Firewire for a laptop?

[Les]

Laptop has numerous USB, an HDMI, LAN and VGA sockets.
I used to upload camcorder videos by firewire on my old PC. What is my best option to use this laptop: firewire/USB converter or can a firewire card be fitted? Presumably I'll lose frames if I use the USB socket?

[Digerati]

What is my best option to use this laptop: firewire/USB converter or can a firewire card be fitted?

Best? Whatever is easier for you. Both options will (should) do what you want. But if me, I would go for a firewire to USB adapter.

Presumably I'll lose frames if I use the USB socket?

Why? I don't see where USB or Firewire have anything to do with that. You are not running graphics programs through these cables, you are simply transferring (copying) files.

[Les]

It's a MiniDV camcorder so it streams the images

[Digerati]

It's a MiniDV camcorder so it streams the images

Okay. Does not change anything. Streaming videos is no big deal. Note uploading is just a fancy word for copying.