Setting up Your Hardware
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Introduction.
Correctly setting up your hardware is an essential step. This page will guide you through your hardware setup.
Concept.
You will need a MiniDV video camera, a computer (laptop or desktop) and a Firewire cable to connect them.
Firewire.
- Firewire, also known as IEEE 1394, iLink and DV, is the technology that connects MiniDV cameras to computers. To connect your camera to your computer you will need a camera that has a Firewire port (MiniDV cameras only), a Firewire cable, and a Firewire port in your computer.
- You will need to buy a Firewire cable as cameras do not come with them. The cameras only come with USB cables but USB is not suitable for the type of video transfer needed.
- There are three types of Firewire cables, namely 4 pin, 6 pin and the new 9 pin. You will only use 4 pin for the camera and probably only ever use 4 pin or 6 pin in your computer.
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4 - 4 Pin Cable One of the 4 pin ends will go into the MiniDV video camera, the other into a laptop with a built in. Firewire port. |
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6 - 4 Pin Cable The 4 pin end will go into the MiniDV video camera, the 6 pin end into a laptop with an external ‘card’ (see below) or a desktop (see below). |
Laptop Setup.
Desktop Setup.
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Typical desktop computer setup This image shows a typical desktop computer setup. The picture inserts show the ends of the Firewire cable.To connect a MiniDV camera to a desktop computer you will need a 6 pin (computer) to 4 pin (MiniDV camera) Firewire cable. A 3m (10′) to 5m (15′) cable is the most practical length. |
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Firewire card Some desktop computers come with a Firewire card but you cannot rely on this. You must specifically ask for a Firewire card to be installed when your order your desktop computer.This image shows the ports of the actual Firewire card and where the 6 pin Firewire cable plugs in. |
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Dual camera system If you are using Dialed in Motion products or Pro 7 you have the opportunity to create a dual capture system. This image shows a typical setup.Note that even though the external Firewire ‘card’ may have 2 or 3 ports in it, you must use a separate Firewire card for each camera and arrange the Firewire cables as shown. |
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Computer plugs This image shows the most common plugs you will have find on the back of a desktop computer.Your computer may not be arranged exactly like this but the types of plugs will be very similar. |
Camera Setup.
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MiniDV Camera setup The location of the Firewire plug on MiniDV cameras varies greatly between manufactures and even between models from the same manufacturer.You should refer to your camera manual to find it if it is not immediately obvious. Remember not to use any cable that comes in the camera box, it will almost certainly be a USB cable and NOT a Firewire cable. |
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Different camera This image shows another brand of MiniDV camera with a different Firewire port location and also shows the power pack. |
More Resources.
What hardware do I need?
- Find detailed information on what hardware you need OR go to the SUPPORT area of the web site and click on the Product Support Area on the left sidebar, select your product of interest and then look for the link for the Best Hardware for that product. There is even a printable checklist version to take to your retailer.
Why do I have to use a MiniDV camera?
- Find more information on why you need to use a MiniDV camera OR go to the SUPPORT area of the web site and click on the FAQ’s topic on the left sidebar and then click on Cameras and Image Quality. Review the first question and then questions 6 - 11 in the list by clicking on them.