Is FireWire 800 Backwards Compatible with FireWire 400

Jeff Cat, FireWire Expert, answers the question "Is FireWire 800 backwards compatible with FireWire 400 products?"

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• firewire
• i.link
• 1394
• ieee
• ieee1394
• apple
• mac
• imac
• powerbook
• camcorder
• fw
• cable
• port
• interface
• interconnect

[TylyrSkateFilmer]

hey, i have a panasonic dvx100a

and im using a firewire to connect

but when i connect and put the camera in upload mode

it does not read on my mac

i am using a 2008 imac 20"

please help

[FireWireExpert]

There is a glitch using imovie.  You will need to cycle power on the camcorder, plug and unplug firewire, toggle the switch, maybe even reboot the mac. It will eventually come up. I have a consistent problem with my new Mac seeing my built in camera and ignoring my camcorder. Just keep fiddling with it. it will work

[aesthe2k]

hey , i have new imac with firewire 800 and i use this port for my external hardrive for video editing and now i cannot connect my camera with imac, every time i have to remove my external drive, so for me hard to capture my video on disk because i i need to capture my clip on external drive..so i was looking for firewire 800 hub.. on new imac they remove firewire 400 completely and usb doesn't support my camera so please if you have hub solution for firewire 800 let me know. thanks in advance..

[FireWireExpert]

FW800 is backwards compatible. Just get a 9-to-4 or 9-to-6 pin cable. Shop online. A $15 cable is good enogh.

[FireWireExpert]

What is not working?  Which Mac. More information and maybe I can help.

[FireWireExpert]

Glad to help. Jeff Cat

[teemats1]

i have a new imac 27 with a firewire 800 port and tried to connect my sony video camera DCR-HC20. nothings happens. the vid cams turned on and still nothing happens.

[drrobertoboogie97]

Do more videos!

[alvarochiva]

I HAVE A BIG QUESTION , i have an IMAC 27 inches totally new, but It doesnt recognize my PANASONIC PV-GS85, and when i try to log and capture footage , IT SAYS there is no communication!... AND ALL THE DEVICES ARE PROPERLY SET... IS ANY PROBLEM WITH THE FIREWIRE CHORD? or it is just a simple thing THAT nobody sees! HELP ME PLEASE , THANKS!

[Lotum4n]

"I nailed it " thats some funny Sh_t right there LOL .

Nicely done .

[tiger1023]

I thought this was weird at first. But not only was it informative, it was entertaining.

Two thumbs up for the FireWireExpert. Especially like the Leonard Nimoy tie in.

[DiobloHunter]

Awesome video!