

List Price: $ 279.95

Price: Too low to show