How do I extract the videos onto my computer from my Sony Handycam?

I recently purchased a Sony Handycam and I want to extract the videos I recorded onto Windows Movie Maker. However WMM can't recognize the videos and thus won't let me import them so I may edit them. Sony stated that I must have a certain program called Pinnacle Studios in order to extract the files, but it costs 100 dollars to get this program. Is there a free program that does the same thing as Pinnacle Studios?