firewire to usb

i have a jvc camera that uses mini dvs and has a firewire and svideo out and the dell i bought inspiron has only usb in what should I do?
someone said "I doubt that a passive electronic cable can connect a USB device to
a FireWire device or vice versa without damaging the equipment at one
or both ends". should i get a different laptop (its 1 day old) with firewire )any suggestions?)
or look for a conversion cable and risk damaging equipment.
its my first pc i have 2 imacs but my wife confiscated them.