SANParks.org Forums

Hi guys, I found you photography buffs very helpful when i purchased a dslr, so I'm turning to you for help with a video camcorder .
On an impulse buy I have purchased a basic canon miniDV camcorder. Problem is the instructions reveal something about a firewire cable and port to import the video onto a laptop, my laptop doesn't have a firewire port. Any ideas on alternative solutions?
I would really like to capture footage of my wildlife experiences on my next trip.

Firewire to USB Converter there is an adapter on here that will convert firewire to USB.

I was in the same boat since the past month and seeing this post I was finally tempted to register on the forum and post a reply!!

I note that Scout has suggested a Firewire to USB converter, and it definitely isn't the cheapest solution!

I'm currently using a Firewire to PCMCIA Cardbus adapter without any issues and the best parts are that they're way cheaper and you can have multiple Firewire ports on the Laptop. This is great as you can connect the camcorder and an external hard drive to the Firewire ports. You soon find that you're investing in software, external hard drives, books and lots of time to get half decent results!!

Noting that you're location is in the UK, I've pulled up this link on Amazon
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Firewire-Cardbu ... B000MS96X2

I hope I've got the link right! As you can see you get multiple ports at a fraction of the Firewire to USB converter. This should give you a start and you can try and see if this product is available in your favourite brands.

Hope this helps.

Juggie,

I only suggested the converter since I am not sure if Emily is using a notebook/Pc and if she is tech savvy enough to be able to install the PCI card for a PC herself.

And welcome to the site

Thank you both for your help. I'm so glad that I will be able to connect it to my laptop, it is much appreciated

Welcome Juggie!!!

Thanks for the welcome guys! Much appreciated!

Scot: OK, got it!

Emily86: You're welcome! This adapter is a card that plugs right into the laptop PCMCIA slot. Just ensure that your laptop has a PCMCIA or CardBus slot to plug it into. You should get this information from the laptops' user manual. If your laptop instead has an ExpressCard slot, then just purchase a Firewire to ExpressCard adapter.

I'm glad to be of some help , after mooching off the forum over the last six months or so!!