Tape to PC on an old Panasonic? at DVinfo.net

Aidan Winder · January 5th, 2020, 09:25 AM

I've got an old Panasonic camcorder (NV-GS230GC) that uses the mini DV tapes and I want to connect it to my PC (Windows 10, 64 bit) to download recordings and edit them. I've found some capture/editing software (Filmora) and downloaded it.

The camcorder instruction manual doesn't cover the PC connection issue.

The camcorder has a small 'DV' port (about 6mm wide), an S video port, a small USB port (Mini B, I think) and a single '3.5mm jack' type AV port. I've tried USB to USB but the software I have downloaded doesn't seem to link to the camcorder when it's connected.

Is the DV port on the camcorder the same as a FireWire port? The Panasonic online help pages say to use the DV port so I have a FireWire card and cable on order in the hope that this might work.

Any suggestions as to the correct ports; the correct cable and software or anything else to help me accomplish this task would be appreciated! As you may have gathered I'm new to this so don't be afraid to keep the language simple!

Paul R Johnson · January 5th, 2020, 09:58 AM

The socket is a 4pin firewire. So as long as your cable has that type on the end, you're ok. Your camera supports SD cards I think - not sure if there is a function to dub the DV tape onto the card - that could be easier than having to connect the cable, but I suppose would take real time to do it in.

Pete Cofrancesco · January 5th, 2020, 10:20 AM

You need to buy a pci firewire card for your pc from an online retailer like ebay or amazon for under $20. Places like Best Buy can help you install it if you’re not tech savvy.

Donald McPherson · January 5th, 2020, 11:24 AM

Or look for an old computer with firewire and of course a legit Windows XP or similar. Then look download this capture program. http://www.scenalyzer.com/

Boyd Ostroff · January 5th, 2020, 06:07 PM

Or you could get any old Macintosh, starting around 1999 or so. After that, all Macs had built-in firewire ports and were pre-loaded with iMove software that can capture DV. I think all Macs still had firewire ports up until around 2012. You might find somebody who will just give you one of these, I have a couple in my closet.

Even if you want to use a PC to actually edit, you could capture on the Mac and then copy the files to an external USB disk.

January 5th, 2020, 09:25 AM	#1
Aidan Winder Tourist Join Date: Dec 2019 Location: Seaton UK Posts: 1	Tape to PC on an old Panasonic? I've got an old Panasonic camcorder (NV-GS230GC) that uses the mini DV tapes and I want to connect it to my PC (Windows 10, 64 bit) to download recordings and edit them. I've found some capture/editing software (Filmora) and downloaded it. The camcorder instruction manual doesn't cover the PC connection issue. The camcorder has a small 'DV' port (about 6mm wide), an S video port, a small USB port (Mini B, I think) and a single '3.5mm jack' type AV port. I've tried USB to USB but the software I have downloaded doesn't seem to link to the camcorder when it's connected. Is the DV port on the camcorder the same as a FireWire port? The Panasonic online help pages say to use the DV port so I have a FireWire card and cable on order in the hope that this might work. Any suggestions as to the correct ports; the correct cable and software or anything else to help me accomplish this task would be appreciated! As you may have gathered I'm new to this so don't be afraid to keep the language simple!

January 5th, 2020, 09:58 AM	#2
Paul R Johnson Inner Circle Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Lowestoft - UK Posts: 4,016	Re: Tape to PC on an old Panasonic? The socket is a 4pin firewire. So as long as your cable has that type on the end, you're ok. Your camera supports SD cards I think - not sure if there is a function to dub the DV tape onto the card - that could be easier than having to connect the cable, but I suppose would take real time to do it in.

January 5th, 2020, 10:20 AM	#3
Pete Cofrancesco Inner Circle Join Date: May 2004 Location: USA Posts: 2,995	Re: Tape to PC on an old Panasonic? You need to buy a pci firewire card for your pc from an online retailer like ebay or amazon for under $20. Places like Best Buy can help you install it if you’re not tech savvy. Last edited by Pete Cofrancesco; January 5th, 2020 at 11:25 AM.

January 5th, 2020, 11:24 AM	#4
Donald McPherson Major Player Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Aberdeen Scotland Posts: 815	Re: Tape to PC on an old Panasonic? Or look for an old computer with firewire and of course a legit Windows XP or similar. Then look download this capture program. http://www.scenalyzer.com/ __________________ A little knowledge goes a long way but not long enough.

January 5th, 2020, 06:07 PM	#5
Boyd Ostroff Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Mays Landing, NJ Posts: 11,787	Re: Tape to PC on an old Panasonic? Or you could get any old Macintosh, starting around 1999 or so. After that, all Macs had built-in firewire ports and were pre-loaded with iMove software that can capture DV. I think all Macs still had firewire ports up until around 2012. You might find somebody who will just give you one of these, I have a couple in my closet. Even if you want to use a PC to actually edit, you could capture on the Mac and then copy the files to an external USB disk.