Matching Ports
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[edit] Does Your Camera Have USB or Firewire?
Determine if your camera has USB or Firewire (also known as: iLink and IEEE 1394).
Note: Almost all digital cameras use USB.
Note: The differences are subtle. It's probably easiest to check the manual or box, or to compare the cables w/ photos above
[edit] Your Camera has USB
[edit] If you use a digital camera
You just need to find a cable that plugs in to both the camera and your computer. It will probably look like the USB cable in the photo above.
[edit] If you use a DV camcorder (with tape)
You must have a USB 2.0 port on your computer. The confusing thing is that USB 1.1 and 2.0 ports look exactly the same. If you are on a Windows desktop computer that is pre-2003, you might not have 2.0 ports. Apple computers and laptops pre-2004 don't always have 2.0 ports.
Article: Identify if Windows has USB 2.0 or 1.1
Article: Apple Says Check Your Manual
[edit] Your Camera has Firewire
We don't know of any digital cameras (normally used for photos) that use Firewire! Maybe it's USB?
[edit] Firewire on a DV camcorder (with tape)
You will need to make sure that you have a Firewire port on your computer. All Mac desktops and laptops have the large 6-pin Firewire port. Some PC Desktops have a large 6-pin Firewire port. Many PC laptops do not have firewire ports (although you might have a small 4-pin port, double check).
[edit] Getting the Right Cable
It is likely that you will need one of two types of cable. The Firewire in the picture is 6-pin to 4-pin (large to small), and the other type of cable is 4-pin to 4-pin (small to small).
Your DV camcorder probably has a small 4-pin port. Just check if your computer or laptop has a large 6-pin or a small 4-pin port, and pick your cable accordingly.
Note: Don't get ripped off by Best Buy or Radio Shack, they jack their cable prices through the roof! Check online retailers for better prices.
Products: Assorted Firewire Cables $2-15 USD (via Newegg)
[edit] If You Don't Have a Firewire Port
[edit] On a PC Desktop
It's actually pretty easy to open your computer and install a PCI Firewire card. The article below has nice photos and is easy to follow.
Article: Install a PCI Firewire Card Note: make sure you have a free PCI slot before buying your card!
Product: PCI Firewire Card $7 USD (via Newegg)
[edit] On a PC Laptop
If your laptop has a free PC Card slot (also known as PCMCIA), then you can get a little Firewire card to slip in. (picture of a PC Card Slot)
Product: PC Card Firewire $20 USD (via Newegg)
