I have a DV camcorder (JVC DV model 370-us) that has 3 out ports on it ; #1 is a mini composite single out that on the cable male end plugs into camcorder and other end of cable has one rca video,one rca red aUdio-right and one rca black-left audio that I plug into a capture card. # 2 is a mini USB out on side of camera for it's single photos from its memory card(I use 1gig flash card) and #3 is a mini fire-wire out for the video . Ive used the usb to down load the photos to my pc(using nero for processing images), the mini DV/fire wire Ive not used yet,as I dont own a fire wire card on my pc.I will be replacing my MB soon with one that has a firewire -in built in to board.But in the MEAN time I want to know will a firewire cable that has firewire for pluging into cam. and a usb at other end to plug into pc work the same as if I get a firewire card FORE pc and use firewire to go from the DV/firewire out to the firewire card. Will this be as good as the rca (ANALOG) composit out or BETTER as it will be digital with firewire.
Any help appreciated.A firewire connection allows you to transfer data at higher speeds than USB...so using a cable that has a firewire connection on one end and a USB on the other isn't going to help you.

You need a firewire port on you PC in order for this to work.