Import Lx5 movies from movie archive to Imovie

Question

Hi,
I have problems importing videos from iMovie camera arcive into iMovie 11 (v9.0.4).
1. I have a LX5 - Lumix camera and shout movies in AVCHD lite format.
2. First I insert the SD-HC card into my MacBook Pro and open iMovie. To speed up import i choose in iMovie "archive all". I store them on the internal HD in a folder called "iMovies kameraarkiv" which is located at the same level in folder structure as "iMovie - projects" and "iMovie - events".
3. Later inside iMovie I choose Archive->Import->import from "camera archive" and select one of the archived folders e.g. "Apple Internal Memory Card Reader - 2012-02-24" I get the error message "The folder is not a Camera Archive"
I can go into the the subfolder "stream" I can see and also play the .mts files using VLC.
If I allready at step 2. imports the videos to iMovie the import works fine, but many times I can not wait for several hours before I can use my camera again and need to transfer files to the hard disc.
Thanks in advance for suggestions.
/Björn

Answer 1

I think it should work as you are doing it. You do File/Import/From Archive and point to the Folder.
But it isn't, so what do I know?
Here is a way to simulate "putting it back on your camera". This may work, but it may have the same problem that your archive file has.
First, open DISK UTILITY. It should be in your Applications/Utilities folder.
In Disk Utility, create a Disk Image by clicking New Image inthe top toolbar.
Give it a name in the SAVE AS box.
Give it a name in the NAME box.
For SIZE choose CUSTOM
For custom size, pick a size that is slightly larger than your archive folder and its contents. ( you can find this by right-clicking on the archive folder and choosing "Get Info".)
For Format, choose Mac OS Extended (journaled) - although FAT32 would probably work, too, since that is what is on your camera.
For Encryption, choose NONE
For Partition: choose Single Partition: Apple Partition Map. (GUID would work, too)
For Image Format: Choose Read/Write/Disk Image.
Now click CREATE.
Mount this new disk image, so it looks like an external disk mounted on your system in the Finder.
Open the Disk Image in the Finder.
Drag the contents of the Archive Folder (but not the folder itself) into the Disk Image.
Open iMovie. It should recognize the Disk Image as a camera and you can import from there.