MiniDV to PC

I have a SONY DCR-PC120 and I was wondering how do I get the videos from the miniDV and put them on my computer? Also what would be the best format/codec to save the file in.
Thanks

 

Since I'm not familiar with the exact model, you should probably check the manual if its meant to connect to the computer to transfer video. As for the best codec, Xvid or Divx would be your best bet if you want to save them to your computer, or MPEG-2 if you plan on burning them to DVD.

 

Sure you canconnect this model to a PC. You should use Firewire and do a direct transfer, which means no loss of quality whatsoever. You will end up with a DV compressed AVI.
Check out http://www.digitalvideoclub.com/basics/transfer.php

Depending what you want to do with it after that (e.g. just store on your hard drive and watch it on PC, put it on a website for streaming video or downloading, burning on a DVD or VCD, etc.) you can easily convert to the best suitable format. The mentioned site has a lot of specific info about that.

 

thx alot ill go out and get a cord tomorrow

 

My new Canon ZR200 has A/V, USB and DV outputs. My PC has no firewire input so I am inputting to the USB port. Amy I losing much resolution by doing this? Should I consider adding a firewire card?

 

Yes, you are loosing quality. Install a Firewire port for true full quality DV transfer..

 

You sure hes losing quality. Usually firewire is just faster than USB.

 

I don't understand your reply...YES or NO to losing quality with USB vs Forewire, speed is not my concern right now.
Thanks

 

Whose reply?
Anyway, speed has nothing to do with it.
Your camcorder is designed to output the digital data directly through the Firewire port. This is not the case with the USB port, it outputs the video just like a webcam does and is lower quality.