HDV camcorder vs isight

is it possible to use my sony HDV camcorder as a webcam? If so what software do I need? Will ichat AV run on my system?
Power Mac G5 Mac OS X (10.3.9)

This Apple page says that "Most ... consumer HDV camcorders... work with Mac OS X."
For other options, consider iSight versus DV Camcorder or other web-cam

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FCP 5.1.2 upgrade now no communication with Sony FX1 HDV Camcorder

Hi - I recently upgraded to FCP 5.1.2 then tried to capture footage with my Sony FX1 HDV camcorder, but the software indicates that it cannot initialize my device. The only way it will work is when I change the capture settings to HDV Apple Intermediate Codec, but then this setting requires rendering.
The camcorder works fine in iMovie, so I know it is not that. If I reinstall FCP 5.1, then everything works fine, but not with the 5.1.2 upgrade.
I've also tried "trashing" my FCP settings for a fresh start, but nothing changed. I checked the settings on the camera, but they are fine. Again everything works in iMovie. Finally, I also removed the recommended QT files and reinstalled QT, but no change.
Any suggestions? I'd just stay at FCP 5.1, but I now have several projects in 5.1.2 that are not backward compatible.
Thanks!
Michael
G5 Quad Mac OS X (10.4.8)

This worked for me. Probably something in this sequence caused Firewire, FCP or the Digital Mystery Gods to re-align:
1. Simplify the Firewire routing among external hard drives. On its own this didn't produce a positive result, but it may have contributed somehow. In particular, avoid multiple loops among hard drives. Not a likely suspect, because the Z1U was directly connected to the front Firewire jack.
2. From the FCP Install/upgrade/crossgrade disks, load the latest QMaster software. It's in the Extras folder and is called AppleQmasterNode.mpkg.
3. Reload from the same upgrade disks a fresh FCP. It won't have the latest enhancements—and that may be an issue—but it will reload. Uncheck the rest of the options when loading this in. FCP seems to be the only program with a connection issue.
4. Update the reload. Software update now brings FCP 5 up to FCP 5.1.2 but I would swear I saw 5.1.3 in the update download. Perhaps not. The result says 5.1.2 and now it recognizes what only iMovie HD had recognized before; the Z1U camera.
I know a lot of folks seem to have parallel-sounding issues. A lot of advice seems to focus on "toss the prefs", "fix the permissions", "sprinkle the chicken blood", etc. but none of those had any effect on this issue for me.
The one thing I THINK worked was the QMaster/FCP second re-upgrade.
-iNova
G5 dual Mac OS X (10.4.8) plenty of RAM, all other systems seem nominal

Aperture 3 and HDV Camcorder

I've been messing around with Aperture 3 for a while now and decided it was time to try playing with the new HD video support.
On Apple's Aperture "New Features" page http://www.apple.com/aperture/features/#video it states:
"Video Support
Import, browse, and play back video clips — including HD video — from digital SLR cameras, point-and-shoot cameras, and +digital camcorders+."
Well, I plugged in my Sony HDV camcorder with it's Firewire cable and expected it to open right up in import. Nope, nada. Couldn't find any way for the camcorder to show up in Aperture. (This same camera and MacBook Pro work fine to import with Final Cut Pro.)
Then I tried to import the .MOV video files into Aperture that I used Final Cut to capture. This sort of worked. Aperture did recognize and import them, but two things were seriously messed up. When Final Cut captures video from an HDV camcorder, it leaves it in the interlaced 1440x1080 amorphous pixel aspect ratio how it comes off the camera. When those clips are played back in Final Cut (or in Quicktime X) it somehow deinterlaces and displays the video in normal 1920x1080 so it looks good on the screen. Aperture 3 doesn't seem to do this. Once imported, the clips looked like crap when played back in Aperture.
I found on this page http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4025 a very short list of DSLR cameras that Apple says Aperture supports, none of which are digital camcorders. How does Apple get away with claiming Aperture 3 supports HD video from "digital camcorders" when it doesn't have one listed on their supported list and Aperture doesn't even do a very good job of working with HD video files captured from another application?
I've Googled around on this forum, the Aperture manual, and Apple's site and haven't found any other mention of Aperture working with HDV camcorders.
Does anyone here have any better experiences?

A quick look at the contents pages in the Aperture 3 PDF manual seems not to mention camcorders.
Page 145 of the manual states-
Aperture supports most image, audio, and video file formats captured by digital cameras. An example of the file types and formats that can be imported into your Aperture library are:
• GIF • JPEG • JPEG2000 • PNG • PSD(8-and16-bit) • DNG • RAW files from a variety of supported digitalcameras • TIFF (8- and 16-bit) • AIF • WAV • MOV
So digital camcorders recording in ACVHD are not stated as compatible with Aperture so need to have their movies converted to the supported formats first.

Recommendation on the best HDV Camcorder to buy?

I've just had my SONY TRV900 stolen and now need to purchase a new camcorder. I would like HDV, 3CCD and portability. I do some video work but don't need a full Ppr level camcorder yet. Can anyone recommend a good HDV camcorder with 3CCD and good quality output?

3CCD's is a must. Otherwise, you get a lot of chroma crawl, lower resolution, impossible chroma keys... etc... Progressive video looks a lot more like film, and it plays nice on computer displays which are also progressive scan. freeze frames look better too.
In reply to all here... if you can buy an HVX-200 instead... DO IT. Better picture, better post, better everything. Look of film is easily achieved with it too. NO capturing anymore either... backup on DVD's or FW drives if need be... it's a winner of a format, and just blows HDV out the door.
About the only HDV camera that competes is the Canon and only when you capture out it's HD port during the shoot and capture that material as something other than HDV IMHO.
The school I teach at part time, has 3 of these cameras, and abouty 6 HDV cameras, the students are fighting over the HVX's... they just work a ton better, and look a lot more like film. My favorite DV camera is the Panny 100a... this new HVX is it's big brother... same look, great balance to the camera, and all the manufacturers of the accessories of the 100a are implementing them for the HVX... It's the most exciting camera produced in the under 10k catagory in years I think.
HDV is so slow in rendering and workflow in post that it's a no brainer if your time's worth anything to you. FCP 5.1.1 is better at it than FCP 5.0.4, but it's still about 5 times rendering time longer than the P2 material is... P2 is a true HD format, where HDV really isn't... If you don't have a VERY fast mac, the rendering time will simply make it no fun to work with. Quad PPC or dual duo at least I'd think.
Prices are falling on this camera too now that there's a supply... check this: http://fotoconnection.com/vi-26412______Panasonic-AG-HVX200-1-3-quot;-.html?gclid=CJfZm6Omo4cCFTHTJAod8nhyJg
Jerry

Sony HDC-HC1 HDV Camcorder

At this point Mac does not have an update for IMOVIE HD, inorder for me to import HDV video from my new HDV-HC1 HDV Camcorder. The screen stays blue, and will not import my video. Please anyone with an idea,or help as to how to import HDV video into my IMOVIE HD
Powerbook G4 15" Mac OS X (10.4.3)

I have the same camcorder. When you open a new project, you will automatically be given the option for 1080i.
Just remember, that after making your movie, it will take a very long time to convert/export it back to your camcorder. My 15 minute movie took about an hour, using a quad G5. Don't do this on Christmas eve like I did...
ishan
G5 quad, 8 GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder question

I'm considerring purchasing the Canon VIXIA HV40 HDV Camcorder. Has or does anyone used this Camcorder? and or do you know if it is compatible with FCE 4.0.1.?
Also is the VIXIA the US model equivalent to the LEGRIA in the UK? I can't seem to find the VIXIA on UK websites
Denis
Message was edited by: Denisimo

I have the Canon HV20 which is excellent and compatible.
The HV30 was virtually identical so I should imagine the HV40 is also pretty similar.
Take a look at this review. The same site also has reviews of the HV20 and HV30 if you want to see the differences.
http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/Canon-Returns-with-Another-HDV-Camcorder-th e-HV40-35813.htm#

Connecting HDV camcorder (component/HDMI) to MacPro for Ustream?

How can I connect my HDV camcorder (Panasonic AG-HMC150) using the component out or HDMI out to my Macbook Pro (newest model) for use with Ustream? An option I was looking at but not avaiable yet is the Blackmagic Intensity Extreme. Is there something else anyone has tried to get an HD live stream into thier Macbook for something like Ustream?
Thanks!!!
Michael

Issue solved for now with a pc laptop. I still can't do it with any Apple products, but since I have 56 views and no replies other than my own, I guess it's not possible to hook up an Apple product this way. The pc laptop worked right away with just an HDMI cable. We can close this question. Thanks.

IMovie problems importing DV with HDV camcorder

Hello,
I'm using a Sony HDR-HC5 camcorder to import DV contents into iMovie '11. On the camcorder, I've configured it to output DV, but when importing into iMovie, the camera DV-VCR (HDV) is displayed and I get no video. It looks like for some reason, iMovie fails to detect that the camera is outputting DV instead of HDV.
Any ideas on how to get iMovie to detect importing of DV content?
Thanks.

Svanur,
I agree with Harm. The specs. do not match up correctly. Where did those AVI files come from?
I assume that you are working in PAL-land (and not NTSC-land). Is that correct?
What platform are you working on, Mac, or PC?
When you attempt to Import those AVI files, what is the exact error message that you are getting?
Good luck,
Hunt

FCE 4 with Powerbook G4 with Canon HV30 HDV Camcorder

Just enquiring if it will be possible to work together a combination of Powerbook G4 with memory of 1.25GB and 1.33 GHz PowerPC G4 Processor, together with FCE 4. Also adding into the mix the new HDV Canon HV30.
Have previously been using an SD camcorder with the G4 and iMovie HD to produce a few movies/DVDs, but now want to upgrade to the Canon HV30. I am concerned that the Canon may not be compatible with using the iMovie HD, so am considering FCE 4, but am also concerned that this may not run well on the G4 and may also not run together well with the Canon.
The G4 is still fine so don't really want to have to buy a new laptop as well as a new camera.
Am a bit new to all this so any help/suggestions much appreciated.

FCE 4 will work well on your computer ........ look at what I'm using.
The only slight problem is that you may not be able to access the new FxPlug filters but as many of them are like the old FxScript ones, it shouldn't be too much to do without.
I can't comment on the camera though I would have thought it to be OK. HDV may be a bit of a strain with your old Mac.
Message was edited by: Ian R. Brown

More confused than ever which HDV camcorder to buy

I do whitewater rafting videos. Have MacPro 2.16Intelcore2 duo, 1 gig memory with 111.47gig harddrive using imovie6. Super fast footage processing needed for quick souvenir DVD turnaround. Considering new 3chipHD JVC camcorder with 60gig harddrive for faster than realtime downloading(in theory!). 1)Will this GZ-7 work and if so, how much faster than real time will it download? Also noticed that it is much faster to record a DVD in realtime to a Philips DVD recorder than it is to export to iDVD and burn. I burn the video back to DV tape, rewind and firewire record the movie to the Philips DVD recorder (Since the Macbook doesn't recognize the Philips as a recorder) 2)Which DVD recorder would the imovie recognize? 3) Is there any way to beat real time recording with my current set-up? Here's the concept: Chase a raft trip and get 8 to 10 mins footage. Upload it to an imovie that already has stock shots and music, make a few quick edits and burn as many DVDs as possible before people leave. I have roughly 30 to 45 minutes to produce say six finished DVDs. The longer I look the more confused I am which camera to buy ($1500 budget) and the fastest way to get mutiple DVD copies finished. I've looked at stacked multiple DVD recorders and wonder if they will work to record at real time - say 5 DVDs at once using firewire from imovie or is it just another box of empty promises?

from a movie-makers point of view I'm more on tilmans side... (sorry, Kirk )
sure, Kirk's recommendation, DVDcorders, produce fast instant-dvds.. but including all errors while recording... no extras, no 'good lookin' '
I would:
* use any standard miniDV camera (you get water-proof cases for...)
* for superb quality, get a 3ccd with a large ccd ...
* I would create a 'frame' project in iM... that includes:
a nice intro, a standard message 'hi, I'm scc, and THIS is your ride of a lifetime..', add some 'stock' footage (=best scenes), perpare an iPhoto album of stock-pics (map of your canyon etc), an iTunes playlist (your Garageband projects )...
after recording, double-click on that 'frame project', and first step, save it under a unique name ('tour 12may07') ... that keeps your 'frame' intact for future use...
import your few minutes of fame, use the crop feature (oops, you're using v5? upgrade to v6... ), add the few scenes, save project. launch iDVD, add your ready-made backgrounds and DVD-intro animation, etc. and select iM project under media... burn disk.
to multiply that disks, use a copier as tilman recommend it, use Toast's copy feature, or use a HDD/DVD standalone (I'm owning a Pioneer DVR520), which also allows a very fast copying of DVDs...

Canon HV20 HDV Camcorder and FCE / Firewire

Hey Folks:
I just got off the phone with B&H Photo, one of the larger camera companies. After a long call, the guys feel the HV20 will be a pretty good choice as a DV camera. I can't seem to confirm whether is firewire, I know it's USB however. Anyone know?
Thanks
FFF

Hi(Bonjour!
See this link for a HV20 review:
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/canon-hv20-mini-dv/4505-6500_7-321726 25.html
IE-1394 is the generic name for firewire (a term specific to Apple world). HV 20 use this protocol.
Here's features that you have to check to get the best image quality:
3 CCD or 3 CMOS, unlockable manual adjustment for: white balance, shutter speed, iris, gain, focus, zoom ring. Long lasting battery. Tape based system, input for audio jack 1/8 or better: XLR. Large lens opening for low light condition.
The form factory is also a consideration. A bulkier camcorder tends to be more steady in the hand.
Michel Boissonneault

New MBP doesn't see HDV Camcorder

I have a new 17" MBP that doesn't see my Canon HV10 connected via firewire. Neither imovie HD or FC Express HD report seeing the camera. I've read the many articles/discussions here. I am using the correct firewire connection. I've tried the camera in many modes playing many tapes.
Is there a way to tell if the firewire port sees anything connected? I'm down to trying to figure this out at the most basic level.

You might get more responses posting your question on the iMovie and/or Final Cut discussion boards.
http://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=141
http://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=936

Monitoring full screen HDV over firewire from camcorder

Hello,
I am a recent switcher from Windows to Mac. One thing I haven't figured out how to do yet on my Mac is to simply use my MacBook Pro screen to monitor (in full screen) the HDV video that comes off the Firewire cable of my Sony camcorder.
On Windows XP, I used to use VLC for this. I posted a message a few weeks ago asking for help with this on my camcorder's forum:
http://www.sonyhdvinfo.com/showthread.php?t=13728
but haven't gotten any solution yet.
The thing is that the Mac version of VLC doesn't have the 'Open from Capture Device' feature that the Windows version does, and I haven't been able to figure out any other way with Final Cut or Quicktime on my new Mac to do this.
Again, I simply want to MONITOR full screen the HDV video that comes off my Sony camcorder's firewire. If I use the logging tool in Final Cut, I only get a small preview window (which I can't seem to get full screen). Same in Quicktime. Of course I can CAPTURE the tape to Final Cut and then playback full screen, but that is a step I'm hoping to avoid.
Do you Mac folks have any other tricks for doing this?
Thanks for the help!

Thanks for all your replies, but I still haven't found a solution for this one:
@Red Door:
It looks as you might be right! Thanks for confirming what I've found to be true: this may not be possible on a Mac!
@Studio X:
Thanks for this idea. I already do this when I have a HDTV available. But the idea here is that I'd like to be able to use my laptop monitor for this when I'm on the road (and don't have an HDTV, or the HDMI cable, available). As I said, with my Windows laptop and VLC this was a great solution to monitor my HD camera when I'm on the road with just my laptop and camcorder. Its a shame I can't get my gorgeous new MacBook Pro with the beautiful almost-HD resolution monitor to do this!
@Thomas & Andy:
Thanks for these recommendations .. they almost worked! I tried both and neither quite did the job. BTV looks like a really old program (last release 2002?). It looked promising, but alas couldn't get it to recognize my HDV camcorder.
Monitor Magic looked even more promising, as it is a new piece of software specifically made for this purpose. Indeed, it did recognize my HDV camcorder no problem, but alas it still couldn't do the job. First, you can't monitor full screen! (That's my whole point.) Additionally, I didn't get any sound and also the video quality was really poor in the preview window. No way to deinterlace and lots of dropped frames. I got a better preview window out of Final Cut and Quicktime.
Anyway, thanks for your recommendations but my search continues! (At least until a better version of VLC for Mac comes out!)
I remain really surprised how hard this is to accomplish on a Mac! Macs have such a good reputation for video/media editing. Regardless, this was pretty tough to get working on my Windows laptop until I discovered VLC.
Thanks again!

Recommendation for HDV vtr or camcorder for batch capture

I currently own Premiere Pro CS3 and am using the trial version for PP CS4 on a Mac. One of my biggest problems is batch capturing HDV footage with my Sony HVR-Z7U HDV Camcorder or HVR-M15AU HDV Deck. It just doesn't work properly for CS3 and was disappointed to find out it doesn't work for CS4 either (unless it's a trial version issue?). Both versions I can capture on the fly, but not a batch capture. Even the adobe website say's so. So my question is, what reasonably priced HDV camcorder or VTR can I get that is compatible (let me batch capture) with both versions? Does anybody know? Thank you.

The problem I've found when capturing from the M15 is that the deck does FF and REW at such high speed that it frequently overshoots the mark by as much as two minutes, and then ends up capturing about one minute off. I usually only discover this when I look at the captured clip and find it isn't at all what I said it was when I named it.
So I just take the clip offline and recapture. This usually works. Sometimes I will manually cue the deck up to about one minute before the "in" point, and this helps the deck/Premiere find the correct timecode.
Anyhow, that's my workaround. I have handles set at 150 frames and pre- and post-roll set to the same.
(But note this is for CS3, although I assume this part is the same with CS4.)

Give back HDV-video to camcorder (MacOS X)

Now Premiere Elements 9 on MacOS (I´ve been using the german trial version) can´t give the HDV-video back to the HDV-Camcorder, this actual works only on Windows (written in the program-help).
Will there be a update in short time, so that this works in MacOS-version too?
(Final Cut Express does this, but can´t burn BluRays. I only want to work with one program. )
Thank You for answer.

There are now several Adobe representatives here, and maybe one can comment. However, it has been Adobe's policy to not disclose what is in the works, until it is released. In this case, there might be info that they can share - or maybe not.
Normally, when an update is released, the changes, fixes and additions are usually listed, but not until release, or immediately before.
Wish I knew, but we'll all have to just wait.
There was a Mac update just released, but have not seen a list of what was in it.
Good luck,
Hunt

HDV camcorder vs isight

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