Camcorder compatibility

I've tried researching this topic and couldn't find an answer.
I have used MiniDV-tape based cameras with FCE 4.1 without problems.
I plan to purchase a new model Sony, the Sony CX150 which is a flash memory based camcorder. On the "FCE Camcorder Support" (the compatibility list), that particular model is not yet listed, having only been released last Monday.
Other models of Sony are listed, so shall I assume that FCE will ingest footage from this new model? (I have an Intel Mac)
Also, my understanding is that FCE will only ingest HD footage, not SD footage, from flash memory--is that correct?
Should I expect to capture via iMovie, then export the captured footage to FCE?
Thanks for any info.
Gary

Hi Gary,
Apple's list of supported cameras is very limited and does not include most of the camcorders that will work with the program. I'm pretty sure that list is only of the ones they have personally tested and can guarantee that they work.
FCE supports DV, HDV, and AVCHD. The camera you are looking at does not seem to be an AVCHD camcorder. Any footage you'd take with it would have to be converted prior to editing in FCE.
If you haven't already purchased it, I'd recommend choosing a camera that shoots in a format supported by FCE.

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Camcorder compatibility w/ Mac

I've read conflicting info about camcorder compatibility with macs. Some say that using a firewall there is no issue uploading from any brand of minidvd camcorders. Others say this is not true, swear up and down that there are compatibility problems w/ Canon models vs. other brands. I want to purchase a Canon ZR900, ZR930 or ZR950 as these have had good reviews but am reluctant to do so until this question is answered.
Thank you!

The firewall in Mac OS X has absolutely no bearing on camcorder compatibility. The camcorder does not use the network.
With regard to mini-DVD camcorders, they record their video in MPEG2 format, which suffers two problems: 1.) it's a highly-compressed lossy format that's really poor for editing (the video they shoot is not intended to be edited, only played back as is); 2.) recompressing the MPEG2 to create a new movie makes things worse.
Since you're asking about the Canon ZR series, and they are MiniDV and not mini-DVD camcorders, that may not be important to you.
Canon models don't have any particular problems. It's true that they use what OS X calls the FireWire basic profile (IEEE-1394 raw video) rather than IEEE-1394 DV, but the problem there is only that the OS X FireWire driver drops frames (rare, but it happens) sometimes with the basic profile. You generally won't notice, but it can be annoying (you can run Linux on your Mac and it works just fine, it's not a hardware issue). Just make sure that if you use Final Cut you turn off the option to terminate if a frame is lost (and there's a bug in FC where a dropped frame causes it to lose VTR control of the camcorder).
That said I have a Canon ZR mini-DV camcorder (ZR500 -- standard definition), and it's a nice little camera. It's performance in low-light is not all that great, but in well-lit situations the video is quite good. Were I to buy a new camcorder, I'd go with a high-definition model that does 1080i, even if I were outputting to DVD because the sharpness of the video pops even there. However, though I am fond of the MiniDV cassettes as a backup medium, there's some huge advantages to SD and HD storage for camcorders (for example, no low-frequency hum from the DV tape mechanism), but AVCHD is really tough (takes a lot out of your computer) to work with.

Is JVC Everio GZ-HM330 Camcorder compatable to Mac OSx and if so where can I download the software please?

Is my JVC Everio GZ-HM330 Camcorder compatable to Mac OSx and if so where can I download the software please?

chrisfrommarion wrote:
Thanks, while it worked on yours it doesn't work on mine, any other ideas?
Are you holding down the "d" key, all by itself, just after the system shuts down for a restart?
And how long did you hold it down?
I held mine down for about 40-50 seconds. Then I lookat at my routers WAN light and it was flickering so I let up on the d key.
If that does not work then maybe there is something wrong with your MBP. Is that the reason you want to run this test, something isn't right with your unit?

HT1146 Camcorder compatibility

I have a MBA and would like to buy a camcorder. I need to be able to import the pix to edit on imovie11, but it appears there are a lot of issues with fireware/usb ports etc. Is there a reasonably anguish free product for £500 or less that someone can recommend that will definately work?
Thanks,
SM

The firewall in Mac OS X has absolutely no bearing on camcorder compatibility. The camcorder does not use the network.
With regard to mini-DVD camcorders, they record their video in MPEG2 format, which suffers two problems: 1.) it's a highly-compressed lossy format that's really poor for editing (the video they shoot is not intended to be edited, only played back as is); 2.) recompressing the MPEG2 to create a new movie makes things worse.
Since you're asking about the Canon ZR series, and they are MiniDV and not mini-DVD camcorders, that may not be important to you.
Canon models don't have any particular problems. It's true that they use what OS X calls the FireWire basic profile (IEEE-1394 raw video) rather than IEEE-1394 DV, but the problem there is only that the OS X FireWire driver drops frames (rare, but it happens) sometimes with the basic profile. You generally won't notice, but it can be annoying (you can run Linux on your Mac and it works just fine, it's not a hardware issue). Just make sure that if you use Final Cut you turn off the option to terminate if a frame is lost (and there's a bug in FC where a dropped frame causes it to lose VTR control of the camcorder).
That said I have a Canon ZR mini-DV camcorder (ZR500 -- standard definition), and it's a nice little camera. It's performance in low-light is not all that great, but in well-lit situations the video is quite good. Were I to buy a new camcorder, I'd go with a high-definition model that does 1080i, even if I were outputting to DVD because the sharpness of the video pops even there. However, though I am fond of the MiniDV cassettes as a backup medium, there's some huge advantages to SD and HD storage for camcorders (for example, no low-frequency hum from the DV tape mechanism), but AVCHD is really tough (takes a lot out of your computer) to work with.

Camcorder Compatability

Hi
We have just bought a MacBook pro with iMovie HD 6 and were wondering which camorders were compatible. We bought a JVC HDD camcorder and it would not work with iMovie as it recorded in mpeg 2. The apple web page showing compatability does not seem to work. Any list of camcorders that record in mpeg 4 would be greatly appretiated.
cheers
Sam

I have been doing research for months now on which camera is best.
I have looked at every model, every brand, read their specs and checked their features.
ONLY CAMERAS WITH A FIRE WIRE PORT AND A MINIDV TAPE WILL WORK WITH iMOVIE directly with EASE OF USE, BEST QUALITY and LEAST AMOUNT OF COMPRESSION ISSUES.
Two choices:
1. High Definition cameras:
Conclusion: They all suck. It is a question of which one ***** the least. In my opinion it is the Canon HV20 ($1099.99). It has the best features (I love the 24p mode) for the money. I think Apple agrees with me, they sell it in the Apple Store. If only it had a decent 3CCD lens that worked well in low light, it would be perfect. If you are only going to shoot in good light, no problem.
Why I think they suck? NONE of the HD consumer level cameras have inputs for analogue and high definition video for recording from older equipment like VCRs and new equipment like cable boxes that output HD TV. This means you cannot record your favorite HD TV program OR MOVIE and make a HD DVD (Blue-ray or HD-DVD) with no loss of quality.
NOTE: The upper end cameras like the Sony HDR-FX1 ($3699,99) and the Canon XL-H1 (7,999.99) are the only cameras that don't suck, but the prices do.
WARNING ABOUT HD
YOU WILL NEED A POWERFUL COMPUTER LIKE THE NEW MAC PROS WITH 2 GIG OF RAM AND HUGE HUGE AMOUT OF HARD DRIVE STORAGE and Final Cut Pro TO BE HAPPY WORKING WITH HIGH DEFINITION VIDEO.
2. SD Cameras.
I like the Sony DCR-HC96. ($649.99) It has Analog-to-Digital Converter (with Pass Through) and Analog Audio/Video Input(s) (Multi A/V)
This camera is perfect for any Mac user with older machines like the dual G4's and older G5's.

Is camcorder compatibility guide really accurate? Canon Vixia HF G10 or something else?

OK, looking for a HD camcorder and the Canon Vixia HF G10 looks great. I check the compatibility guide http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html?lang=en_US and it shows to be compatible. I'm about to pull the trigger, then I see a review on Amazon that indicates it isn't compatible with iMovie11 (2nd review down) http://www.amazon.com/Canon-G10-Camcorder-Internal-Memory/product-reviews/B004HW 7DZM/ref=cm_cr_pr_btm_link_next_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&pageNumber=2 . So now I don't know if the compatibility chart is worth diddly. I already went through heck trying to get my old miniDVs to capture in iMovie (ended up having to buy iMovie06 to get that to work!). Now I want to avoid headaches ... I want to get an HD camera that will just plug in and work without a bunch of headaches. I like Canon and Sony ... or maybe Panasonic. Can anyone recommend a nicer model that they have experience with working flawlessly with iMovie11? I'm looking to spend $600-$1200 or so. Thanks!

In general, people have really good results with Canon, Panasonic, and Sony. These brands have a long history with Apple video products. The only exception I have seen is when some of the manufacturers promote 60P, which is non-standard and does not play on a TV. iMovie cannot handle 60P easily. If you stick to standard formats like 30P, 29.97i, 24P, 25i or 25p, any of those manufacturers should be fine.

Panasonic SD700 Camcorder compatibility with iMovieHD

I am considering the purchase of a Panasonic SD700 Camcorder not just for the reported image quality but because it has sockets for an external mike and headset. My only remaining doubt is its compatibility with iMovieHD. Is is simply a case of transferring the SD card from the camcorder to my Mac or does the camcorder output have to be converted into an iMovieHD-compatible format? Help would be appreciated. Regards.

There have been a number of responses to my initial query but none seems to address it directly. I have both iMovie 09 and iMovie HD. The Panasonic model in which I am interested is the SD700 which only uses SD cards. I want to buy the most compatible camera possible to use with either of the above applications. I am trying to avoid having to do conversions to another format before I can edit. I am a newcomer to video & camcorders trying to avoid an expensive purchasing error. Further guidance would be appreciated and thanks to those who have contributed so far. Victor

Mini-DV camcorder compatibility

Can someone tell me what this actually means:
"This camera has a firewire port, but it does NOT work with a Mac for digitizing..."
I read this while doing some research on JVC mini-dv camcorders. I'm looking to upgrade my old JVC which worked fine when I plugged it into my MBP for the first time the other day. Do I need to be concerned about compatibility?

Without seeing more of the article you were reading, I am hesitant to guess what that means. Possibly they are saying that you can't use that cam to pass analog video through to digital.
AFAIK, all miniDV cams with a firewire port WILL work with Macs. However, some of the JVC non miniDV cams have presented problems to users, even though they are supposed to be compatible with iMovie 08.
You have had JVC, with no problems I assume, but there are better quality miniDV cams from Sony and Panasonic. Maybe check out more reviews of these cams here:
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/

JVC Everio GZ-MG630 60GB Camcorder Compatibility with FCP

I was wanting to get a little cheap & compact camcorder for carrying around and do away with tapes at the same time. Has anyone had any luck with FCP & hard drive camcorders with no tapes specifically the JVC Everio’s?
I have always been a miniDV user so this is all new…. however I was able to help a friend get his hard drive camcorder setup after having to get a converter online. I am just a little reluctant to invest in a camcorder when I don’t know if it will work or not.
Thanks for your help all!

Have you searched this forum for info on these (JVC Everio model) cameras yet? Interesting reading...with some relevent workflows.
http://discussions.apple.com/search.jspa?threadID=&q=%22JVC+Everio%22&objID=f939 &dateRange=thisyear&userID=&numResults=15&rankBy=10001
And you're right...it's best to know what you're in for, prior to purchasing.
K

Camcorder Compatibility Issues

I have a Sony DCR-HC40 camcorder and USB cord, and I want to capture video onto my new Mac.
I do not believe iMovie is compatible. Is there any way I can use this camera to upload the video?

For a miniDV camcorder, you need to buy a Firewire cable. Sony calls it iLink. If that MacBook Pro is new, it will have a 9 pin firewire port (800), so you need to buy a 9 to 4 pin firewire cable.
USB will not work to capture the video, but is used to take still pictures off of the cam's memory stick.

Canon Legria HF R26 camcorder compatability?

I have a Canon Legria HF R26 camcorder bought especially to video my nephew's wedding in Italy last June, and my daughter's wedding 2 weeks ago. I have only, just now, tried to download the footage and have discovered that it's not compatible with my MacBook Pro with iLife '09. It seems that even iLife '11 wouldn't recognise it. Has anyone any suggestions as to how I can download the footage?
Thanks,
Sally

I've just got it working! All I did differntly was plug the USB cable into the camera once it was on and already plugged into the computer. It is currently downloading the images. Phew!

Camcorder compatibility problem

My new imac with leopard and imovie '08 does not recognize the same camcorder that works very well with my emac and imovie '05. My camcorder is a 2003 Canon ZR70 MC ( mini DV ). Are there any solutions to this problem other than buying a new camcorder?

Are there any solutions to this problem other than buying a new camcorder?
Have you tried using the "manual" import option to see if this gets around minor protocol incompatibilities? Failing that, you can always import using the free iMovie '06 download or use a dedicated capture utility like Vidi and then simply add the files to your iMovie '08 events.

Mini Spec and Camcorder compatability

Hi,
I am about to take the plunge into the Mac world primarily for DVD editing/burning and have two queries:
1) Does anyone know if my Panasonic NV-DX100 camcorder (1998 vintage)is compatible via FireWire?
2) Is the current Mac Mini 1.66GHz spec adequate for Final Cut Express HD v3.5 either as bought or with a RAM upgrade?
Thanks, Tom (looking to escape from the non-Mac world)

Hi Tom.
The main thing about the iMac is that it is a powerful, complete machine. You don't have to start buying upgrades etc.
It has a beautiful, large flat panel screen and a large Hard Drive (at least 160GB).
The DVD burner is faster 8X instead of 4X.
Also the Mini only has one Firewire port. You need at least 2 - one for the camera and another for the FW Hard Drive that you will almost certainly be buying very soon.
The Mini really was built as a novelty to show how small and how cheaply apple could make a Mac.
It works very well but cannot compete with bigger machines which you really need for video editing.
In short, though you may save a bit in the short term if you get one, you will probably be kicking yourself later on.
It's like the Morris Mini car. You could take 5 people from Land's End to John o' Groats in one in a day - but the journey would not be the most comfortable one!
Regarding your marital situation, mine is the opposite. I suffer from severe fiscal-clenching of the buttocks.(Less polite people call me "tight-a**ed").
My good lady has to plead with me to free the moths from my wallet.
Ian.

Camcorder Compatibility with iMovie

I didn't really know where to post this, but i heard this type of computer is good for video editing, so . . .
I'm looking for a computer to use for only video editing, I have a Hitachi dz hs300a camcorder, and i wanted to know if this type of camcorder is compadible with iMovie.

I drove an 80 mile round trip today to return a Sony SR45 30 gig camcorder because it would not operate with IMovie. I looked on the list from support.apple.com and decided to buy a Panasonic SDR-H60 while I was there. I will be making the 80 mile trip again in the morning to return this one now because it won't work with IMovie either. Frustration level has peaked. This should be such a simple process.

Need help with Digital Camcorder compatibility!

I am looking to buy a digital video camera but I am not sure if they are "compatible" with my iMac. My friend just bought the JVC - Everio Digital Camcorder - Model: GZMG330HUS. It comes with Windows software and the manual has a brief mention of how to Backup-Up the video files onto the Mac but no mention of the video format being compatible with Mac. Anyway we tried plugging it into the Mac to see how it responded, and it did not, except that it saw it as a device that we could access the video files to copy then to the Mac hard drive. The Video files have an extendion .MOD and .MOI. Tried double clicking on the MOD (the video itself) and the Mac gave the message that no application exists to run it.
I really want iMovie to recognize it so I can edit the video and make movies to sent to family.
So, my question is whether any of you have tried this? Is there a solution to get this type of camera to be recognized by iMac? Are there other suggestions for compatible cameras in the $400 range (like this JVC is)?
Thanks in advance.

I had an issue with a JVC customer service rep that caused me to return a JVC camcorder that would not work with my iMac. I have since purchased the Panasonic PV-GS320 mini/dv camcorder.
Fantastic video and absolutely no problems. Recognized through iMovie, iDVD and FCE HD 3.5 via firewire. How-ever, you will have to purchase a firewire cable as it is not supplied with the camcorder.
Also in your price range, around $350.00.
Hope this helps.

Camcorder compatibility

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