How do you import video from a Sony Handycam to a computer?

How to import video from Sony CCD-TRV128?

• OK, so i started filming skateboarding with my old camera after my friends sony handycam was stolen. I need to import the video i have gotten onto my computer to start editing and making montages and such. the only ports on this camera are A/V out, RFU DC out, and also a S-Video out port. I understand i could pay $100 - $300 and get a video capture card and capturing software, and im only 15, so don't tell me about that. i need to get these videos onto my computer and I am willing to $20 on this project at the most. Thanks for your help!

• Answer:

  Your Sony CCD-TRV128 is an analog, Hi8 tape based, camcorder. You need the cable that connects to the AV-out... and you need a "capture card" or analog/digital converter. Connect the Yellow composite video RCA jack (or the S-Video out) and the audio-out to the capture card or analog/digital converter. The capture card would be installed in a desk-top PCI card slot - the A/d converter is external and connects to either USB or firewire. Black Magic makes good, high-end internal capture cards - they are expensive. Canopus makes good external A/D converters that connect using firewire - they can be expensive. Roxio, Elgato and a bunch of other folks make the low-end, affordable, USB connecting external A/D converters. The video quality is not so good when the USB devices are used, but it may be "good enough" for what you need.