Transfering Canon XL1s video to computer? at DVinfo.net

Anne Toole · February 14th, 2008, 11:58 AM

Hi! I have a Canon XL1s I haven't used in a million years, so I hope you can answer my question. We want to transfer footage to the computer using the camera as a deck. Our editing software is Windows Movie Maker -- yes, we're going ultra low rent, we're aware of that. How do I go about doing the transfer? Will WMM recognize video sent through the S-video cable? Will I need to do something else? Much thanks in advance!

-Anne

Richard Alvarez · February 14th, 2008, 12:30 PM

Use the firewire cable to connect the camera to the computer. Movie Maker should recognize it.

Anne Toole · February 14th, 2008, 12:45 PM

I don't think I have a firewire cable. What does it connect to?

Mike Meyerson · February 14th, 2008, 04:39 PM

the way to go is firewire...it connects to the firewire port on your computer. If you don't have a cable, staples/officemax carries them. If your computer doesn't have a firewire port, you wont be doing much editing.

Don Palomaki · February 15th, 2008, 07:48 AM

As noted above, firewire is the preferred way to capture digital video and associated audio streams. You need to be sure you get a cable with the correct connector on each end. I have not used WMM, and have no info on your PC, so I don't know if it will recognize and capture from the XL1s on your PC. You might try search the forums here for any discussions on issues with WMM. I vaguely recall some folks discussing driver update issues at one time.

To use analog output from the camcorder (s-video or composite) you will need an appropriate analog capture card or device connected to the PC. There are many options available at a wide range of price points and quality - too many to list in a single post. The options range from a USB-connected break-out box, to a plug-in board, to being a built-in capability of the PC's graphics card. Many come with basic video editing software.

On getting a fire wire cable, you will probably need 6-pin to 4-pin cable, and costs range widely. You can pay from under $3 for a generic in a plastic bag to over $30 for a high end national brand name in a fancy blister pack, and for most folks the $3 will work fine.

At this point, if you want more focused suggestions please tell us about your PC. What make/model, processor and speed, how much memory, windows version, what ports it has, how many drives and size, etc.

February 14th, 2008, 11:58 AM	#1
Anne Toole Tourist Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Hollywood, CA Posts: 2	Transfering Canon XL1s video to computer? Hi! I have a Canon XL1s I haven't used in a million years, so I hope you can answer my question. We want to transfer footage to the computer using the camera as a deck. Our editing software is Windows Movie Maker -- yes, we're going ultra low rent, we're aware of that. How do I go about doing the transfer? Will WMM recognize video sent through the S-video cable? Will I need to do something else? Much thanks in advance! -Anne

February 15th, 2008, 07:48 AM	#5
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,487	As noted above, firewire is the preferred way to capture digital video and associated audio streams. You need to be sure you get a cable with the correct connector on each end. I have not used WMM, and have no info on your PC, so I don't know if it will recognize and capture from the XL1s on your PC. You might try search the forums here for any discussions on issues with WMM. I vaguely recall some folks discussing driver update issues at one time. To use analog output from the camcorder (s-video or composite) you will need an appropriate analog capture card or device connected to the PC. There are many options available at a wide range of price points and quality - too many to list in a single post. The options range from a USB-connected break-out box, to a plug-in board, to being a built-in capability of the PC's graphics card. Many come with basic video editing software. On getting a fire wire cable, you will probably need 6-pin to 4-pin cable, and costs range widely. You can pay from under $3 for a generic in a plastic bag to over $30 for a high end national brand name in a fancy blister pack, and for most folks the $3 will work fine. At this point, if you want more focused suggestions please tell us about your PC. What make/model, processor and speed, how much memory, windows version, what ports it has, how many drives and size, etc. __________________ dpalomaki@dspalomaki.com

February 14th, 2008, 12:30 PM	#2
Richard Alvarez Inner Circle Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: San Mateo, CA Posts: 3,840	Use the firewire cable to connect the camera to the computer. Movie Maker should recognize it.

February 14th, 2008, 12:45 PM	#3
Anne Toole Tourist Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West Hollywood, CA Posts: 2	I don't think I have a firewire cable. What does it connect to?

February 14th, 2008, 04:39 PM	#4
Mike Meyerson Major Player Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: mahopac, NY Posts: 293	the way to go is firewire...it connects to the firewire port on your computer. If you don't have a cable, staples/officemax carries them. If your computer doesn't have a firewire port, you wont be doing much editing.