Sony DCR-HC85 and Premiere -- do I really need Sony software for Premiere?

[bigopinion]

I hate to join and start posting questions right off the bat, but I've got a Sony DCR-HC85 I bought second-hand that included everything except the PC software disc. I'm using Premiere Elements 3, and I was under the impression that if I connected a camera up to my PC via Firewire and the camera itself was set correctly, I could access it using Premiere without actually needing the camera software or the drivers. Apparently I can't, because I haven't been able to do so now that I actually try to edit the video I've got.

So, shouldn't I be able to access the camera through Premiere without the camera's driver software? I should have the camera set up correctly according to the user manual, so I don't think it's a problem there. I'd rather not shell out for a copy of software I'm never going to actually use just because there are drivers on it that I need, but if that's the case I guess I will.

[jaymac]

HI you dont access premiere you acces the pc then choose which software you use .When you connect you should do so with both the pc and cam Off then switch on the pc then the camwith the cam switched to playback .Windows should then see the cam and a dialogoue box come up asking which programme you want to work with.If that is not happening checkin device manager that your firewire is ok.You should not need any softwarefor the cam at least not with most cams

[senu]

Most MiniDV cameras dont come with "useful" software anyhow
The connectivity problem is down to something else, not the lack of Sonys Software