How do I transfer mini DV to computer?

I have Mini DV cassettes how do I transfer them to my computer?

• I have loads of family movies on mini DV cassettes. The camcorder we used to record them no longer works. Is there anyway at all that I can transfer them to my laptop. I am operating on Windows 7.

• Answer:

  You can buy MiniDV decks, but they're more expensive than a new camcorder - the sensible option is to buy another MiniDV camcorder. So long as the tapes were recorded at the normal speed you can use any MiniDV camcorder (it doesn't have to be new) but you may have problems if the tapes were recorded in LP mode. LP isn't standard so you'll probably need a camcorder from the same manufacturer and possibly the same model. Your laptop will need a firewire card (NOT a TV card) and you'll need a firewire cable. The camcorder end will be 4 pin, the laptop end will depend on the card you've bought - it could be 4, 6 or even 9 pin. Once everything's connected, switch the camcorder to play and you can capture the video using any video editor - Windows Movie Maker should already be on your laptop - it's not that good, but it works and it'll get you started.