yes, you can definitely do this.

Connect the firewire, put the camera into record mode (without a tape)

Start Vegas, goto "File -> Capture Video"
and you should see a picture in the capture preview window.

Click on "Capture" and you shold be off.

What I haven't found out how to do is to capture directly to the timeline, like audio recording. That would be very cool to do.

Ciao,

marks

if you have a camera with auto-turn off, I've found putting a tape in with the safety tab to "save" won't turn the camera off because it keeps warning you you can't record.

but I'd also put it on tape at the same time.

I have no idea whether it makes a difference or not but the OP is using a DVD camcorder.

Mike

Hey everyone:
Thanks for the feedback!
But like rs170a said, I am using a Sony DVD handycam (i dont see a model number on it...) It does not have fire wire (i thought it did). It has a USB spot. I plugged the usb cord to the camera and my computer, and I dont get anything on my video screen.....any ideas?

check the software that came with your camera. could have a USB-camera type software. Odds are that's the best you could do: use it like a webcam.

Unfortunately, DVD cameras are a poor choice if you really want to do any editing with the footage you record. And one of the reasons is that most editing apps (including Vegas) won't capture via USB.

The USB port on these cameras is generally to be used with the proprietary software that came with the camera or maybe with Windows Explorer. And if that weren't enough, often the USB port on the camera gives you access only to still images taken by the camera -- not any of the video.

You can check the manual for the camera and any software that came with it to to see if that software will record "live" to disc, but I kind of doubt it. Since the camera encodes to MPEG2 (the video format used on DVDs) on the fly, I can't imagine it wants the additional hassle of saving that output over USB and onto a computer. But who knows. (If it can do this, I'm guessing it will be at a lower resolution than normal.)

Honestly, if you haven't had it long, my advice would be to return this and get yourself a MiniDV (not mini DVD) camera. MiniDV is much less hassle to work with and most MiniDV cameras can do what you're asking.

Rob

Everyone, Thanks for your help on this. The Mini DVD cam is from my boss and I believe he has had it for a while, so we cant return it. I will let him know that we would need a min DV camera for what he needs. I own a Sony DV camera (not mini). I am going to try this with that one. Do you think it will work? Mini DV is supposed to be better quality video right?

Thanks!

I own a Sony DV camera (not mini).

Hm, I'm willing to bet (not bet much, mind you) that it is MiniDV. What's the brand and model?

Rob

I record straight from the camera to HDD via my computer all the time.

Most miniDV cameras with firewire out will do what you want. Be aware, however, that 4 pin firewire connections are woefully suseptable to being pulled out while handling the camera.

Get some gaffer tape and secure both ends of the connection if you plan on any movement of the camera or PC (laptop).

bStro :
I am not sure of the model #, I don't have it with me in the office, but as soon as I get it I will let you know.

The event we are recording will happen on Monday, so I still have time to figure this out. We are a CD/DVD duplication company, we got invited to this Golf Tournament here in FL. My boss wants to capture every single golfer on their first swing and then we can hand them out the video file at the dinner that night. I need to be able to record them straight to my laptop so that I can cut, edit and render on the fly and we can duplicate the DVDs right away to hand them out.

RalphM:
Thanks for the tip on the fire wire cable!!! I will make sure I secure it properly.

For any DV (not DVD) camera, it is easy to capture directly to the PC using Scenalyzer. For more advanced situations (where you want monitors, etc.), check out this product:

On Location

For MPEG-2 capture (from your DVD camera) have a look at the Pinnacle Studio product:

Instant DVD Recorder

bStro :
The camera model is "SONY Digital Handycam - USB STREAMING Steady Shot DCR-TRV350 NTSC" It does have a fire wire port (the smaller hole kind).

It works! It captures straight to the PC (no preview while capturing thou).

The camera it Digital 8. If I get a mini DV, would it be better quality video?

Thanks!

What comes out the Firewire port on a Digital8 and MiniDV are exactly the same; 720x480 (or 720x576 PAL) DVC-format. The quality of the video is entirely a function of the camera itself. i.e. larger chip, better lens etc.

It works! That's great news, but my question is: What works? Which of the many suggestions and ideas finally made it work for you?

johnmeyer:
Sorry I wasnt specific...I was able to capture straight to PC using a SONY DV camera, instead of a SONY miniDVD camera. Now I will be able to capture the Golf tournament and edit and make a DVD right on the spot!

Thanks for all your help everyone.