How to Connect a Canon XH A1 to a Laptop

Connecting a Canon XH A1 video camera to a laptop requires that you have the correct connecting cable, software that can capture video and a few simple steps. Your laptop must have a port for an IEEE1394, often called a FireWire. The right cable must have a four-pin connector on one end for the camera; the other end will be determined by your laptop. PC users likely will use a four-pin to four-pin or a four-pin to six-pin cable. Macintosh users likely will use a FireWire 800 (four-pin to nine-pin) or a four-pin to six-pin FireWire.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Open the panel on the back of the camera and locate the HDV/DV terminal, next to the battery door.

   • 2

     Securely plug the 4-pin end of the DV cable into the HDV/DV terminal.

   • 3

     Securely plug the other end into your laptop, and open your video editing software.

   • 4

     Locate the power dial on the side of the camera and turn it to VCR/Play mode.

   • 5

     If necessary, in the camera menu, set output to the compatible signal for your video editing software.