Software needed to download from VIXIA HF M30

[lilargie]

Hello all. I have a Canon Vixia HFM30 that I purchased years ago when my daughter was being born. We've hardly used it since 2011! In any event, I took it out of the closet and it works perfectly and I'd like to use it for her graduation and other events now. I do not have the software. I can't seem to find a download online. Can someone point me in the right direction for software to transfer files from the camera to my computer? I purchased the necessary cables but when I connect it to my computer I get no prompt to open a drive like you normal would to import. Help!

[rs-eos]

What computer do you have?

For transferring footage (as well as photos), the best solution is typically to use a dedicated SD card reader. Note that some computers may already have a built-in reader. If you need to get one, they are fairly inexpensive. Be sure to get one that can connect to one of your computer's USB ports (and get the correct type that would fit).

In terms of software, there are free solutions that should work with the footage. For example, on Macs, there is iMovie.

[lilargie]

I have Windows 11 I believe. I do have an external SD card in the camera but also wanted to just connect the camera to computer. Where can I download the software?

[rs-eos]

The product has been retired, but there may be some software still compatible with Windows 11 here: https://www.usa.canon.com/support/p/vixia-hv30

When that page loads, select older operating systems (e.g. Windows 7) to see what's available.

Note that connecting devices to computers may get tricky; hence the recommendation to use a card reader.