Does any camera work?

So I have a PowerBook G4 and am trying to hook up a camera....good lord...any camera at this point that will work with iMovie 5.0.2, Yes it's an old version, but iMovie 08 and 09 both require an Intel-based mac processor to operate an obviously, my G4 does not have that.

So I have tried a multiple list of things. The first being to install Adobe Premiere, which didn't work, because that also needs an intel based processor for Mac (G5 or higher)

I have tried two different cameras, both of which are said to be Mac compatible, but neither is recognized by the iMovie version I have.

Went to the IT store and was told that iMovie 08 would work with a G4, because it was before they upgraded to the Intel requirements. I asked if they were sure, they confidently agreed. Went and bought 08 on eBay and sure enough, iMovie needs an Intel processor, won't load.

Does ANYONE know of ANY camera, program or miracle that will allow me to download digital video, and edit it, without having to force myself into a new Mac laptop? There shouldn't be this much of a problem and I can't imagine I am the only person who still has a G4 PowerBook. How do I get my current version of iMovie (5.0.2) to recognize a camera?

Any info or direction would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

PBS

Any mini dv camera using firewire should work. What camera where you using and what port.

southchatham said:

Any mini dv camera using firewire should work. What camera where you using and what port.

Click to expand...

First was a JVC DualCam....then a Sony. Both used the firewire port on the right hand side of the laptop. Neither were recognized.

Are you talking about the port setting? Not sure then, or at least not familiar with setting that.

The first thing you need to know; is the camera being seen by the operating system? Since you talk about iMovie 08, I'm going to assume you have some version of OS X.

Connect a camera and turn it on. Open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. Under the Hardware section click on the Firewire entry. Do you see the camera?

Are you switching the camera to VCR/Playback mode when connecting to iMovie?

System requirements of iMovie 08 is not just for Intel, but does exclude your machine. There might be a way to force load it on to your machine.

Telling us you used a JVC DualCam and a Sony doesn't tell us much. Be specific.

xstep said:

The first thing you need to know; is the camera being seen by the operating system? Since you talk about iMovie 08, I'm going to assume you have some version of OS X.

Connect a camera and turn it on. Open System Profiler in the Utilities folder. Under the Hardware section click on the Firewire entry. Do you see the camera?

Are you switching the camera to VCR/Playback mode when connecting to iMovie?

System requirements of iMovie 08 is not just for Intel, but does exclude your machine. There might be a way to force load it on to your machine.

Telling us you used a JVC DualCam and a Sony doesn't tell us much. Be specific.

Click to expand...

Alright I am going to try and be specific as possible here. I am using what is labeled as a JVC Mini DV DualCam Digital camcorder. The only camera-to-computer connection is a firewire that I am plugging into the firewire port on the right hand side of my G4 PowerBook. It would appear that I still have iMovie 06 as the version I am currently running is 5.0.2.

Now if by System Profiler you mean System Preferences, under the Hardware section, there is no mention, tab, icon or reference to Firewire entry. I would find it difficult to believe....well then again with Apple, i wouldn't be surprised....if there is a firewire port, but for some reason, I have no firewire access or card.

Can you advise?

He means System Profiler - located in the Applications / Utilities folder.

jvc mini dv will work, sony will not. Click apple icon top left, then click about this mac, then more info, contents harware, you should see firewire in the hardware list if you have it. If you dont see it you don't have it. If you do you could have a bad cable. Start simple and move to other things. Do you know anyone with a mac you could test the cable and camcorder with.

Also, do you open i movie first, then plug in the camera?

southchatham said:

jvc mini dv will work, sony will not.

Click to expand...

Did I miss something in the OP posts specifying which Sony he had? Sony miniDV camera do work. Well, OK, some might not. Also some Sony cameras require a change via their menu to work. At least HDV ones. The OP may need to read the camera manual.

Others have explained how to find and use System Profiler. Thanks guys/gals/aliens!

Do connection test first. If the camera isn't seen, the problem is likely one of three things; cable, firewire on computer, firewire on camera. At minimum, I'd expect to see the camera listed via System Profiler, when it is turned on.

When I say be specific about camera models, I mean give the code the manufacturer uses, like for a JVC camera it might be "GR DVX7". It should be printed on the camera somewhere. The reason I like specifics is that it can help people help you. Either someone has experience with the model, or we can look it up to understand the specs of the camera which may help with the answer. Usually the manuals are available on line too.

From your description, I've derived that you have a Powerbook G4 running in the Ghz range. I just note this, just because.

I was also wondering about this problem.
Now my confusion is not so more as before.
Thank you for sharing this.