firewire cables: 6-pin or 4-pin??

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firewire cables: 6-pin or 4-pin??

I'm attempting to purchase a Macbook Pro to use for video editing, and I can't remember if I need to buy a 6-pin to 6-pin firewire cable, or a 6-pin to 4-pin, or both. If I remember correctly...I need a 4-pin to 6-pin to connect a miniDV camera to the laptop, and a 6-pin to 6-pin to connect an external firewire drive to the laptop? I am so confused. Why are there different connectors, anyways?

none yet, Mac OS X (10.4.9), considering a Macbook Pro 15"

Posted on Jun 14, 2007 12:01 AM

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Answer 1

Jun 14, 2007 1:19 AM in response to Etcetera Ellipsis

The 6-pin cable carries data and draws power from the FireWire bus. The 4-pin cable is used to carry data only, it does not draw power from the FireWire bus.
Self powered devices such as the miniDV camcorder would have 4 pin connector whereas the laptop would have the 6 pin connector to draw power from the firewire bus.
You are correct in saying that you need a 6 to 4 pin to connect a miniDV camera to the laptop.
My external firewire drive requires 6 pin to 6 pin to connect between my laptop and the external firewire drive.

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