How do I hook my camcorder to a computer?

How do I hook my camcorder to my computer?

• I have a JVC GR-SXM250U camcorder and I want to hook it to my macbook. How do i go about this and what kind of cables do I need?

• Answer:

  That's a great question... and well, it's a bit complicated. Actually there are several methods, and I'll explain the ones I know: (1) Buy a DVD recorder (2) Get an Analog to Digital program (Dazzle, Pinnacle) (3) Buy a Video Card (w/ S-Video, A/V ports) (4) Buy a digital 8 camera, dub VHS to 8mm old school style, then capture directly to the computer I like the last one the most....it's probably the best method if you can find an inexpensive Digital 8 camcorder. Well, first things first: ________________________ DVD Recorder pros: Easy, goes straight to DVD, cons: time consuming, can be expensive- at least $100, a pain in the *** if you wish to edit...if you just want DVDs it's fine, but editing from DVDs is a pain. requirements: VCR, DVD recorder connections: VCR A/V OUT >>>> DVD recorder A/V IN DVD reocder av OUT >>>> TV av IN (video 1, video 2, or whaterver) _________________________ Those Dazzle things pros: cheap-like $50, easy- straight to computer cons: footage looks like crap requirements: computer, Dazzle (Pinnacle makes them too), VCR connections: VCR A/V Out>>>Dazzle hardware thing IN Dazzle IN>>>> computer USB __________________________ Video Card pros: direct to computer cons: I don't think laptops can take video capture cards....in fact I'm almost certain, could be expensive requirements: desktop, capture card, VCR player connections: VCR a/v OUT >>> Capture card IN (which is connected to the computer) __________________________ Digital8 camcorder pros: decent quality, direct to computer= good compatibility cons: could be expensive, complicated (VHS to 8mm to computer) requirements: VCR player, Digital8 camcorder and A/V cables...and computer connections: (step 1) VCR OUT >>>> Digital8 camcorder.....dub footage to an 8mm cassette (step 2) connect Digital8 camcorder to computer and capture ______________________________________… >>>>>>>The JVC GR-SXM250U is a VHS camcorder, correct? ....probably should've asked that sooner..... if not, please disregard this answer<<<<<<<<<<<< Hope that helps...... please tell me if I was too confusing. Well good luck ct1199!!!! And have fun digitizing (or at least try....) :)