Copying videos from camcorder to pc?

I have a Panasonic SDR-H18, how do I download my videos & pics from the camcorder to my PC?

• I have a Panasonic SDR-H18 Camcorder, I have been trying to upload and/or download my videos & pics to my PC since I bought the camcorder about a year ago! I have read the instructions over & over. Is there something I'm doing wrong? Anyone with this camcorder who has 1st hands experience, please respond.

• Answer:

  The Panasonic SDR-H18 is a hard drive based camcorder that records video to its built-in hard drive into files that are basically a modified MPEG2 file type. Take the memory card out. When you connect the camcorder with the USB cable that was included in the box, the camera should be in the same mode it would be in when connected to a TV for playback. This should allow the computer to see the camcorder as just another USB device and mount it. In Windows, you will need to go to "My Computer" and all the various drives associated with the computer are listed. Copy the files to one of the computer's hard drive. If the camera does not mount, it is because the Windows drivers need to be correctly installed. There is a disc that came in the box. Install the drivers. If you are using Vista and the drivers are not on that disc, go to panasonic.com and see if they have anything special to install to support the camera. http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/Cameras-Camcorders/Camcorders/Hard-Disk-Drive/SD-Camcorders/model.SDR-H18 In MacOSX, the drive will mount and appear on the right side of the desktop near the start-up drive. Copy the files to one of the computer's hard drive. iMovie cannot read these files directly. You need to install StreamClip (free) from Apple) at http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html To transfer stills, you can try using the camcorder - but it is easier to just use a card reader...