Canon HF-10 and Macbook Air

Question

I've been trying to import video from my new Canon HF-10 to my MBA but it keeps freezing (with both, Finder and iMovie). I went to the store and tried a different MBA but still had the same problem. I know it's not the camera because it works flawlessly with a Macbook Pro. Anybody having the same problem? Is there any way around it?

Answer 1

I'm just a regular guy who is not tech savvy and I figured this out with the minimal help and maximum determination that I had. This post is divided into sections so feel free to read what is helpful to you. I am not on here often so replying or sending private messages will more than likely not reach me.
By some wild reason you need to contact me,
[email protected]
_*This is a SOLUTION to the problem.*_
*THE INITIAL PROBLEM:*
iMovie doesn't recognize the AVCHD files from the camera that was plugged into the Mac.
*MY SITUATIONSSSSSS:*
I bought a Canon HF 100 with all the bells and whistles. I was told that I needed iLife 08 to use my camcorder on my computer. I installed iLife 08 and the software disc (that came with the camera) on to the Mac. As I filmed all my "test footage," I tried to upload the footage to the Mac. NOTHING! The icon popped up on the Mac but the Mac didn't recognize the files. I did various searches on Apple's online support, Canon's support, etc. The only information that Canon had was about STILL images- which I could care less about because I bought this camera for FILMING! After countless hours of searching, I called the store where I bought the camera. They said that I needed a "PATCH" that I could download from websites that focused on these type of problems. At this point, I spend over a thousand dollars on the camera and other equipment. I was not about to download some 3rd party software that was not 100% guaranteed to work with my video footage. At this point, I was about FIVE MINUTES from bringing the camera back.
I emailed Canon Support and they sent me the following email:
+This camcorder uses the AVCHD format, you are able to use the camera+
+files on a Mac, if your Mac computer has capture software that supports AVCHD.+
+The Recording System is AVCHD format:+
+1. Video compression: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264.+
+2. Audio compression: Dolby Digital 2ch.+
+When using a Mac computer you will need to be sure your system+
+configuration meets the following for AVCHD support:+
+1. iMovie '08 version 7.1.+
+2. An Intel processor MAC.+
+3. Running OS X Leopard 10.5.+
I was actually considering the idea of buying more software but decided to call Apple before I spent another dime.
I called Apple Care... they didn't want to talk to me unless I paid them $49 for an "incident" fee/ charge. I politely hung up with them. I went to the3 Apple Store to speak with one of the "Geniuses." They said "Go to the Apple forum...." So I was back at square one.
I finally went to my sister's house because she recently bought a Mac. My thought process was that she would more than likely have upgraded software because of her recent purchase. I connected my camcorder to her computer and the video footage popped up on iMovie. I quickly took note of her OS version, her version of iMovie, and her iMovie settings. They were almost identical to my software at home. So I concluded that I didn't need to upgrade my OS system.
I went back home to figure out this problem on my own.
*MY DEDUCTION ABOUT APPLE AND CANON/ AVCHD:*
This must be a fairly new problem. Apparently, Apple has solved the problem but has yet to post the solution in their support section of their website. Also, I hope that Canon and Apple communicate more effectively so that customers are not disappointed in either product. In essence, both sides need to do a better job in the communication departments- to each other and to the customers.
*NOW FOR THE SOLUTION:*
The Canon Online Support was on the right track but not 100%.
+When using a Mac computer you will need to be sure your system+
+configuration meets the following for AVCHD support:+
+1. iMovie '08 version 7.1.+ TRUE
+2. An Intel processor MAC.+ TRUE
+3. Running OS X Leopard 10.5.+ FALSE
Now let me explain this because there is a simple step that all of us have missed if you still have problems!
1) Make SURE your current OS System supports iLife 08! iLife 08 needs a minimum of OS (Tiger) 10.4.9. So you don't necessarily need Leopard 10.5. They recommend it. So that is up to you if you feel you need it.
For most of us that buy iLife 08, you will notice that your version of iMovie is 7.0 (once you install it). Once you have iLife 08 installed, DO NOT OPEN any programs! Use the "Apple" icon on the top left corner (of your monitor) and search for software updates. You will notice in your list that iMovie has a 7.1 version. That’s cool- so go through the entire update process (if you wish).
IMPORTANT! You should be able to use your camera with 7.1, but you will get another "pop-up" about a software update 7.1.1. Go ahead and update again! NOTE that each time you update, your computer MUST RESTART!
2) Make sure your MAC has an Intel Processor. If you decide to play with HD, bump up your ram and invest in an external hard drive.
3) Again, the Leopard 10.5 is not needed but I will leave that decision up to you. More than likely, someone will post something that disagrees with +"not upgrading 10.5"+ and that’s fine. I'm simply sharing with you my findings as of last night. As of now, I found that I didn't have to. I may go home tonight and realize that I need to.
*NOW FOR THE FUN PART:*
When you connect your camera to your Mac, it still won't recognize your files in the camera icon (that pops up on your desktop). Open iMovie and it should display a message that it has detected a camera. You should see your footage pop up in iMovie.
*SUM UP:*
I did not invest in extra software and didn't need to download any "patches" from other websites. Make sure you have the basic software and make sure it is updated!
Happy filming!