do I have the right video capture equipment?

[flyin3d]

My ultimate goal is to hook my video camera via the firewire I/O and download video to my laptop then record it to an external dvd. How can I find out what video capture hardware or software I have in my computer? When I look in Device Manager it only shows "Legacy Video Capture Device". Is this it? Do I need any other hardware? Also, Would a firewire or cardbus connection have a broader throughput?
Thanks,
Justin

 

[elzt]

I assume your video camera has a firewire port. Now look in device manager again. Can you find a device called IEEE1394 (or similar name). Also check if your laptop's got firewire port. It should have some sort of label on it. If yes, then you can capture videos digitally. Of course, you need some video editing software that supports firewire devices too.

 

[flyin3d]

Ok, thanks, looks like I have the right stuff. Just need the cable.