Importing video from camcorder

Having almost mastered iDVD slide shows I am now raday for my next iMac challenge - iMovie. Here are the basic data:
iMac G5, OS 10.4.8
iMovie HD v 6.0.3
Sony Handycam DCR HC 32
Fire wire 4P/6P cable, APC Model 3A0537T00000
* Started iMovie > Create new project > named movie > where = Movies.
* Placed camcorder in dock, powered by transformer, turned on, set to "Play"
* Fire wire cable connected to "DV" port in dock and Firewire port in iMac
* Clicked mode switch in iMovie to select "camera mode'.
This is where I run into difficulty as the "camera mode" option does not appear, only "Built in sight" and "Time lapse".
Anyone know what is my problem? If further info is required I will be happy to answer any questions. I am desperate for advice. Hopefully it is not a major disaster.
Thank you for any advice
john hendrie
iMac G5 Mac OS X (10.4.8)

I am becoming very confused. I spoke with Apple tech support and he told me that the Sony DCR-HC32 is NOT compatible with Mac. He did say that if I could get the images transferred I could use iMovie to edit.
The camera came with software called "Picture Package ver 1.5" which includes "Image Mixer" (IMxVCD2) by Pixela. I spoke with Sony tech support and they told me that Image Mixer should work for Mac but I cannot install it in my iMac (Message says it cannot find the application).
The Image Mixer site says IMxVCD2 works with Mac OS X but includes this note:
Note:
The Macintosh version of IMxVCD2 does not support direct writing to CD-R, but does allow you to save a disc image compliant with Roxio's DVD/CD writing software "Toast". Use "Toast" to create a disc from the disc image created in IMxVCD2.
At this point I am confused and dissolusioned. Am I stuck? Can anyone with experience in this area offer any suggestions?
Thank you
john hendrie

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Unable to import video from camcorder into iMovie HD

I am using a Mac mini PowerPC G4 (1.5). I recently bought a Sony Handycam DCR-DVD 106E camcorder that uses DVD discs. The camcorder has no Firewire (iLink) output so I have inserted the DVD into my external DVD writer/player. I can play the footage via the Mac Mini's DVD player software but I cannot import the video clips into iMovie HD.
The icons on the DVD appear to be PC files and are not compatible. Does anyone know how I can take off the footage I have shot and get it into iMovie HD, please?
My secondary thought is that maybe I need to be able to convert the footage clips into Quicktime files, maybe, but I don't know how to go about this, if, indeed, that is the solution.
Please, please help
regards, Huguenot

Your camcorder is incompatible with iMovie 5, which is designed to use DV streams from tape, imported via firewire.
If your camcorder uses DVD disks it likely produces files in mpeg2 format, which is the standard, compressed, final delivery format of a DVD and is not intended for further editing, and cannot be imported into iMovie 5.
I am a bit puzzled as to why you chose that camcorder!
Ideally you should take it back and exchange it for a camcorder that records onto mini DV tape and which has a firewire output.
As it is, firstly you cannot import the footage due to lack of firewire. Secondly, in order to use iMovie at all you will have to convert the mpeg2 files into a DV files which is what iMovie uses.
For that you need mpegStreamclip:
http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/video/mpegstreamclip.html
which is free, but you must also have the Apple mpeg2 plugin :
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/mpeg2/
which is a mere $20.
Another possibility is to use DVDxDV:
http://www.dvdxdv.com/NewFolderLookSite/Products/DVDxDV.overview.htm
which costs $25.
But any way you do it, there will be penalty in terms of quality.

IMovie can no longer import video from camcorder.

I have been using iMovie '09 with a Sony DCR-SR85 camcorder for over a year with no problems. Suddenly, I cannot import from the camera anymore. With the camera connected and the disk image mounted, I run iMovie and click on the camera import button. It sees my camcorder (it says, "Sony DCR-SR85), then it spins its wheels and status bars for several minutes before it stops detecting the camera. Then, clicking the camera import gives me only the built-in iSight, with no option for the connected camera.
I have searched for other threads on this issue, but have only found solutions that don't seem to apply to me. In one instance, there was an elaborate procedure for rebuilding an AVCHD file structure. This camera records in MPEG-2, not AVCHD. The other solution was that iMovie cannot import SD videos in the same batch as HD videos. Since this camera has no HD capabilities, this does not apply, either.
Can anyone offer some suggestions? There are nearly 800 clips on this camcorder, the newest of which I need to import into iMovie so I can work on them. If there is some sort of corruption on the camcorder, is there an easy way to find it? If I need to reformat the camcorder hard drive, is there a way to import all the MPEG files on the camera's hard drive into iMovie? I tried dragging them from the camera's directory into iMovie, but that didn't work.

If 2 computers do not detect the camera then the issue is not the computer / iMovie.
Potential issues:
1.) The mode the camera is in. Make sure it is configured for PC Connect or Mass Storage mode. Check your manual to determine what the required mode is for your camera.
2.) The cable you are using between camera and computer is bad.
3.) Physical failure in the camera itself.
Try plugging the camera directly into the computer using USB (no hubs) while running on AC power and cycle through the various connection modes. See if the camera mounts on the desktop (as I assume it does normally).
If it fails to mount on either computer I would call Sony so they can verify the camera is in fact functional and even ask them what mode you need to be in for the computer to recognize it.

IMovie nor Final Cut Pro will import video from camcorder

Both iMovie 10.0.5 and the Final Cut Pro Trial I just downloaded (to test before purchasing) will not import my movie. The movie plays on my camcorder and it plays in both iMovie and Final Cut but when I click to import, a message appears in the top right corner that reads: NO DATA FROM DEVICE.
Once again, the movie plays on the camera AND plays on the screen. But there is nothing recorded into an event and no file / data transferred to the computer.
I searched the support forums and tried a freeware named DEBUT. It worked but the video playback was very poor, scratchy and blurry.
Processor 3.5 GHz Intel Core i7
Memory 16 GB 1600 MHz DDR3
OSX 10.9.5
Camera Sony DCR-TRV460 (8MM, Digial 8, Hi8 tapes)
Firewire 4 pin to Firewire 800 cable, into Firewire to Thunderbolt adaptor, into iMac.
How do I get these old tapes into iMovie or Final Cut for editing?

I don't think I can help with your Digital 8 directly into iMovie 10.0.5 or FCPX, but try a few work-arounds.
Try copying iMovie'09 from old to new Mac via a memory stick or external HD. It is only 250 MB.
This still may not work on the new Mac as it may be an issue with Digital 8/Mavericks combination. Any way if you can get iMovie 09 onto new Mac ,give it a try.
OR
Buy an external HD and transfer some data onto this to free up some space on your MacBook.
Then use your MacBook /iMovie 09 to import to Events onto your external HD.
Connect external HD to new Mac and import the DV files in Media of iMovie 09 into FCPX.
A word of caution!
When the files are imported into FCPX from the Media in iMovie 09 check to see if files are copied or just referenced.
If they are copied then you can delete them from iMovie 09, if they are referenced then you must not delete from 09.
You can normally tell: if copied then it takes a while to transfer,If referenced then done almost immediately.
My guess is ,they will be copied, but check.
The above is a bit messy but may get you moving with your new Mac.
Buying a new Mac is an expensive way of overcoming an overloaded HD on the MacBook. Cheaper to buy an external HD.
This may be useful;
How can i move or copy projects and events to an external drive? (Version 9 and earlier)
Someone may be able to suggest a fix for Digital 8 into FCPX directly.

Having Problems Importing Video From Camcorder ( Log and Transfer?)

Hi everyone
Today i received my Canon HF11
It records AVCHD format.
I'm pressing log and transfer, and it comes up, however when i press 'add to queue' it will be added, then an icon comes and spins for a few seconds, then it'll stop and turn into a red octagon with an exclamation mark in the middle
A few people have said 'Choosing plain stereo fixes it' - but it hasn't, and i've changed pretty much everything to 'apple intermediate codec.
I've done 'easy setup' and changed it to HD, FPS to all formats.. i'm trying to kind of match everything but it's not working for me
I have a 2.4Ghz Aluminium Macbook, With Final Cut Express 4.0 trying to import with AVCHD
Please Help

Trash your preferences. They've probably been corrupted changing to the wrong format. There is only one correct setting that matches your media. Select that.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10235885&#10235885
What computer is this? What version of the software? What drive is set as the scratch disc? How's it connected and formatted?
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=10015769&#10015769

Can I import video from a Firewire camcorder using the Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter?

I have an older camcorder that has a firewire interface. My new iMac does not have any firewire ports. Can I import video from the camcorder using a Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter or is the Thunderbold adapter only used for hard drives and displays?

Rather than an adapter, I would suggest you purchase a 4 pin to 9 pin Firewire 800 cable to run from the camera to the Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter. Those FW 400 to 800 adapters frequently do not work so well for importing video in my experience.
The Firewire cables are pretty inexpensive if you get them online. For example try Monoprice.
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10301&cs_id=1030104 &p_id=3541&seq=1&format=2

Importing video from samsung hmx10c camcorder

Trying to import video from samsung's new hmx10c camcorder (oprah's 2007 list), and everything works great at first, (imovie sees camera, shows thumbnail clips). But then it gives me an error message when I try to import. Also, after connecting the camera to the macbook, if I look in the disk image on the desktop, the camera appears to have mp4 files on its internal memory, but they won't play in quicktime either.
Anyone know a method to get the avchd samsung video files into imovie 08? I've got a bad feeling about this.
Thanks in advance to all advice!

Your problems may well be down to the way you connect your camera and in which order you establish a connection. If all else fails voltaic will get the files from your camera in AIC which will readily be imported into im08 for editing.

Importing video from a JVC HD7U camcorder into iMovie 11

I am having trouble importing video from a JVC HD7U camcorder into iMovie 11. The import screen shows up and recognizes the camera with the time counter activating but there is no image on the screen and the record or import buttons do not seem to do anything. I have followed the instructions from the manual and others found online. Someone please help. Terry

Hi Brady,
I have a new Everio HD that I have been fooling with all day. Finally got a clip into iMovie 6 ....but only once and I'm still figuring this out too.....if you are not using a HD camera this may or may not work for you.
The Everio Quicktime extension must be installed. (Download and install the patch if you upgrade to Leopard).
Is your camera an HD? If so you need to capture the clip in 1440 CDR not FHD (FullHighDef).
Launch iMovie 6. Create a new movie in Video format HDV 1080i . then plug in your camera via firewire.
Put the camera in playback mode (Play/REC), press the Function, select Dubbing Playback (bottom of the menu). You should get a menu with a start button now. Switch to iMovie 6 and select "Import". This should start the clip playing from the camera....you may have to hit the Start on the camera.
This should get your clips into i Movie.
We may be ably to create playlists and get them in that way too but I have not had any luck with the JVC instructions to do this. There are video tutorials on the JVC website too but again they have not worked for me.
There is also a way to get and work the FHD files but that is a USB file transfer followed by a file conversion. I'll tackle that a little later...
Good luck,
Roger

Importing video from Sony 120GB HDD Camcorder

Looking for help on importing video from Sony 120GB HDD Camcorder.
I recently purchased a new imac (1st mac) and imported the stored video on my Sony 120GB HDD camcorder. I would estimate that this is approximately 60-80 GB worth of video on the camcorder but when I imported this has become over 800GB on my imac and basically fills the HD.
My question is - is this normal or am I doing something wrong.
Cheers

Unfortunately the video from the current crop of High Def capable cameras use a really highly compressed file format to save video. The one most used is called AVCHD and it can really save a lot of space ON THE CAMERA if you like to shoot at the highest resolution. However to edit that video, it needs to be decompressed so that iMovie can preview it, and edit it accurately down to the individual video frame level (1/30th of a second). So the short answer is you're not doing anything wrong, those video clips can expand up to 40-75GBytes per hour of video after they are imported into the iMovie Events folders. However it is entirely possible to store the iMovie Events folders on an additional external hard drive. And that's usuallly the best solution for anyone quickly running out of space.

Help needed: How to import video from Canon Legria Camcorder FS306?

Dear all,
After happily purchasing Canon Legria Camcorder FS306, I realise that my IMOVIE HD could not detect the camcorder when connected to my Macbook pro.
Have 2 questions here:
1. Is it impossible for IMovie HD to detect newer camcorders? Should I then upgrade to IMOVIE09?
2. Currently, Canon Legria Camcorder FS306 is not listed as 1 of the supported camcorders for IMOVIE09. It is one of the newer models. Is IMOVIE09 able to import video from this camcorder now? Or in the near future? Or it may never be supported?
Tks!
Gam

You would need imovie 09 to use this camcorder.
This camcorder is not on the iMovie 09 supported list. However, every Canon camcorder since 2008 has supported iMovie 08 and 09, so odds are good that this one will, too. Odds are good that it works right now. IF you want to know for sure, call Canon. ....or take your camera to an Apple Store and hook it up.
It might be possible to do some manual conversions and continue to use iMovie 6. For example, you could try converting the MPEG2 files to DV using a tool like MPEG Streamclip. You would also need the $20 Apple QuickTime MPEG2 Playback Component. I find iMovie 09 to be a much better editor, but if you are comfortable with iMovie 06, this might be worth a try for you.

IMovie 10.0.6 won't save my imported videos (from DV camcorder)

I am using this version of iMovie for the first time (I finally gave in and let 9 go), so maybe I'm missing something. I am trying to import some VHS tapes and I'm using a miniDV camcorder to convert to digital, something I've done a bunch in previous versions with no problems. The camcorder is connected with firewire to my MacBook. So in iMovie I click "Import". Here I can see and hear the tape when it plays. There is a message that says "Camera Not Controllable", which is expected. I click the blue import button down in the corner and the message changes to "Recording" with a counter for the time. All seems great. When I'm done I click "Stop Import", then "Close" and I'm taken back to the main iMovie window with the events list. But in the only event, where it should have been saving the video, there is nothing. I've tried this a bunch of times and created a new iMovie library on an external drive but nothing works. It never actually seems to save any video.
Am I doing something wrong? This is really frustrating!
Thanks,
Sean

I have exact same problem.
iMovie 10.0.6 won't save my imported videos (from DV Digital Video Camera JVC GR-D290E).
I have iMac 27" (end 2012), OS X Yosemite (10.10.2).
I tried to reinstall the previous version of iMovie 9. But the OS can not do it.
Note: At the other my MacBook4.1 (OS 10.5.8, iMovie 8.0.6) same operations are functioning normally.
What to do?

I cannot import video from my camcorder. Although I have in the past.

I cannot import video from my camcorder to Photoshop Premier 9. Although I have in the past. What's wrong?

Ask in the Premiere Elements forum and be much more specific. System info, exact camcorder model, project settings and all that...
Mylenium

Cannot import videos from a sony camcorder.

cannot import videos from a sony camcorder.

Hi cape_surfers, and a warm welcome to the forums!
UPDATE1: About the MPEG-2 component included with iMovie ‘08
UPDATE2: After raising a stink, I figured that I’d spend a little more time trying to figure out how to make my Handycam work with native iMovie ‘08. Turns out that you have to turn on the camera, wait for OS X pick it up as a USB storage device, and then hang tight for three or four minutes until iMovie detects that your USB storage device is actually a camcorder, and presents the import dialog. I’m glad that I can import native MPEG-2, but am somewhat puzzled by the delay.
http://mccammon.org/keith/2008/04/24/importing-video-from-sony-hdd-handycam-to-m ac-os-x-105x/
Also...
http://www.mobilegadgetnews.com/index.php?showtopic=25362

How do I import videos from a HDR-XR160 camcorder to my imac

How do I import videos from a HDR-XR160 camcorder to my imac

You can use iMovie to import videos. You can learn how in this web

After connecting my Sony camcorder to imac (Snow Leopard) to import a video the import window does not open. I have imported videos from the sam camcorder successfully before. What could have happened? Puzzled)

After connecting my Sony camcorder to Imac (Snow Leopard) to import a video to imovie 09 the import window does not open. In the past I have successfully imported videos from the same camcorder. What could have happened? Puzzled

Oh my! Obviously, I don't know what I'm doing. But I do know that my goal was to do both---backup AND free some space. My iMAc is old (2006) and I upgraded it a year or so ago to Snow Leopard. I didn't think I had the capability of backing up without an external drive, but maybe I do since I upgraded. Do I?
But I bought this My Book mostly for freeing space because I like to make cards in Photoshop and I'm forever running out of space when I get too many layers (don't really know what I'm doing there, either).
Is there some way that I can rectify my mistakes and start all over?
Thank you so much for beng so prompt with your reply and patient with mine. I tried for so long to see the dialog box with the library listings. When I launched iPhoto, even with holding down the Option key, it kept immediately launching into the full screen. Finally, after an hour of doing it over and over again, it worked when I held the key down for 5 minutes. Then when I was typing my reply, I kept getting a message to "Request Time Out." Didn't know how to do that, so kept hitting the OK button and kept typing for another half minute. Finally, when ready to send, Safari couldn't do it. "Try again" exasperated me until I realized I would have to begin again and use Firefox. When I got there and ready to type, I got the message that my message had been retrienved and did I want to use it?!!
So your kindness is very much appreciated.

Importing video from camcorder

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