Canon HV10 or Sony HDR-HC3 for iMovie HD 6

In case you're interested…
I'm in the process of reviewing both the Canon HV10 and the Sony HDR-HC3. Both use Mini DV tapes. I've heard hard disk models don't work with iMovie HD6.
I've tried both on my Intel iMac at 2.16 Gz and this is what happened…
Sony HC3
I used Firewire cable (must be Firewire - Sony calls it iLink) and plugged in the cam with iMovie already opened. Clicked to the camera icon and… Nothing happened. There was no recognition of the camcorder at all. Zilch. I fiddled, checked the camcorder's audio was set to 16bit and changed several prefences in iMovie but still nothing. I had previously set the cam's time too. I've since learned the HC3 and many other Sony's are incompatible with iMovie HD. It's a lovely camcorder but unless you download some extra software – as mentioned in the forums – it ain't gonna work.
Canon HV10
Performed the same Firewire connections and, lo, the camcorder was detected and I was able to begin importing HD visuals. But then… On immediate playback after importing I noticed the audio was running at half speed – subtley – the visuals too. I spent hours shooting short bits, importing them with other settings, and every time voices came out low and slurred. My wife sounded like a bloke. I posted the problem here and someone told me the HD takes a long time to render. So bear that in mind. And don't be impatient like me.
In this instance, the Canon wins.
Apple iMac 2.16   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  
Apple iMac 2.16   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  
Apple iMac 2.16   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  
Apple iMac 2.16   Mac OS X (10.4.8)  

I'm really confused now. I've set the HC3's settings to HDV (not Auto) and the iLink Conv to OFF. And still no joy. I've even tried 'Magic Movie' for which it searched for a camera but found nothing. I know the Firewire cable works because I've used it on the Canon and my own, older Digital-8 Sony Handycam.

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