How to transfer video from a MiniDV camcorder to a computer via USB

Some DV camcorders that have USB 2.0 High Speed interface and are compliant with USB Video Speed class (UVC) can transfer DV video over USB. In this video I show how to capture digital video into a file on a Windows computer by sending it over USB instead of Firewire.

In particular, these Panasonic MiniDV camcorders are capable of transferring video over USB (the list is incomplete and is updated occasionally, VERIFY WITH THE OPERATING MANUAL! Caveat emptor!):

NV-GS25
PV-GS35 / NV-GS35
PV-GS75 / NV-GS75
PV-GS150 / NV-GS150
PV-GS180 / NV-GS180
PV-GS230 / NV-GS230
PV-GS250 / NV-GS250
PV-GS300 / NV-GS300
PV-GS320 / NV-GS320 (verified working)
PV-GS330 / NV-GS330
PV-GS400 / NV-GS400 (verified working)
PV-GS500 / NV-GS500 (verified working)

I used to think that "PV" meant 60 Hz rate ("NTSC"), while "NV" meant 50 Hz rate ("PAL"), but after I saw JDM models marked as "NV" and "NTSC" simultaneously, I don't know what to think anymore.

Put the camcorder in Play mode (not in PC mode). Select USB FUNCTION → MOTION DV, it should be either in BASIC or ADVANCED menu. In Windows control panel, verify that System Settings → Privacy → App Permissions → Camera is enabled for desktop apps.

I was able to capture video from my Panasonic GS500 MiniDV camcorder via USB using Windows 7 and Windows 10.

These Panasonic models cannot send DV over USB (the list is incomplete and is updated occasionally):

PV-GS27 / NV-GS27 (only has USB 2.0 Full Speed)
PV-GS60 / NV-GS60 (only has USB 2.0 Full Speed)
PV-GS120 / NV-GS120 (only has USB 2.0 Full Speed)
PV-GS200 / NV-GS200 (only has USB 2.0 Full Speed)

Some Sony DV camcorders can send DV video over USB as well.

Chapters:
00:00 DV/Firewire recap
00:52 USB/UVC
02:11 Windows Movie Maker
03:27 Vegas Pro
03:57 Corel Video Studio

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