VIXIA HV20 How to connect to a USB port

[Howardthompson]

I recently bought the item listed above on Ebay but my computer only has USB ports, not Firewire. Is there a cord that runs from the camera to a USB port - or some kind of adaptor - and, if so, could someone name the exact thing I should be looking for, please? Thank you.

[kvbarkley]

This has a lot of info:

https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-250008282

[Stephen]

Hello, Howardthompson!

The VIXIA HV20 was retired several years ago, so Canon does not officially support it, however, I actually have personal experience with Firewire, so I wanted to pop in and give my 2 cents. 

The USB protocol back then was too slow to allow video to be transferred from camcorders to computers. For consistent reliability and quality, this model transports video from the camera using IEEE 1394 "Firewire." Firewire basically let you "dub" your Digital Video (DV) cassettes from your camcorder to your computer.

You might need more than one adapter to make this work on a modern computer. You want to go from Firewire or IEEE 1394 4-pin to Thunderbolt. A standard USB-C will not work.

[Howardthompson]

thank you, Stephen

[shadowsports]

Greetings,

If the DV camera was purchased to transfer some old tapes, I suggest you cut your losses and send them to a transfer service.  These people have the equipment.  They are reasonably priced and offer quick turnaround.

If video is something you want to pursue, even casually, then investing in newer equipment as I alluded to earlier is a more cost-effective solution in the long run.  😉

[Howardthompson]

cheers, Rick, appreciate your help