A FireWire cable designed to move digital video and data from older camcorders to a computer. The Herfair FireWire Cable makes it simple to recover MiniDV footage and archive tapes for editing. Is it the most reliable way to reconnect legacy kit to a modern workflow?
⚡ At a Glance
- • Transfer Speed: Up to 400 Mbps using IEEE-1394a FireWire 400
- • Best for: Content creators and families retrieving archived MiniDV footage
- • Not ideal for: Users who require Thunderbolt or modern USB-C direct transfer
Supports IEEE-1394a FireWire 400 with 6-pin connections. Thick PVC jacket and triple shielding improve durability and signal integrity.
Fast, lossless transfers - with IEEE-1394a FireWire 400
IEEE-1394a FireWire 400 standard permits sustained data rates up to 400 Mbps for digital video and file transfer. Male-to-male 6-pin connectors match common MiniDV and DV camera ports for direct link to compatible hosts.
Reliable transfers reduce interruption during large video copies and speed up footage retrieval. Useful when digitising multiple tapes for editing or archiving.
Durable signal protection - with triple-shielded, thick PVC construction
Triple-shielded twisted-pair wiring sits inside a thickened transparent PVC jacket with moulded strain relief and PVC overmoulding at the connectors. Shielding helps block electromagnetic interference during transfers.
Robust build reduces the chance of data errors and cable failure over time. Practical for repeat use in studio and field environments.
Straightforward setup for legacy kit - with plug-and-play 6-pin connectors
One end connects to cameras via a 6-pin FireWire port, the other plugs into a compatible IEEE-1394a interface on a computer, guided by a fire icon on many cameras. No drivers are required for standard plug-and-play operation where host ports are present.
Quickly retrieve footage from MiniDV camcorders without complex configuration. Ideal for photographers and videographers restoring old projects or backing up media.
✨ The 4 Key Reasons for Herfair FireWire Cable
- Triple-shielded construction – Reduces electromagnetic interference, protecting against errors during large file transfers
- 6-pin male-to-male connectors – Ensures direct connection to MiniDV cameras and older computers
- Thick PVC transparent jacket – Increases cable lifespan while keeping internal wiring visible for inspections
- 1.8m cable length – Offers flexible placement between camera and computer during transfers
📋 Technical Details at a Glance
- Category: Cables
- Type: FireWire IEEE-1394a (FireWire 400)
- Connector A: 6-pin male FireWire
- Connector B: 6-pin male FireWire / USB to 6-pin configuration as described
- Transfer Speed: Up to 400 Mbps
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can this cable transfer MiniDV footage to a computer?
A: Yes. The cable uses 6-pin FireWire connections and IEEE-1394a FireWire 400 to transfer digital video from MiniDV/DV camcorders to a compatible computer.
Q: What transfer speed can I expect?
A: Expect speeds up to 400 Mbps under the IEEE-1394a FireWire 400 standard as stated in the product description.
Q: Is special software required to use the cable?
A: No special software is described; the cable is presented as plug-and-play, connecting cameras via the FireWire port and recognised by compatible host systems when that interface is available.
🏆 Our Verdict
Suitable for videographers, photographers and anyone needing to digitise MiniDV archives. The key selling point is reliable FireWire 400 transfers with robust build quality for repeated use. Whether it suits a particular budget depends on individual needs, but durable construction and broad compatibility make it a sensible long-term choice for preserving legacy footage.
