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Originally Posted by abailey152
I *think* USB2 is faster, but it depends on how it's being used. USB2 does have the benefit that more devices will work with it, so is better for any future hardware additions, but if you've got a camcorder which needs firewire, then this will dictate what you need. Not sure if a combo card exists. Might be worth a search.
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USB-2 is somewhat faster than the original Firewire-400 standard, but is rather left standing by the more recent Firewire-800 specification. The real difference between them so far as application is concerned, however, is the way in which they transfer data. USB sends data in pulses, which is fine for most applications but not at all ideal for high-bitrate, continuous streams of data such as you get from a DV camcorder. For this application, you really do need Firewire, which handles data in a continuous stream. Now, I know you need FW if you're importing video, but I'm not sure what the rule is if you are importing to an external HDD ... does that drive itself need FW or will USB-2 suffice for that purpose? Somebody else may be able to advise, if it's relevant. I can say for sure that USB-1 would not be fast enough.