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Is the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V compatible with Mac?

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Made a decision to replace my old camcorder and went to a Sony shop in town. ( I live in Belgium )
Had a look at the Sony Handycam HDR-XR520V, tried it and I like it very much.

When I asked the salesman if it came with software for Mac or if it could be connected to a Macbook Pro, the answer was negative. He did not seem very confident when he said that, so I am in doubt.

Has anyone around here have any experience with this device and know if it can be connected to my MBP ?
If the Sony turns out to be a no-go, any recommendations for a good camcorder that I can connect to the Mac.

Much appreciated.

Cheers
McBie
 
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From Sony's website:

HDR-XR520V | HDR-XR520V 240GB High Definition Handycam® Camcorder | Sony | SonyStyle USA

Software
Supplied Software :
PMB Ver.4.2.00 Supports Windows 2000 Professional Service Pack4 (SP4), Windows XP Service Pack3 (SP3)(32bit) Windows Vista Service Pack1 (SP1)(32bit/64bit). Not supported by Mac OS.
Does that mean that the camera won't be able to have its footage captured by iMovie or FCP? No, it doesn't.
It just means that the software that comes with the camera won't run under Mac OS X.
 
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McBie
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DB,

Thanks for the swift reply ....
I also saw that on Sony's website, but I was thinking that there might be differences between countries when it comes to accessories and software ...

I know from previous experiences that in Belgium the shops do not have the same stuff as in US or UK...

Am currently checking other sources and I might go back to the Sony shop with my MBP and see how far we get....

Cheers
McBie
 
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McBie
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Update ...

Went to the Sony shop again, this time with my MBP and asked the salesman if we could shoot a few minutes of film and some still pictures.

Connected the camcorder to the Mac via USB and iMovie09 was happy ... imported the film and the pictures nicely.

There is some setting for NTSC or PAL, and I 'll figure that out later.

One final thing to do and that is convince my financial controller ( my wife ) on purchasing the Sony camcorder -:)

Cheers
McBie
 

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