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mac compatible camcorder

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Before purchasing a camcorder (Sony DCR-HC62) I spent hours researching the web and various mac forums to make sure that I could use the camera with my macbook for viewing and editing.

All for naught!

I quickly discovered the sony software "does not operate on a Mac" -- (but I can copy still images from a memory stick). I don't need this -- I need to get video from the camera!.

For some reason I did purchase a firewire cable and I can connect to camera's DVI port for download (don't know why camera has a USB port).

Soooooo, I am stuck. don't know whether I should return the camera and instead get a Cannon.
 
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MacMini 14.3, 8.1 & 4.1, OS 13.5, 10.14, & 10.11 & 10.6; Macbook Pro 8.2, OS 10.12.
Looks like Canon are the leaders in Mac-compatibility.

I find it extraordinary that popular camcorder manufacturers do not/will not make their machines more Mac friendly. Further, those that are M-c should have the Mac logo beside their product description - simple enough to do.

Google the iMovie Camcorder Compatibility page for other information. I found this on MacTalk "With my JVC I can plug the firewire cable in and record directly to my Mac. I have done this several times. Not sure if you can with a USB camcorder."
 
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MBP 15", 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, OS X 10.8.2, iPad 1, 80gb iPod, ATV 1, iPhone 5
You shouldn't have to use the Sony software. You should be able to hook the camera up via firewire and the iLink (sony's term for firewire) then use iMovie or Final Cut to import
 
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I have a sony and there is no software. I just plug in the firewire and go. MAC or PC The same.
 
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MBP 15", 2.66GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 4GB RAM, OS X 10.8.2, iPad 1, 80gb iPod, ATV 1, iPhone 5
So you have to use Firewire?

Yes. On the Sony end it is usually referred to as iLink but that just means firewire(small connection).
 
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MBP - 895LL/A - 15.4" Santa Rosa C2D - 2GB RAM - 120 (onboard), 500GB ext FW/eSATA/USB2 HDDs
I did research prior to buying a camcorder as well. After searching, researching, and pricing, I found the Panasonic HDC-SD9 a fabulous choice. It is flash-based (lower weight and no internal HDD to worry about), has a triple CCD setup (as opposed to single CMOS) and records natively to AVCHD (1920x1080 progressive, with a 24p film setting available). Still images of course only max at 2.07MP (normal), but for HD quality video, it is an amazing value (can be found for around $500 online these days). The only drawback I've found is that it lacks a bit in low light situations, but aside from that, excels in every other application I've thrown at it. Best of all, you simply connect it to the Mac (I have a MBP) via USB and voila! iMovie 08 and FCE 4 both recognize it with no problems whatsoever.

Capacity-wise, I have two 4GB and one 16GB SDHC cards (DEFINITELY go with Class 6 - MUCH better write and response times) and it will record up to 1 hour on the 4gig, and 3 3/4 hours on the16gig cards. I have yet to find a reasonably priced 32GB Class 6 SDHC (that's as high as it will recognize), but once I do, I'm set. A 32GB card will record nearly 7 hours of footage...

Now if only Panasonic would either (a) make higher capacity batteries available; (2) license the technology to third party companies so I can more readily get longer-lasting 'corder batteries, or (d) make some of the settings last through switching to off/standby, I'd be a happy clam. =) But, all things told, I *am* a happy camper with this camera. Cheers!
 
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MBP - 895LL/A - 15.4" Santa Rosa C2D - 2GB RAM - 120 (onboard), 500GB ext FW/eSATA/USB2 HDDs
Oh and I almost forgot one of my fave features: it has a mini-HDMI out port, so I can run it straight to my 1080p HDTV to look at footage before I offload and edit on the Mac. Mmmmmmmm.... mini HDMI... *droool*
 

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