Sony handicam DCR-HC51e

[wendyl]

I have just purchased 2 of these (one on behalf of a family member) from Amazon and although it is listed as a supplied item in the user guide no USB lead was included. Can anyone advise how to obtain this without sending both back . I have emailed Amazon tonight and searched the Sony site without much success.
Any advice gratefully received

[rojash]

I'm somewhat puzzled by your question; every spec I've found for this camcorder says it has s-video, composite video and firewire - none of them mention USB

[wendyl]

Thanks Rojash as usual you have the answer. Perhaps you can advise further. I bought this on advice from relative rather than checking full spec myself (big mistake it seems) he had seen one in use. Neither of us is familiar with firewire although I found it listed as suitable for this model. Obviously I would need to purchase this separately but am inclined to return to Amazon as they suggest and start again. The camera was recommended for filming birdlife. Without firewire this model cannot be used to transfer pictures to PC or other it seems. Are you able to suggest anything similar with 40+ zoom which can be used with USB

[pug100]

Wendyl
I think you are confused about what firewire and USB are designed for.
Firewire or as Sony call it i-link and sometimes called IEEE 1394 is the interface designed to carry digital video signals. It beats USB hands down for connection of video camcorders for speed of transfer. Think of it as a high speed motorway compared to a gridlocked high street. Firewire 400�3200 Mbit/s, USB 12 or 480 Mbit/s

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firewire

USB was originally designed for i/o devices (mouse keyboard printers etc) and with the advent of USB 2.0 higher speed data transfer for external HDDs. It's still not as fast as Firewire though.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB

You want a firewire lead.
The 4 pin (smaller one ) goes in the camcorder and the 6 pin (larger one ) goes in the computer

http://www.microdirect.co.uk/(12830)5M-4-Pin-t o-6-Pin-Firewire-Cable-USB145.aspx

[rojash]

But you will also need a firewire port on your computer. Here's one:
http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/product.aspx?c ode=NE-PFIRE&af=50

[wendyl]

Thanks again Pug and Rojash I do understand that firewire is to carry digital signals but as Rojash has explained I would also need a firewire port which I do not have at present. I have returned the camera and will replace it with a different model which works with USB and firewire. Plan to add firewire port in due course but using USB in the meantime. I have bookmarked the helpful links below

[rojash]

Be careful when selecting one that works with both USB and firewire. For example, my Canon has a USB port fr transferring still pictures, but you MUST use the firewire port for video.

[wendyl]

Thanks for more helpful advice Rojash but in fact the new one I ordered has just USB after all. I'd like to wish you and all who provide such helpful advice on technology on AB a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year