Getting video from DVC tape

[Ciaran]

Hey guys, i've got a Panasonic NV-GS50 and i'm having immense trouble trying to get video from tape (miniDV) onto pc. It seems only to recognise the webcam function, even though it's turned off on the camera and thus comes up with an error 'set your camera to webcam, g'blah, etc...' been there done that, woohoo... but How do i get get the data off the Tape..?

Running Win Xp, Sp2. Connected by USB and i've installed/re-installed the drivers numerous times, it recognises the camera and the fact that it has both DVC/webcam functions, but seems only to want to work as a webcam.

Programs i've tried; DV studio which came with the camera and Windows movie maker.

Anyone's help would be muchly appreciated cause you're bound to know more than me about these foodangled contraptions. It could be something awfully simple for all i know. :P

[Platypus]

Hey Ciaran, welcome to WinDrivers.

The USB connection is for downloading still shots and for the webcam function as you've found.

The MiniDV connection is a Firewire connection, and is used for the more demanding data stream when downloading the video recordings.

So you will need a Firewire port on your computer, (if you don't have one, a Firewire card is not expensive), and a MiniDV to IEE1394 (Firewire) cable. You'll also most likely need need to use the capture & editing software you've installed belonging to the camera, although other video editing software can probably recognise the camera also.