Well, my Sony Handycam (DO NOT BUY), in true form, is still causing me a world of hurt. After downloading the AVC, and plugging in every connection possible, it was still not recognizing the attached hardware, nothing to convert.
So I put “Downloading Video for Dummies Sony Handycam” in the google search engine and found that there are hundreds, if not thousands of people that are having the exact same problem as I am. I read more unfiltered four letter words (apparently filtering isn’t a major concern on the techy sites) in relation to this piece of equipment and not one successful, step-by-step solution.
One girl posted that she had been on the phone to Microsoft every day for the last week, having ther perform a host downloads, purchases and connections. The tech posted that he liked detective stories and was looking forward to the solution. His post was in 2008 and she did not post again.
But further investigation on my part shows a bit (just a bit) of a common theme in that there is a problem with compatibility to the Vista, XP and Windows 7 (I installed Vista last year) and no drivers to correct it. Their supposed solution lies with a firewire port and IEEE 1394 PCI iLink card and firewire, 4pin not 6. The batteries must be taken out and the cam must be put on its charger while downloading, must be set to this VCR/play mode by holding the "On" button an extra second - all the while ensuring your ball cap has a strategic angle to the left and your tongue isn’t sticking out more than ¾ of an inch.
The AVC is definitely needed as well as about 18 different other things I’ve downloaded. (I’m surprised I didn’t get a virus but they were all sites I trust and my computer is running just fine).
So, before I apply a major correction to this unsuspecting video camera (toss out window of quick moving vehicle and run over several times) I’m going to take it into Future Shop tomorrow, explain what I’ve tried so far and see what they recommend and if all these additional gadgets will produce favorable results.
Would love to do a “board and fix” type thing, leave it there and pick it up, plug it in and get that wonderful ping – hardware recognized. But I have a feeling that without a thorough understanding of the approach and methods used, I won’t be able to get the cam to perform for me like it may be willing to work for the tech.
I will give it this last chance tomorrow and if I still don’t see any positive results, I’m afraid I have another big decision to make. Although only a year and ½ old, PTS is a completely viable option for me right now. I need a new target practice item anyway and this would just make my day. Perhaps a little “charge” strategically placed inside so when the bullet connects there’s a celebratory explosion. Ahhh… yes. That would be so satisfying after all this SONY HANDYCAM (do not buy) has put me through.
Sorry Melissa, didn’t mean to high jack your thread here, but if there’s anything you can learn from my experience DO NOT BUY A SONY HANDYCAM.
And back to the original questions:
I am thinking of buying a digital video recorder and was wondering what you guys are using for your dog vids or if you have any camera recommendations for inside and outside?