The USB connection is for getting still images (photos) off the camcorder. To get moving images (video) off the camcorder, you must use a FireWire cable (IEEE 1394). The cable only costs about $15. But you need to have a FireWire port on your computer to plug it into -- if you don't have one, you'll have to install a FireWire card. Check someplace like
TigerDirect computer parts supplier, they are only $15 to $60 now.
Or, if you don't want to open up your computer to install a FireWire card, you can buy a
Pinnacle MovieBox for $120. It just sits next to your computer, not inside. It is very easy to use and comes with great video editing software. You plug the FireWire from your camcorder into the front of the MovieBox, then plug the back of the MovieBox into your computer with USB.
Plus, you can use the MovieBox to record from your VCR or DVD player into your computer! For that, you'll need the standard red/white/yellow cables.
In fact, if your camcorder has those cables, you can use them to go thru the MovieBox, and save yourself the cost of the FireWire cable. But I think FireWire will give better quality than the red/white/yellow cable.
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