I connected my FDR AX-100 camcorder to my Win 7 computer and the computer did not detect it. I tried using Movie Studio and Premiere Elements and neither worked. I tried using my old camcorder and both programs detected it and they worked fine. I used the HDMI cable.
I contacted Sony and they were no help. They told me that its a software issue and I need to contact Vegas Movie Studio about it.
Does anybody know how I can get Vegas Movie Studio to detect the camcorder?
Shouldn't you be using usb connection, not HDMI, to transfer files?
Which VMS version and build are you using and are you using Device Explorer in VMS?
VMS is version 13 and I don't know what Device Explorer is or how to use it. I looked it up and it says I can view content with it, but I don't have any video files yet since I am barely trying to set up the camcorder at this time.
I went to VIEW, then I looked for Device Explorer and the only option was EXTENSIONS, and when I clicked on that, NO EXTENSIONS came up grayed out. My guess I have to have at least one file for the Device Explorer option to come up, unless on v13 it is located in a different place.
I think I didn't explain my problem clearly. my computer does not detect the camcorder. Once I can get it to detect the camcorder I think my problems will be solved. I can't even record a video until this is solved so I can't transfer files if I can't produce any.
I want to be able to view the video as it is shot, but like I said, the computer has to be able to detect the camcorder first.
I read in the user manual that I need to use the USB cable to transfer files. I connected the camcorder to the computer to test it and the camcorder was detected and appeared in the device panel, but when I unplugged the USB cable from the camcorder it disappeared.
VMS = Vegas Movie Studio. Of course when you unplug your camera it will disappear from the device panel as it is no longer there for your computer to access.
Is your camera capable of having recordings appear on a computer whilst it is recording? Check in your manual and if so can you take a picture of what it says and post the image here.
No. the camcorder is not capable of having recordings appear because the computer does not detect the camcorder.
I do know the camcorder records and I can playback the test video I just made. I haven't tried to transfer any files yet because first I'm trying to get the computer to detect the camcorder.
I'm trying to go one step at a time. First I want to actually record a video while it is displayed on VMS. I am trying to get the computer/VMS to detect the camcorder.
Picking up EricLNZ's point, and flying on memory here, I'pretty sure that the HDMI out on the FDR AX-100 is for viewing on an external monitor. Exchanging data with the computer is via a USB connection (ie the HDMI connection to the computer is non functional), and yes the camera will only be detectade while the USB is plugged in.
Cheers, Robbie
Hi
The AX 100 is not a DV camera so you cannot use the same method as for your older cameras.
To transfer files from the AX100 to the PC there are 2 ways:
Use Play Memories Home - you can install this from the camera from the PMHOME folder you see after following steps 1 and 2 below for the alternate method.
OR
You can now use the video files directly from your computer
Note the XML files are not required for video editing.
I have the FDR-AX53e camera and would recommend you get an external microphone with wind shield for recording outdoors if you do not have one. I use the Sony ECM-XYST1M Stereo Microphone - the wind suppression is good, audio quality is excellent, it is compact and requires no external power when used in the cameras multi-shoe - the drain on the camera battery is negligible.
HTH
John EB
Forum Moderator
I re-read the operating guide and it looks like I will need an external media device cable. Sony did not include one and I thought the small end of the HDMI cable would work. I was trying to get the small end of the HDMI cable to fit in the multi media slot, but noticed it didn't fit.
When I called Sony they told me that it was a software issue and I should contact the VMS people. I think they didn't know what they were talking about.
It might be that I need the correct cable and that will help the computer detect the camcorder.
The manual says that the cable will store AVCHD movies to an external device, such as a computer but now I'm thinking that the external media cable will also allow me to view video while recording. Does that sound correct?
What I understood before was that HDMI was to is to view video files, and the USB is for transferring video files. Since the computer didn't detect the camcorder with the HDMI cable it seems like I need to get a USB cable for the multi media slot and that will solve my problem. Does this sound correct?
To go along with what @john-baker said, I have the AX-53 and AX-33 (both are the siblings to your AX-100), and you can use the HDMI out on your camera. But, I am suspecting that you are trying to go from the camera to your PC via either the HDMI "OUT" on the motherboard, or your dedicated graphics card. These "ARE NOT" for that purpose - the signal goes out from them to a display device. And the extremely very few and rare motherboards that do list having an HDMI "In" on the motherboard, are for use to ensure getting a signal that is then utilized in association with Thunderbolt, NOT a "Live Video In Feed".
What you would need is something like those "Gamer" capture cards installed from Elgato or Avermedia, or like what I use which is the Blackmagic Design Decklink Mini 4K Recorder as shown here; Magewell has some as well. You would then connect to the HDMI port from the camera to the associated port on the listed cards, and using their software to "capture" the footage, or your PC via the card like in OBS (or Vegas Pro 17/Movie Studio 16 capture program - not sure as I use OBS and have not had luck with the Magix Capture as of yet).
I use mine like, the one I connect to the PC at least, more like a "Super Web-Cam", record to the PC, then bring the footage into Vegas Pro or Movie Studio, since the recording is done via OBS, as mentioned earlier.
I also have that Sony Stereo Mic for mine as well, like John EB, and does a great job, both inside and out.
I cannot comment on how well using the Sony Play Memories Home and camera connection, and tie in to the PC is, as I have not used the software. There are a few other forum members I have seen making posts regarding this software as well for these (AX-33/53/100) cameras, but more for troubleshooting issues with broken links on the files, issues with importing, etc.
Hope this helps in addition to John's!
Happy Editing!
Mike "The Chief" O'Sullivan
Hi
. . . . What I understood before was that HDMI was to is to transfer video files, and the USB is for playing back video files. Since the computer didn't detect the camcorder with the HDMI cable it seems like I need to get a USB cable for the external media slot and that will solve my problem. Does this sound correct? . . . .
This is not correct - it is the other way round and you do not need any other cables then those supplied with the camera.
The supplied HDMI cable is for connecting to a TV for playback from the camera see the Playback section in the manual.
Additionally, if you are not recording in 4K XAVC, then the HDMI cable can also be used for connecting to an external monitor for a bigger view while recording instead of using the built in screen or viewfinder.
The supplied USB cable is used as have previously described and is a lot quicker transferring the video files to the computer, than trying to record the HDMI output., you also retain the full quality of the video.
HTH
John EB
john-baker,
I tried using the HDMI cable by connecting it from the camcorder to the computer already but the computer did not detect the camcorder. I want to view the video as it is being recorded. I'm not looking to connect the camcorder to a tv. I want to connect it to the computer. My t.v. is 65" so its too big to watch the video as it is being recorded.
I therefore thought that I need to get the external media USB cable so that the computer will detect the camcorder and I can view the video while it is being recorded straight onto the VMS program. But you are saying all I need is the HDMI cable and I don't need the external media cable? The Sony operating guide says the external cable is sold separately.
Here is a link to an HDMI cable, the same one I purchased and use from the camera, to the aforementioned Recorder card. If you purchased this camera new, the required cables came with it, though quite a bit short for what most people need. Or, if you bought it used, hopefully they (seller) provided the original materials?
Basically, the Micro-HDMI end (small one) connects to your camera, and the larger end would connect to the capture card, or your TV input, as shown in their (Sony's) product page. To record, you would need a capture card and some type of software to use, like OBS, X-Split Broadcaster, Blackmagic Video, etc.
The USB cable is to "Transfer" the files from the camera You shot, to your PC, as noted by John EB. Or, just pull the memory card from the camera, insert into a card reader attached to your PC and transfer the footage as usual. Not mentioning MAC's, as since you are using a Win 7 computer and Vegas Movie Studio.
Don't panic, slow down, have another cup of Coffee or Tea, relax, play with the kids/grand-kids, give the "Better-Half" a kiss, and once this frustration is gone, then come back and tackle it. Or, like the Matrix: "Have a cookie, you'll feel Right as Rain".
Chief24,
I bought it new and when I attached the HDMI cable from the computer to the camcorder, the computer did not detect the camcorder. That's why I'm wondering if the external media cable will be detectable by the computer. I also wonder if I the external media cable put into the multi media slot of the Sony will allow me to view videos on VMS while they are being transferred/recorded. Does this sound like it will work?
I might order another HDMI cable to connect from the camcorder to the computer just because the one that came with the camcorder is too short.
O.K., slow down and read the information, ALL OF IT, before proceeding, from the replied posts of John EB and myself. Stop the skipping around.
You CAN NOT connect the AX-100 using the HDMI cable directly to your computer. You NEED a capture card of some sort, either internal to the PC, or external. There are plenty out there. Which is best, I am not touching that argument.
You CAN use the USB cable, as John has already posted, but it IS NOT for viewing directly.
If you really don't want to mess around with any cables, cards, what does what, how does this connect, etc.: Just record to the internal card of the camera, when done, remove it and insert into the memory card reader of your choice, and COPY the recorded footage from the memory card to your computer for later editing.
Simple, no?
You are making this harder than you have to.
I'm finally beginning to understand. I CAN use an HDMI cable but only with a capture card (if I want to view the video while recording). The capture card will also allow the computer to detect the camcorder? It doesn't matter if its for video games, they all work the same?
A capture card like the ones in the pictures?
Guess the Coffee, Tea, or Cookie helped?
Yes, that is what you would need, if you want to do the external PC route, and not have to open up your computer and install an internal card (afraid to go inside, lack of available and/or correct connections, etc. - don't worry, not being judged).
I have heard of the bottom one shown, at least Manufacturer, Penga, but have never used one. Not sure about the top picture, or who makes it.
You do have to remember, your AX-100 is a 4K camera, and if that is what you plan to capture, based on the images above, they would not support 4K. There are other brands, like Elgato, and yes, like a "Gaming" capture card, that do. I personally (Me, not someone else) prefer to have internal cards, as the computers I have built, I know they have the required PCI-e slot.
I was going to link you to two Young "Elderly" fellows YouTube channels that have used the AX-53, but then I remembered they just shoot the video and bring it into their computers via the memory card and reader.
In the link I provided in previous post for the internal card from Blackmagic, I use that one in my computer, attached to either the AX-33 or 53, along with the longer cable I linked to, and then use OBS to capture. I cannot comment on whether the new "Capture Video" in Vegas Pro 17 or Movie Studio 16 Platinum works with this setup, as I have not tried, and my current way (Camera - out via HDMI - in to Decklink internal card - recorded to PCI-e SSD - via OBS) is working fine. And since I capture the footage to an M.2 PCI-e SSD internally, the footage is easily moved around the computer to my editing drive, copied to my local server, etc. - Don't fix something that Ain't Broke!
Plus, if you do want to Capture in 4K, I would recommend getting a capture card, if you want an external variety like you have shown, get a newer one that supports both USB 3.0 with the full size Type-A or Type-C port connection to the computer. DO NOT GET A USB 2.0/1.1 variant!!!!!! Elgato (now owned by Corsair) and Razer (I believe theirs is called "RipSaw") have them. And, make sure to have at least a SATA SSD to record to, or the very minimum, a 7200 rpm spinning rust platter Hard Drive (Western Digital Black, Seagate Barracuda - make sure you check as they now also sell them at 5900 rpm speeds, Toshiba, HGST, etc). That way, you know you are keeping the files Off of your Boot drive!
Of course, if you only plan to capture in 1080 or less, one of the shown devices might work. Though again, I have never used them so I do not know if they will work sufficiently or not. This is where you, the Consumer, needs to do your due diligence, go to the manufacturer's site, read their manual(s) and specifications, and determine if it will meet Your Requirements.
You have a great camera. Take the time to invest in its capabilities, and what is required. The Camera will be Happy, the Computer will be Happy, You will be Happy, and most of all: the Better-Half and kids/grand-kids will be Happy (insert Pets here if needed 😉 as well)!
Chief
Hi
I agree with @Chief24 we need to take a step back to clarify exactly what you are trying to achieve.
. . . . use an HDMI cable but only with a capture card (if I want to view the video while recording). . . . .
That is partially correct however why would you want to view it on the PC
. . . . The capture card will also allow the computer to detect the camcorder . . . .
No - you are still thinking in terms of DV cameras, the computer will only detect the capture card which you set as the source for viewing in whatever software you are using that can accept a video stream.
. . . . It doesn't matter if its for video games, they all work the same? . . . .
What does your statement above have to do with connecting the camera to the computer?
This is where the confusion is setting in, so we need more clarity on what you are trying to achieve by connecting the camera to the computer through the HDMI cable, so far we have:
In the case of item 2 what will you be recording?
John EB
Thank you John. So now I understand why you said I don't need an external multi media cable. I will get a graphics card and a longer HDMI/mico HDMI cable because the one that came with the camera is too short.
Why did I ask if its for video games or not? I didn't know if the graphics card I need is a specific kind of if they all work the same. Now I know they all work the same.
The reason I want to see what I am recording is because I will be videotaping a happy birthday video for a friend and wanted to be able to see my face and body movements during the taping. I don't have anybody to direct me so I have to rely on my own judgements. I soon also plan to make health and fitness videos and feel more comfortable watching myself as I do the video. I plan to put the health and fitness videos on Youtube so I probably won't need 4k for now but its good to be prepared for the future. The reason I chose this camera was because I wanted one with a remote control and Canon stopped making them with remotes. The camcorder being 4k was just a plus but not a deciding factor.
Now I know that the camcorder will still not be detected, but the graphics card will. My concern is that when I choose DV it will not give me a message saying that there is no camcorder.
Thank you Chief24. Now I understand the importance of the graphics card. Yes, I plan to get an external one. I'm not sure which one to get. I don't want to spend lots of money though. I have a limited budget.
You mentioned that you posted a link to an external Blackmagic card. I don't know where the post is. Could you please share that link again? I'm hoping to find a good one for under $30, but hopefully not more than $50 for one that will work with 4k just in case I need it in the future.
I just have to decide what HDMI/micro HDMI cable to get. I found one on eBay but not sure if it will work for 4k videos. I may not do 4k for now but might want to in the future so it would be wise for me to think ahead and get something that will work with 4k.
I'm not sure if I should get a type A or type C connection. That's on the confusing side for me. I was thinking of getting a cable that works on the micro HDMI slot of the camcorder, and a graphics card that has an HDMI slot so I can attach the HDMI cable that's attached to the camcorder, and a USB slot to attach to the computer.
Being a novice and having no one to help me on any level of my video productions finding this website and knowledgeable people such as yourselves is very critical to my success. I thank you so much for your help and patience.
I still have to find a reasonably priced graphics card that will work with 4k.
One more thing I want to make sure of:
Does the HDMI/micro HDMI cable have to be a certain kind for 4k videos or no? The one I found on eBay is on this link:
Please, do not confuse "Graphics Card" with "Capture Card". They are two, totally different "animals".
In my First and Second posts, the "Highlighted Blue Colored Text" are actual links. Just "click" on one and it will take you to the page for the product mentioned. Sort of like how you copied the "Ebay" hyperlink and pasted in your last post, the little "paper-clip looking doo-dad icon" above the comment area is where you can do what I did. Just go to the site you want, copy the link, like you did, in your Commenting area, highlight some text that represents, click on that little icon, then paste the hyper-link in the box area.
I personally do not shop or purchase from EBay, but did check your link. According to the specifications for the cable, it will support from the camera to the Capture Card.
Now, about the capture card. Won't find anything "Cheap", and expect to have any quality. If you have to, save up and Buy a Quality capture card. The Blackmagic one I have, cost roughly $210.00 (USD), with tax, from B&H (had free shipping at time). Capture Card Link from Newegg! Click on link to left!!!!! As you can see, there are a variety of cards, Internal and External. Which one you prefer, is again, your choice. Reference earlier in paragraph about "cheap" - Basically, "Caveat Emptor" - Buyer Beware! This is where YOU do the homework for the item.
Oh, and another thing about the cable. Be careful on the "Length", as it will start to lose "Integrity" of the signal after a certain distance (and component quality as well). Again, Wiki and the Internet are your friend. But as I mentioned above, the one you linked to, according to the specifications, should work fine. I know the one I linked to in my Second Post above, works fine, as that is the one I am personally using, along with the capture card linked to in my First Post. And don't forget about that Hard Drive/SSD!!!!!!
Chief
Oh yes! I saw the link to the first post this time. I must have read past by it. Its an internal capture card so I probably wouldn't want it. Thanks for letting me know that graphic cards and capture cards are not the same thing. I did a search for capture cards and some said graphics so I thought they were the same thing.
You said the external capture card I showed you will work fine. Did you mean that it would work fine with 4k?
By the way, sometimes you can get good deals when you pay lower prices. Maybe I shouldn’t say cheap. The word should be inexpensive. My iPhone recently died and I had to buy a new one. I got a brand new iPhone 8 for $325. I think that was a good price. I don’t believe that you always have to pay a high price to get a good product. It pays to shop around. I rarely get stuck with a bad deal. On eBay if something doesn’t turn out to be as described I can get a full refund and never pay to ship it back.
I didn’t know what the paper clip was for. I usually just copy/paste website links.
The link is to the capture card. It doesn’t say capture card so I’m not sure. Can you tell please tell me if it is? It has good reviews on Amazon. The same one is cheaper on eBay.
Neither, are capture cards. They are Monitor adapters. And only transmit at 1080, not 4K.
Check the link I posted for NewEgg above. That lists capture cards.
I did not say "the external capture card I showed you will work fine"; I was referring to the HDMI cable you posted the link to, and I said "according to the specifications, should work fine". I have never used that cable before, so I cannot and will not make that claim.
Take a look here. This is an external one, does require USB 3.0 on your computer, other specs you can check out on the manufacturer website. Also, you can check 
channel for his review of this very capture card. You might be able to find a better price elsewhere, I'm just trying to help you start at checking for the correct type of component. Of course, pay attention to the computer requirements. Like everything in technology, it moves and changes quickly.
Ok, according to the specs the HDMI cable should work fine. That's good to know, thank you.
It should work fine with 4k?
I like the tiny size of that capture card but its quite pricey. Could such a small capture card be as powerful as a regular size one like the one I showed you on my last post?
I think I found my hard drive specs. I thought I had SSD SATA but it doesn't say that on the specs.
Well, I have not used that capture device before, but according to the specifications, should work. Heck one of the pictures even shows a Sony Handycam connected.
According to your computer drive listings, on both screen shots, the lower one is your actual hard drive. It is a SATA drive. The big problem, is there is only ONE Hard Drive. The shown specs make it look like it is for a Laptop. If so, you need to check the specifications and find out if you can add another hard drive. Using the same one for your OS, Applications, Editing, and future Capture, is really going to "BOG IT DOWN!". Nothing can help with that. Plus, you will run out of space quickly!
Another thought for you to consider, is that you will need a program to capture the video file for future editing.
The "EposVox" YouTube channel I linked earlier, check out his videos about using capture cards, OBS, X-Split Gamecaster (a new "Master Class" he is doing, as he calls them). It will help you tremendously. There is a reason his nick-name is "The Streaming Professor".
Again, I have to remind you to slow down a bit, and do your homework. You said in a response to John EB this is to do a Birthday Video. Take your time and get the correct required items, practice, and have a great time doing that video. It will also look better, I'm sure, if you only slow down some. As some racers are fond of saying: "You have to go a little slow some times, to go Faster!"
Chief
Yes, you are right one is a laptop. I have 2 flash drives on it. One has 21gb, the other has 22gb.
I have VMS 13 and Adobe Premiere 10 to capture video files for future editing.
I wanted to have the camcorder all set up so I could to the bday video but since I can't I'll have to use my old camcorder. It won't look as great but I rather do something for my friend rather than nothing. I think it will look ok. Its an OLD camcorder though. At least I'll have the new camcorder set up for when I'm ready to start doing my health and fitness videos.
I'll see if I can get the Elgato Cam Link 4k at a cheaper price, if not I'll just get the one I saw on eBay for $60.