To edit or store your video on your computer, you need to transfer the video from your camera, or other video source, to your computer. When everything is compatible and working, this process is extremely easy.
On the other hand, if you have incompatible files or if there is a breakdown in the system, it can seem next to impossible to transfer your video.
The problem could be either a software or hardware issue. Let’s review some of the typical causes.
Cable: Video files are transferred from your video camera to your computer for editing using a high speed data transfer cable. Without such cables, video editing would be terribly inconvenient and slow.
When firewire cable, was first invented, people credited it with making digital video editing possible. As technology improved, FireWire has become obsolete, and we went on to USB2, USB3 and now Thunderbolt cables. Now, wireless transfer is possible.
As wonderful as these cables are, they are not indestructible by any stretch of the imagination. Cheap cables sometimes do not work from the get-go!
If you have successfully transferred video in the past and all of a sudden your system stops working, chances are high your cable developed a problem. Perhaps the ports of the cable are no longer be functioning. To test this, try a different cable.
People using wireless devices to shoot video, like smartphones, can have a much easier time transferring files since they do not have to hassle with a cable. Having said that, wireless has its own hassles.
Fried Out Ports: This is common. The ports going into your computer or, the one on your camera, might be fried. Something as seemingly minor as a tiny electrical spark can blow a port. This is why you ALWAYS WANT TO HAVE YOUR CAMERA TURNED OFF WHEN PLUG IT IN OR OUT OF THE COMPUTER.
If the camera is on, electricity is flowing through it. Yanking the cable out of the port without shutting off the camera first can cause a spark that might destroy your ports. I have seen this happen A LOT. I have seen cameras rendered unusable because the output port is blown. I have also seen “computer guru” types claim this never really happens. Don’t believe them. It does.
Basic Incompatibility: A computer and a camera might not be able to communicate due to incompatibility. If you are trying to import data in a file version that your software does not accept, then you will get the error saying it’s not recognized. The only real way to solve this is to get some different software or a camera that shoots in a different format. Or, convert the video first and then import it. That, my friends, is a royal pain in the tush.
In any of these situations, the error message will read that your computer does not “recognize” your camera. This means the computer is unable to read any data from the camera. Now you just have to figure out which one of the half-dozen or so causes it might really be.
Timing is another factor to consider. Some software programs will not read the camera if you have the program open first and then turn the camera on. So, plug in the camera first, turn it on, and then open the program. If it is compatible and all the ports are working, your camera should be recognized right away. At this point, transferring it to your computer is just a matter of a few clicks. Often the default setting is fine.
Make sure to name it well and put it somewhere logical well you will remember. I personally recommend a logical naming protocol to fully identify the clip and what project it belongs with.
If it doesn’t recognize your camera, then you need to figure out if it is a software issue or a hardware issue. Switch cables, switch ports, turn stuff off and on and see where it leads you.
I hope this information helps you make video!
Lorraine Grula
Dealing with this lately, any recommendations on a converter box?
Hi Ray.
The converter box brand I have used successfully for years is the Formac, which is made in Germany. I’ve had the Formac Studio 10 for about 10 years now. It cost in the neighborhood of $100. Some other brands we tried, can’t remember which, were not nearly as sturdy or reliable.
I hope this helps you! Good luck with all that conversion!
Lorraine
Thank you for scaring me into being more careful with my equipment. Haven’t had anything happen to my ports yet, but I’ll make sure the device is off before removing cables from ports from now on.
Good! Yanking them out before ejecting really can damage them! I have seen it half a dozen times. Thankfully it does not happen every time, but that can actually give you a false sense of security. Thanks for reading Video Production Tips.
Lorraine