I want to give someone an old, but clean Sony VX1000 (no manual), just to get him started. It came my way a while back, but I have never used it. The person I want to give it to has a 1.25 GHz iMac, iMovie and Final Cut Express, I think. I don't see any firewire port on the VX1000 and I want to be able to tell him how to edit on his iMac. How the heck can you do this? Does the VX1000 predate home computer NLE's?

I suppose he could get a cheap (used) camcorder to ingest footage. This is probably easiest?

The VX-1000 has the "iLink" (Sony's name for firewire), it just isn't with the other outputs. It is in the back of the camera.

Thanks Shane. I've been spending a lot of time with this. I finally ended up having an IMS-type "chat" with a tech support guy at Sony. Here:
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Problem : I wish to edit the video on my computer (Final Cut Pro), but I can't figure out from the manual how to connect the VX1000 to my iMac.

Michael_ > Thank you for contacting Sony Online Support. I will be glad to assist you.

Jack > Did you get my question?

Michael_ > What is the version of the operating system installed in your computer?

Jack > OSX 10.3.5

(LONG PAUSE)

Jack > Hello?

Michael_ > Jack, the DCR-VX1000 camcorder does not have USB connection.

Michael_ > I suggest that you use the IEEE1394/i.LINK connection to connect to a computer.

Michael_ > Does your computer have an IEEE1394/i.LINK/Firewire port?

Jack > OK, I understand that iLink = Firewire (Mac). Where is the iLink port on the VX1000?

Jack > I have two FW 400 ports on the iMac.

Jack > I have read the cam manual twice and can find no reference to iLink.

Michael_ > Jack, please refer page 54 of the instruction manual for locating the i.LINK or DV port.

Jack > Editing onto another tape using DV In/Out

Michael_ > Yes, you can see the port shown in the diagram.

Jack > OK. That DV in/out port is iLink? It doesn't resemble a Firewire port.

Michael_ > Yes, it is the i.LINK/Firewire port.

Jack > Do I need adapter cable for iLink to Firewire? My Firewire cables that I now have would not fit in that port, nor would the supplied VX1000 cable fit in my iMac Firewire port.

Michael_ > The cables that are supplied with the camcorder are A/V cable and S-Video cable.

Jack > I got the camera used, so I didn't know that cable wasn't original OEM. The cable I have that fits iLink port has plug 3/16" x 1/8", roughly shaped like the letter "C". Firewire plug is 7/16" x 3/16" roughly shaped like letter "U".

(LOOONG PAUSE)

Jack > OK MIchael, I'm going to assume you're to busy to help solve this, so I'm going to log off. If there is an answer to my question re: Firewire/iLink adapter, please email me.

Michael_ > I suggest that you connect the camcorder to your computer through the i.LINK port.
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Hmmm....

So does the DV In/Out port on the cam = iLink = Firewire? Do I need an adapter?

My bad, if your camera has a firewire port then you don't need another camcorder.

iLink = firewire = IEEE1394(a)
Your camera may have a 4-pin firewire port.

Below is a picture of a 4pin-6pin firewire cable. The male end is on the cable, the female end on your camera.

http://www.elx.com.au/images/products/full/RC39642.jpg

Thank you Shane,
Thank you Glenn,

That is EXACTLY the cable I need! I thought I was going nuts, or getting stupid in my old age.

EDIT: I just checked my local Radio Shack and they have it in stock. Yahoo!

You can get a much better price off newegg.com
newegg.com should ship fast... check their resellerratings.com

$15 for FW card + cable, less for just the cable.

I hate Radio Shack... those bastards try to sell you an extended warranty on a overpriced cable. The cable has a lifetime warranty.

Glenn,

Thanks again. Radio Shack was $20 for the cable, NewEgg was $7. There was actually a cheaper one ($4), but some buyer had complained about dropouts using it, so I opted for the gold-plated "expensive" one.

If our election doesn't go as I hope later today, I may be running into you in Toronto. Montreal is also a possibility, because I won't stay here.