Computer doesn't see camera
- Thread starter QQworld
- Start date
Jason Ramsey
Admin
Try a different firewire cable.
Blown firewire ports on the camera are often the culprit, and not uncommon. It is usually caused by treating firewire as if it were 'hotpluggable'. Meaning plugging it in and out with either the camera or the computer on, or both. 4 pin to 4 pin is less succeptible to this, from what I understand, but not bulletproof.
If this happens to be the case with you (not sure that it is. It's just one of the more common reasons), then you will need to get it the camera's firewire port replaced by someone. Spec-Comm is an authorized Panasonic repair center. They are a sponsor here. Their address is www.spec-comm.com Then, to avoid this in the future: The absolute best is to have neither the computer, or the camera on when pluggin/un-plugging firewire. At the very least, never have the camera on.
Hope that helps. Try a different cable first. Or, verify that the cable is good by testing it on another device.
P.s. What makes me think that it is unfortunately a blown firewire port is the order in which you described what you did: "fired up the dvx, plugged in the firewire cable..." Should be plug in the firewire cable, then fire up the dvx. When you are done, turn off the dvx, and then unplug the firewire.
Jason
Blown firewire ports on the camera are often the culprit, and not uncommon. It is usually caused by treating firewire as if it were 'hotpluggable'. Meaning plugging it in and out with either the camera or the computer on, or both. 4 pin to 4 pin is less succeptible to this, from what I understand, but not bulletproof.
If this happens to be the case with you (not sure that it is. It's just one of the more common reasons), then you will need to get it the camera's firewire port replaced by someone. Spec-Comm is an authorized Panasonic repair center. They are a sponsor here. Their address is www.spec-comm.com Then, to avoid this in the future: The absolute best is to have neither the computer, or the camera on when pluggin/un-plugging firewire. At the very least, never have the camera on.
Hope that helps. Try a different cable first. Or, verify that the cable is good by testing it on another device.
P.s. What makes me think that it is unfortunately a blown firewire port is the order in which you described what you did: "fired up the dvx, plugged in the firewire cable..." Should be plug in the firewire cable, then fire up the dvx. When you are done, turn off the dvx, and then unplug the firewire.
Jason
I tried a different Firewire cable, and that could very well be the case.
What I normally do is with the computer on, and the DVX off, I plug in the firewire, then turn on the DVX and set it to VCR. You're saying the computer has to be off too?
How common is this problem, and is there a way to test if this is the case?
What I normally do is with the computer on, and the DVX off, I plug in the firewire, then turn on the DVX and set it to VCR. You're saying the computer has to be off too?
How common is this problem, and is there a way to test if this is the case?
Jason Ramsey
Admin
No, not necessarily. I'm just saying having both off is the way to ensure that you won't blow it. Having the dvx off *should* be fine, and that is the way most people probably do it. Using 4-pin to 4-pin firewire minimizes the risk compared to 4pin to 6 pin firewire connections. The larger six pin is on the computer end. Not too terribly common, but it has happened to people here.
Jason
Jason
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Robbie Comeau
Como's back. back again
whats soo bad abotu capturing with high end, 3 chip, lets say dvx cameras? wut does it do to the camera??
Jason Ramsey
Admin
Doing live capture... nothing, if you are careful. Capturing tapes for editing... most people don't like to do it because it puts unnecessary wear and tear on the heads of the camera. It's better to just buy a cheapo 200 dollar mini dv camera and use it as a deck. That's what pretty much everyone does who works with tape. Better to wear the heads of a 200 dollar walmart special than your 3 grand investment.
Jason
Jason
