digital camera connection

Question

I just got a Dell Inspiron 1200 notebook and would like to connect my Fujifilm digital camera to it, but I'm not sure if what is labeled as the 'video connector' is the right connector for me to plug it into, even though it looks the same as the one I plugged it into on my Gateway PC.  The owner's manual says absolutely nothing about digital cameras, so... Can anyone answer what may be a stupid question so I can get on with this??  Thank you so much if you can help me!

iKlaatu · Answer

I'm confused by your question.   Digi-cam's typically use USB for connecting to a computer, which is usually (or always?) going to be a small connector on the camera side and the regular rectangular connector on the computer side. Some might be Firewire (IEEE 1394) instead, not sure about that, but it's something video camera's typically use, not digital 'still image' cameras.   On cameras, 'video connector' means either composite (colored yellow) or component (3 cables) or S-Video (single black cable), so I don't know if you meant that or something else used on the computer (video capture card). However on the notebook this is likely to be a S-Video connector, which might need a special cable between camera and notebook. I don't know what your camera or notebook has on them.   That help... or not?   Message Edited by iKlaatu on 04-06-2005 12:37 AM

sheflower · Answer

Hi.  Sorry, but no, it didn't help.  What I mean is that the cord I use to connect my digitas (still) camera to a computer is not a basic USB type; it is the kind with the 2 small 'rods' on either side of the rectangular part with the two rows of the tiny 'rods'.  It matches up with what is labeled 'video connector' on the back of my notebook. Does 'video' just mean 'as opposed to audio'? Is that the connector I should use, or do I need to get some kind of adaptor?  Thanks again.    sheflower

iKlaatu · Answer

Okay... now I'm really confused! :smileywink: Not your fault, just that I'm not understanding what you're describing. I only know of computer/printer USB connectors as being flat rectangular shapes or squared with two beveled edges. However, the connection on the camera side might be different than either of those; for example, on my Canon digicam it's similar in size and shape to the flat rectangle but is actually a different slot/tab kind labeled as 'digital' on the camera. I think what you are describing might be the notebook's external video monitor connector, since 'rods' probably means the cable connector screw mounting bolts. This would be for display output only, not input. I looked at the 1200's specs and product views so I don't think it has any video inputs. You'll need to use one of the three USB ports on the back for transferring files. Although, you could buy a PC Card that could be used to input 'video'. Look around for a video capture PC Card if you really must use the camera video output instead. Maybe someone else here can help more if I'm not. Edit: Just to explain better, I'm pretty sure now, you are almost certainly talking about the external monitor connector on the back of the notebook. That can only be used to plug in another display monitor (analog LCD, CRT). Again, you'll need a video capture device to be able to input video display from sources like your camera or VCR or TV. Message Edited by iKlaatu on 04-06-2005 03:26 AM

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digital camera connection

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