Firewire?

[ange01]

Hi all,

I have an older handycam, DCRHC53E, and don't seem to be able to transfer video onto my windows 7 laptop.

Can anyone tell me if I now need a firewire and/or firecard that I've been reading about?

I'm a bit confused to say the least....:smileyconfused:

If I do, is there a certain one I need and will this connect straight to the handycam?

Thanks for any advice you can give

Ange

[blaireau_photo]

Hello Ange - Welcome to the Sony Forums

Don't be worried about the confusion - this is probably the most frequent camcorder related question that I see here on the forums.

The main problem is that most modern Windows 7 laptops do not include a Firewire port as standard as they prefer USB instead. This would be great if it wasn't for the fact that most older camcorders only have a Firewire socket and for those camcorders in that age range, the ones with a USB socket do not come with driver software that is compatible with Windows 7

As you have a laptop, if there is no Firewire socket it will be necessary to install some kind of Firewire hardware. There is a 50:50 chance that your laptop will have the necessary expansion slot and I think the best thing to do would be to let me know the exact make and model of your computer. If you look on the base of the unit, this should be printed on a sticker. If you can respond here with that information, I will have a look at the specification and let you know whether or not you will be able to install a Firewire card.

Thanks,

Simon

[ange01]

Hi Simon,

Thanks for your help and for explaining about the firewire port!

I have a samsung laptop and the model is NP-S5310-A03UK

Thanks to you, at least I know not to waste anymore time messing about with the USB and I finally feel like I'm getting somewhere....

Ange