Video camera and firewire?

[ejbarto]

Hi, I've purchased a Canon XH A1 without realizing that it required DV tapes (embarrassing, I know!) Now I'm stuck trying to figure out:

• which tapes to buy
• which firewire cable to buy
• needing to export to a mac (only computer with firewire port)
• but needing to edit on a PC (company purchased software)

Help, please!

[VideoGeek]

I use Sony DVC DVM60PRR tapes.  There are also the Sony DVM 63HD tapes but I'm not sure they are worth the extra cost.  

What firewire cable you will need will depend on the camera firewire port and the Mac's firewire port.  The camera has a 4-pin connection.  So one end of the cable would need to be a 4-pin connection.  Depending on the Mac's port you will probably either need a 4-pin to 4-pin or 4-pin to 6-pin cable or 4-pin to 8-pin cable.  

Depending on your PC and OS you may be able to add a firewire card if that would make it more convenient.

Link to manual: http://downloads.canon.com/cpr/software/video/XH_G1_A1_manual.pdf