Transferring videos from mini dv to laptop using fire wire to usb cable on windows 7

I just installed the disc that came with the camcorder on my windows 8 machine even though it said windows xp only. I am now transferring videos with ease.

Fire wires are available for almost all cameras, they are easy to get at the local electronics store or on line, I buy mine through ebay. All you need is the model number of the camera and the salesperson can locate the cable you need, or better yet take the camera with you and let them match it up for you. try radio shack. Most computers have the software for the transfers already installed, there are a ton of software options out there to use just look for one that fits your price range. I use Nero and it is available on line or in stores. you can't record without the tape, there are no hard drives in this camera to store video. You can hook the camera up and record directly to the computer through the fire wire. The tapes can be used over and over again till they start to wear down, but you should easily uses these 10 times or more before getting an new one. I doubt any store will take a trade in, maybe a small family owned store could work with you, or maybe a pawn shop. The laptop probably will not hold a lot of video in the memory but you can burn these on to a DVD disc using either windows or Nero.

You might be connecting the Camcorder using USB interface. Picture Motion Browser Cannot be used for transferring videos from tape camcorder (mini DV in your case) using USB interface..

Operating System also matters..

If you're using XP OS, you can install the driver from supplied CD and use Windows Movie Maker to transfer the recordings using USB interface.

Vista, Windows 7 - You need to use i.LINK or A/V interface to transfer the recording. When using i.LINK with Vista, you can use the Picture Motion Browser software.

I think this will definitely help you to connect the Camcorder..

For your SD card, you have to use the USB port to mini-USB port cable that came with the camera, or a card reader. Connect it to the computer, and turn the camera on. Windows XP and Windows 7 will detect it as a hard drive, and give you the options for transferring the pictures to your pc. You also have a firewall cable that you can use with the software that came with the camera. In case you need more information, you can download the manual that will tell you how here:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/Mini-DV-Camcorders/model.PV-GS83

CONNECT THE CAMERA VIA THE DV -4 PIN CABLE TO YOUR PC ON THE FIRE WIRE CARD -
INSTALL THE CANON DRIVERS FROM CANON WEBSITE
USE A VIDEO SOFTWARE LIKE ULEAD OR WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER
MAKE YOUR CONNCECTION ON THE PLAY MODE AND PLAY THE MINI DV
BEFORE THE PREVIOUS QUOTE MAKE THE AV-DV OPTION ON IN YOUR CAMERA SETTINGS
ALL THE BEST

The Panasonic NV gs 15 can only be used as a webcam with the USB cable.
You need a 1394 firewire / DV cable to transfer the video to your pc.

If u have sony handycam then u got data cable for transferring data.
Use it for that u donot need any type of drivers for using that.
Otherwise use memory card reader if it is.

try this site.

http://www.maplin.co.uk/searchtemplate.asp?criteria=DV%20TO%20USB%20CONVERTER%20CABLE

what operating system are you using?