04-12-2011, 09:31 AM

Hey, I recently got a new Macbook Pro, and have been trying to put video from my camcorder onto it. It won't work though, and I need help to do it.
My camcorder is a SONY HANDYCAM DCR-HC27, it uses miniDv tapes.

I know it's a bit of an old camera, and from all the research I've done so far, it's not easy to get sony cameras to connect on Macs. I really need help to get this working. I bought the right Lead i'm sure of it. I can't afford to buy a new camera, so I'm willing to look at any options to connect what I have already.

Thanks guys. I'd really like to hear from guys who have actually done it with this camera as well, but anyone is welcome to advise.

04-12-2011, 09:36 AM

I believe that is the camera I have, and though it has been a long while (several years) import into iMovie using the Firewire connection was easy as I remember it.

I have a few movies I still need to import that I have been putting off. I will try doing some this weekend and post back if you don't have an answer by then.

EDIT: If I am wrong (it is possible that I did the actual download on a windows machine (SHUDDER!!!) and then uploaded to iMovie), Elgato makes a number of products for video import on the Mac. You could use the Sony in VCR mode and take the output into the Elgato Video Capture adaptor
http://www.amazon.com/Elgato-Video-C...2615633&sr=8-1

04-12-2011, 09:39 AM

Thanks, I hope I get answer soon though.
I probably should have mentioned, the camera doesn't show up with I do anything with it, I can't find it when it plugs in, and imovie won't do anything with it.

04-12-2011, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by BaneKullas

Thanks, I hope I get answer soon though.
I probably should have mentioned, the camera doesn't show up with I do anything with it, I can't find it when it plugs in, and imovie won't do anything with it.

I edited my original post while you were responding, so you may want to look at it again.

When you say that iMovie doesn't see it, this is when you select import and from camera?

04-12-2011, 12:27 PM

I take it that you are using a Firewire lead to connect to your Mac? Also check that the camera is in the playback setting.

04-12-2011, 12:50 PM

I have been using a firewire, yes.
I put it in playback mode, firewire in both devices, and go to import with Imovie, but the only thing it picks up is the webcam.

I've tried to try it again and again, even reloading the mac, but to no avail

Edit:
This is my camera by the way. just so people know what I have
http://www.chip.de/preisvergleich/51...-DCR-HC27E.jpg

04-13-2011, 07:58 AM

I had the a similar issue recently. I have a Sony HDV camera that doesn't show up in iMovie. It's not a big deal because I use Final Cut Pro and it works with that, I was just wondering why it wouldn't show up in iMovie. All I get when I click the Import button is the webcam. I'd be interested to find out why this is.

05-24-2011, 02:06 PM

Does no one else have any idea.
Please help guys.

05-25-2011, 03:07 AM

Everything I can find on this model indicates it should work. Sony calls their Firewire port "iLink" so be certain you are connecting to that.

Beyond that, it may help to connect the camera to the Mac first, open iMovie second, switch the camera on and put in Play mode THIRD. With some cameras, this makes a difference.

12-01-2011, 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by chas_m

Everything I can find on this model indicates it should work. Sony calls their Firewire port "iLink" so be certain you are connecting to that.

Beyond that, it may help to connect the camera to the Mac first, open iMovie second, switch the camera on and put in Play mode THIRD. With some cameras, this makes a difference.

Just like to say that this method worked for me. Thanks Chas_M!

Eamonlaser

05-07-2012, 06:53 AM

Unfortunately it never worked for me, so there must be something else that isn't working too, otherwise I'm sure I'd have got it after this many tries.
Thanks anyway, at least it worked for someone, so it wasn't a total waste