[selowitch]

My new camcorder has a MiniDV-to-USB cable, but not a MiniDV-to-FireWire cable. Is it worth the cost to pick up the latter?

[spice003]

all mini dv camcorders have firewire out, there is no such thing as mini dvd to usb, it might have usb for transfering pictures, and fire wire to transfer video. look in the manual it should tell you where its at. unless you have one of those mini camcorders that use memory cards the i don't know what to tell you.

[selowitch]

Originally Posted by spice003 

all mini dv camcorders have firewire out, there is no such thing as mini dvd to usb, it might have usb for transfering pictures, and fire wire to transfer video. look in the manual it should tell you where its at. unless you have one of those mini camcorders that use memory cards the i don't know what to tell you.

Ah, yes. I see you're right. The USB cable that's included must be for transferring pictures (it does have a SD card slot, too). I guess I have to buy a miniDV-to-FireWire cable if I want to transfer video. Is that right? It's an inexpensive JVC camcorder, and the parts list at the beginning of the manual doesn't mention a DV or FireWire cable.

[mduell]

What's a "miniDV" port? The port you're refering to is probably just 4 pin IEEE1394.

[selowitch]

Originally Posted by mduell 

What's a "miniDV" port? The port you're refering to is probably just 4 pin IEEE1394.

Sorry for the imprecision. It's labeled "DV" and I think it's exactly that: 4-pin IEEE1394.

[spice003]

you will need a 4pin to 6pin firewire cable. thats what camcorders take.
Newegg.com - SABRENT Firewire IEEE 1394 6pin to 4pin 4 FT Cable - Retail

[selowitch]

Yeah, I've seen those before. Thanks!