how to connect Sony DCR-DVD305 to iMac?

I just recieved a new Sony DCR-DVD305 camcorder and when I use the USB connection, nothing happens.

I figured it would just recognize it, but it doesn't.

I also tried dropping the smaller DVD into the side-slot superdrive...it didn't like it.

Is there a special cable I need to connect a Sony Camcorder to a Mac?

Thanks for your help,

Lakeside.

Never, Never put smaller than standard sized discs in a slot loading drive. I don't think you can connect DVD camcorders to Mac's to download the video. I think the only way to get the video onto the computer is with an external dvd drive and ripping it off

does the camera have a firewire port? I have a sony mini dv that states in the manual in order to connect to macintosh computers, you must use a firewire. it works flawless for me. the only other option is........

http://www.pinnaclesys.com/PublicSi...azzle+Video+Archiving/Dazzle+DVD+Recorder.htm

Can't say how well it works though.

If you have an intel imac and would rather put windows on yoru computer then have an extra thing on your desk (external dvd drive) then you can use the windows software that comes with the camera to put the video on the computer, then you can access it from mac osx to edit it in imovie, final cut, etc.

PowerBookG4 said:

If you have an intel imac and would rather put windows on yoru computer then have an extra thing on your desk (external dvd drive) then you can use the windows software that comes with the camera to put the video on the computer, then you can access it from mac osx to edit it in imovie, final cut, etc.

Click to expand...

I doesn't souind like a software issue. it sounds more like a hardware connection issue. anyway, why go through all that. you are making more problems for something thats a simple interface problem!

When you have the camera connected via USB did you run any programs? The reason I ask is that when I connect my JVC mini DV camera via firewire nothing happens either. I was confused. However, when I opened up iMovie it recognized the camera and I was able to import the video from the mini DV tape.

Try that and see if it works.

The mac will not recognize the DVD Camcorder. The whole reason for me switching over to a Mac was for me to edit my video of my son. But then i found out that the best (and only way) to do that is with tape. So i sold my DVD camcorder on ebay and bought a MiniDV camcorder. Works perfectly.

My DVD camcorder didn't have a firewire port so i was never able to try that out. However from a couple books i've read and from what i've seen online the DVD camcorders don't work to well with Mac's. Tapes are much better. I have several DVD's that i need to copy and convert the VOB's to something that is editable but havent had the chance since my mom is the only one with a DVD drive able to accept the small discs on her PC.

Sony DVD Camcorders

Hi
I have the same camcorder as you. I am new to the world of Mac but I do know that computers see this camera as a storage medium, a hard drive and not as a camera. They dont (or mine dosent anyway) have firewire, just a usb. You can get the files onto the computer using the usb but only by using the sofware that comes with the camera and you can do little with it as the software is so useless. You can decode the finished disk with HandBrake and them process it with iDVD but it takes forever and there is (or I havent found it yet being new to iDVD) no facility to edit the mpeg4 files. In a nutshell the sony handycams are as much use as on fish if you want to do anything other than point and shoot, mine is being sold this week and I will get one of the older tape variety cameras with firewire.
Not good news but I hope it is of some help to you.
Kind regards
v8pitbull

Using a Sony USB Camcorder on a mac

Follow these steps:
Connect your camcorder to the mac via usb.
Hit the play/edit button on the camcorder and instruct it to play through the computer.
The disc will now show up as an icon on your desktop.
Copy the VIDEO_TS folder onto your hard drive.
Using a program like dvdxdv convert your VIDEO_TS files into dv files.
You can now use imovie and idvd to make your dvd
This method works really well for me,hopefully it should help you.