Legacy MiniDV Capture to Win 7

[SailinGator]

You know those things that you put off forever because you never have the time, then when you do have the time you realize you've waited too long? Say for instance, importing your video camera footage to your PC? I'm kicking myself because I have an old Panasonic PV-GS120 camcorder and am struggling mightily to get several years worth of tape onto a Win 7 machine.

The camera is MiniDV format and Windows can see it through the firewire connection but not control it, even using the legacy version of the 1394 driver. According to Microsoft, the camera is not Windows 7 compatible. Panasonic does not offer a Win 7 driver. I'm kind of at a loss for what to do next. I have an analog capture device and can use the camera's SVHS out to capture that way, but I'm sacrificing quality by doing so.

Are there any software programs that can run on Windows 7 and might be able to see and control the device? I had it connected using a 4-pin to 6-pin cable. Should I try a 4-pin to 4-pin cable?

Thanks in advance, my fellow Gators...

[agigator]

From the product description it sounds like you should be able to use the USB port.
http://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-PV-G.../dp/B0001DBEJ2

[SailinGator]

Thanks agigator - only works for capturing video stills, not importing the video. I've read online that some people have had success with this camera and Win 7 - I'm planning to try the 4-4 pin cable next to see if that makes a difference. Looks like I will be upgrading my video camera in 2012!!