Panasonic hard drive camcorder compatibility

I am considering purchasing the Panasonic SDR-H40 hard drive camcorder. There have been posts stating that the Panasonic software included does not work with Macs. Others have said these camcorders work fine. Any thoughts on Panasonic camcorders or more compatible brands would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have a Panasonic DVD camcorder that I like, and my sister has a JVC hard drive camcorder that produces MOD files like what I believe the SDR-H40 produces. These camcorders are not ideal for use with iMovie HD. Ideally you'd have a DV or HDV tape-based camcorder with a Firewire output. That is what everyone here will tell you. However, IMO tape is on its way out in favor of hard drives and flash memory camcorders, and in fact the new Macbooks don't even have a Firewire interface anymore.
That said, you can use any of these hard drive, DVD, or flash memory camcorders with iMovie HD perfectly fine. You just have to convert the files the camcorder produces to DV files first, which you can then drag and drop into the clips pane in iMovie. I prefer ffmpegx (www.ffmpegx.com) which will convert to and from almost any video format, and for free. Others here will will recommend different free and commercial software to do the same thing. All these will add steps to your workflow: (1) get footage from camcorder to computer. (2) Convert clips for use with iMovie. (3) Import into iMovie. If you had a DV or HDV tape-based camcorder and a Mac with a Firewire interface, iMovie would take care of all of this for you.

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Hard drive camcorder compatibility?

Does anyone know what hard drive camcorders are compatible with CS3? I am creating video to stream online so I was hoping to save time on editing and transfer by getting a HDD camcorder. Since it was streaming online pro camcorders are not necessary (i don't believe). thanks in advance.

Also wanting to purchase new video camera and am totally confused about tape based HDV vs HDD vs Flash memory. Running Mac OS 10.5.6 using CS3 Premiere Pro for editing. Right now most of my editing is for output to DVD but would like to go with HD format. So, what is best camcorder for import and editing in CS3 Premiere Pro?
Thanks!

Looking to buy a regular definition hard drive camcorder to use with FCP 2

Hey all, thanks for clicking my posting. Here's the deal, I am in the market for a hard drive camcorder for use with Final Cut Pro. Will be recording sports and sports-related material (but obviously want to use it for other things as well down the road). I am using an older 1.6 Ghz tower from about 5 years ago, but am using the latest OS 10.5.7. Am looking to spend about $500, but can go up a bit if needed. Since I am using an older Mac I know that I cannot use a high def cam with it, and and this point it's not needed for what I am doing.
Was looking at the Panasonic, Sony and JVC Everio lines. I had made up my mind to grab the JVC since it has the best reviews of any of the mid priced cams out there, but was sharply warned by my Apple teacher (and 2 others there at the time) not to buy it since the .mod file format doesn't play nice with Final Cut Pro. I was going to Streamclip it into .dv but was told that I will lose quality and quite possibly audio sync. After a bit of checking around the web I found that there is an analog output of the Everio camera that I could put into my Canopus ADVC - 55 and then capture it with Final Cut Pro (the only question I have is, should I go from digital, through an analog output, only to capture it with a digital format again? Seems to me I should not go digital-analog-digital).
So let's get to the question here then, can somebody more knowledgeable than myself tell me which cameras to look at to do the job? I guess my backup cam would be the Sony SR-47, decent reviews but not as good as the Everio. Also, are there any cameras in that price range that will simply let me pull the footage right into the bin of Final Cut Pro, or do they all have to be converted from MPEG 2 into .dv (or whatever file format I want them in). I know this is a lot of questions, but I am sure there's some cameras that I might be missing, so anybody care to help me out? Thanks in advance!
Tom

As far as I know, that is the only list of compatible drives with the router. So, yes, that is the list I am referring to when I said "compatible drive list". There are very few 2TB or 3TB drives on the list. I would really like to be able to use a 3TB drive with a couple partitions, and that seems almost impossible with very few options. I have been reading around the last couple days and I hear lots of reports of people successfully using drives that are not on the tested compatible list. I just wanted to know more options from people like that.

What is the Best Hard Drive Camcorder for/compatible with FCP?

Hi,
Just bought a JVC GZ-HD7...feel very trouble...unlike those MiniDV Cassette base Cam,Just plug in FireWire and FCP will read!!!To use the GZ-HD7 in FCP might use a lot of steps to convert before inport the source.
And now i'ld like to invest Hard Drive Camcorder for my FCP editing base,Is it a Good Media Format?
If yes,Which Prosumer or Semi-Pro Camcorder will you recommend?Really need your helps,maybe you are the one who are currently using it and feel happy with over all?!
Hope to get some suggestion from you guys!!
Thanks!!

http://panasonic.co.jp/pavc/global/videocamera/hd/global/products/hdc-sd9/
Thanks for tip David. I work at a middle school, we shoot a lot of district functions with three cameras then use the multiclip function of FCP. If I bought three of these cameras do you think they will work well in that environment? here is our workflow:
1. Sync cameras with a clapper at the start of show.
2. Import into FCP
3. Mark inpoint at the sound of the clapper
4. Create the multiclip sequence and edit
We have done 50 or so shows like this with 14 year olds as the editors and the results are very nice. I would like to move to the hard drive based camera. Being in education we are on a tight budget. Think three of these camerass would work in this environment?
Thanks so much for your expert advice.

Transferring Video from a Sony Hard Drive Camcorder

I just bought the new Sony DCR-SR100 Hard Drive Camcorder. How in the world do I transfer the footage to my Computer? And.... What program should I use for transfering, editing and so on. I have no clue with this Apple/Mac unit what software to use, or need to buy, or if its even possible to do. I am new to Mac, and need "baby steps" with this one. If anyone has some info for me, It would really be great. Thanks
iMac Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.7) 2 GHz Intel 2 Gig Ram
iMac Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.7) 2 GHz Intel 2 Gig Ram
iMac Core Duo Mac OS X (10.4.7) 2 GHz Intel 2 Gig Ram

Every new mac comes with software called iLife. In that software there is a program called iMovie. Unless you did a clean, custom, install when you recieved your mac, it should be in your applications folder.
Once you open iMovie, make a new project. If you have your camera plugged into your mac via firewire, your computer should recognize it and ask you if you want to import your video.
iMovie is quite an easy program to learn (with a little playing around you should get it). If you need help with iMove, check your local apple store, they often have classes for new people. If you do not have an apple store and need help, head over to the iMovie forums.
I hope this helps.
-Sherb

JVC Hard Drive Camcorder and DVDs

I have a G4, and i am interested in purchasing a JVC Hard Drive Camcorder. I will be recording church services overseas, each being about 2 hours a night, six nights in a row. My main concern is getting the content from the camcorder to the computer. I believe it has USB connections, not FireWire. I do not need to make a movie in iMovie, because I have Final Cut Express, and any editing or movie making would be done in this program. Final Cut, says that it can use MPEG-2 format, but I want to be able to burn the content to a DVD, clean the hard drive, and record each service with the hard drive blank.
I have never used iDVD, or iMovie, because of Final Cut. So, the question is, do I need to take the G4, take a PC laptop that can burn DVDs, or just buy the DVD burning station for 200 bucks, that serves the DVD burning purpose? I am getting this camcorder, but I need to know what I will have to do to get it to a DVD, and then to Final Cut.
I also am aware that my sound quality may not be very good, because the JVC has no line inputs, so I would match up the video to an audio recording of the services if needed.
Please help and let me know what my options are, as well as the hurdles I will have to overcome.

IMO, this type of camera is not a wise choice. FCE will work with pretty much any DV camera and not the JVC hard drive stuff or DVD based cameras. That being said you could fudge it into FCE indirectly. Search this forum for solutions, there is plenty of discussion already here.
I would strongly advise having a camera with external audio input and couple it with a quality mic or even input the audio to the camera directly from the inhouse sound mixer. Another solution to sound is a quality radio mic and transmitter.
Syncing up the sound from a separate source can be quit tricky if at all with success.
Al

Audio popping from Hard Drive Camcorder Footage

After importing hard drive-camcorder footage into my project, there are loud "popping" noises every 5 to 10 seconds in the audio. If I listen to the raw footage, it's perfect. Is there a setting I'm missing? I've installed the main concept codec add-on already.
Thanks in advance.

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Hard Drive Camcorder that WORKS WITH IMOVIE????

Can anyone please direct me to a current site which shows hard drive camcorders that will work EASILY with IMOVIE...I purchase a Mac so I can edit family video movies, but it looks as if every hard drive camcorder requires some type of file conversion so that it will work with mac...I know this sounds crazy, but is it easier to do this stuff on a PC????

 have a list of cameras they have tested here.
I have a sony HDR SR8 and have no problems at all.

Jvc hard drive camcorder

i just bought a jvc hard drive camcorder. when i plug it into my mac, i can import my still images, but my movies come up in a .MOD format. how do i get them to a .MOV format that my mac will recognize? it says the camcorder is mac compatible. it is a jvc gz-mg155us model.
intel based mac Mac OS X (10.4.9)

Hello gester60
See if something here will help you?
http://www.osxfaq.com/Press/04-07-03/jvc-04-07-03.ws
or here;
http://www.jvc.com/
For more Google: jvc camcorder mac os x support
Dennis
17" iMac Intel Core Duo 1.5GB Ram Mac OS X (10.4.9) Maxtor 300GB FireWire Creative Inspire 2.1 2G Nano

Will iDVD recognize JVC Hard Drive Camcorder

I have a G4, and i am interested in purchasing a JVC Hard Drive Camcorder. I will be recording church services overseas, each being about 2 hours a night, six nights in a row. My main concern is getting the content from the camcorder to the computer. I believe it has USB connections, not FireWire. I do not need to make a movie in iMovie, because I have Final Cut Express, and any editing or movie making would be done in this program. Final Cut, says that it can use MPEG-2 format, but I want to be able to burn the content to a DVD, clean the hard drive, and record each service with the hard drive blank.
I have never used iDVD, or iMovie, because of Final Cut. So, the question is, do I need to take the G4, take a PC laptop that can burn DVDs, or just buy the DVD burning station for 200 bucks, that serves the DVD burning purpose? I am getting this camcorder, but I need to know what I will have to do to get it to a DVD, and then to Final Cut.
I also am aware that my sound quality may not be very good, because the JVC has no line inputs, so I would match up the video to an audio recording of the services if needed.
Please help and let me know what my options are, as well as the hurdles I will have to overcome.

This camera stores MPG-2 content on an internal hard drive that can only be accessed by USB-2. Thus, this camera is TOTALY unsuited for use with iDVD.
I am not a FCP user, but it doesn't appear that MPG-2 is a supported editable format. FCP5 says it does support Native long GOP MPEG-2 editing for HDV but I don't think that is what you will get from the JVC camera. You probably should ask your question on the FCP forum.
JVD does offer a direct to DVD option with its own hardware. This would leave you 'stuck' with the limited quality the camera captures.
Good luck.

Trying to find a compatible Hard Drive camcorder with Mac Mini/ iMovie

I have a Mac Mini with a iLife '06. I am looking to get a new camcorder. I heard the DVDs don't work in the slot. I would love to get an HDD (hard drive) based model if I could (Sony DCR-SR100)as tapes really don't excite me and I have a huge external Hard Drive for my music. Not a big techy, I plan on only using iMovie unless I enjoy it and then upgrade everything. Can I do it or do I need a tape camcorder. Any extra software?
Thanks!

I'm partial to Sony. I've owned the DCR-TRV22 for several years and have been very pleased. I believe it's been discontinued and replaced by the DCR-HC line.
Here a few threads that offer some more advice and ideas.
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2199300&#2199300
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2295791&#2295791
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2046203
Matt

Importing video from Sony Hard Drive Camcorder to Powerbook G4 17"

After some work, I have found that I must use both QuickTime and MPegStreamclip to import both video and sound. However, once the transfer is complete I notice in playback that when the suject moves quickly the edges appear jagged and unclear around the body movement. How can I correct this?
The camcorder does not use firewire only USB transfer or AV. The video is beautiful except for this.
Camcorder: Sony DCR-SR100 30gb Hard drive
Powerbook: G4 17" 1.5GHz, 1gb ddr sddram
Someone please help.
Powerbook G4 17" Mac OS X (10.4.7)

The only thing that I can think of is purchasing a video capture box such as a Formac Studio DV and plugging the camcorder into the Formac using AV output cables and then importing through the Formac's firewire port. Does that make sense?
Stu

OK, Dropped frames due to firewire+external hard drive+camcorder?

I have an iMac 2.4GHz , 1G Memory (I know this is less than ideal). I have a Firelite Smartdisk 120G plugged into iMac firewire. I am daisychaining my CanonZR500 into the external drive. When I capture video I have lots of dropped frames.
Anyone tell me why? Do I need a better external drive?
Thanks

Not all Canon cameras have connection issues, but hanging around this site I've come to recognize their ability to connect in FCP is the most problematic of all the camera brands. If you have a Canon camcorder, and can not get it to connect up with FCP, the following is a way to sort through the issues and get it to work. Some are elegant - some are ugly.
Before we go any farther -
• You should be using 'Firewire Basic' as the control protocol. If you aren't, go change it and try again.
• Also, verify that you have a solid installation of Quicktime. You may want to reinstall it using the 'delete receipts' method. Do a quick search here on the site - it is mentioned daily if not hourly.
With some confidence that the software installation and camera settings are correct ... the most direct solution is to purchase another, non-Canon device to use as your capturing machine. The Sony DSR-11 is highly recommended for DV work. A deck will save wear and tear on the camera's lightweight drive mechanism and will allow you to permanently connect a NTSC/PAL monitor for proper viewing. If you are working with HDV, you may have other issues ...
Beyond that, the path you take depends on the model of computer you own.
1. If you have a G5 tower or a MacPro, capture to a second internal drive with only the camera attached. If you need to move material to firewire drive, disconnect the camera. A second internal drive is quite inexpensive these days if you do not already have one.
2. If you have a G5 tower (PCI) MacPro (PCIe), G4 powerbook (PCMCIA) or MacBookPro (Expresscard 34) with an available slot, purchase the appropriate firewire card for the slot. Connect your camera to the card and you should be good to go. The new card creates a unique bus and will avoid collisions with the external drives.
3. If you do not have a slot or a second internal drive and you are stuck with the camera, welcome to the camera/drive shuffle.
• shut down and remove the external hard drive(s) from the system
• connect the camera directly to the firewire port of the computer
• start the camera then the computer
• capture to your internal (system) hard drive
• shut down the camera and computer
• disconnect the camera and reconnect the external hard drive(s)
• start hard drive(s) and computer
• move captured files to external hard drive(s)
• edit
If you output back to tape or wish to view your work on an external Video (NTSC or PAL) monitor, you need to set up the camera to use the firewire out as the A/DV converter or VTR - which means reversing the steps:
• copy the file back to the internal drive
• shut everything down
• disconnect the external drive(s)
• connect the camera to the firewire port (and the TV to the camera if needed)
• start the camera then the computer
• play the file.
One caveat here - You may have difficulty getting the file back to tape without dropping frames. Playing files off of the system drive is very demanding and they may have a hard time keeping up.
All in all, if you do not have the option for second bus (i.e. iMacs, eMacs, iBooks, MacBooks) you may want to think about a computer with expandable options next time.
There is the option of capturing using iMovie, but that brings on it's own set of problems and is not recommended.
Good luck.
x

Sony hard drive camcorder and mac pro

i have a sony hard drive style camcorder that uses a usb to download to a computer.will the mac pro support this if i use windows on it or is the usb still going to be a hang up?no editing needed,just want to get the movies on my mac instead of a pc.are there any programs that will let me use the usb port?

.would i be able to make it work if i install the program that came with it on the windows side of the mac pro?
you mean, you have bootcamp/parallels/etc on your Mac and want to use a Windows app to handle your camera?.. well, no hands on with Windows nor Bootcamp here...
Windows is a system of many (too many for me... ) options...- which usually needs 'drivers' for any connection to the real world outside the computer.. I mostly doubt, that the usb2 port is supported by a video-edit-app in a Windows app... as mentioned above, the 'computer' has to recognize your device as a harddrive, incl. all the 'protocols' which are needed to 'speak with each other'.. (= all that is implemented in firewire... usb = no standards for that = 'individual drivers'...)
but, why no givin' it a try...?
next problem: you're using Windows to import from your device.. and then? Windows asks for a fat32 formatted drive.. which iM doesn't support ...
besides, there's a 3rd party app for Mac, which supports mpeg2 editing:
http://www.pixela-1.com/captympeg_editex/
summary:
iLife ≠ harddrive corders...

Sony hard drive camcorder support

i have a sony hard drive style camcorder that uses a usb to download to a computer.will the mac pro support this if i use windows on it or is the usb still going to be a hang up?no editing needed,just want to get the movies on my mac instead of a pc.are there any programs that will let me use the usb port?

.would i be able to make it work if i install the program that came with it on the windows side of the mac pro?
you mean, you have bootcamp/parallels/etc on your Mac and want to use a Windows app to handle your camera?.. well, no hands on with Windows nor Bootcamp here...
Windows is a system of many (too many for me... ) options...- which usually needs 'drivers' for any connection to the real world outside the computer.. I mostly doubt, that the usb2 port is supported by a video-edit-app in a Windows app... as mentioned above, the 'computer' has to recognize your device as a harddrive, incl. all the 'protocols' which are needed to 'speak with each other'.. (= all that is implemented in firewire... usb = no standards for that = 'individual drivers'...)
but, why no givin' it a try...?
next problem: you're using Windows to import from your device.. and then? Windows asks for a fat32 formatted drive.. which iM doesn't support ...
besides, there's a 3rd party app for Mac, which supports mpeg2 editing:
http://www.pixela-1.com/captympeg_editex/
summary:
iLife ≠ harddrive corders...

Panasonic hard drive camcorder compatibility

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