Sony DCR-HC44E big trouble

[Dr. McKay]

I 'inherited' a Sony DCR-HC44E mini-DV camcorder from my father-in-law.
I've been wanting to import footage from it into iMovie (FW400) but no go, camera is not recognised.
Tried USB, obviously, no go (why USB works on a PC and not on Mac is beyond me).
Going to try my FW800 port tonight (a colleague of mine is bringing a cable today) just in case something is wrong with my FW400 port, but I'm not very optimistic.

What are my options if FW800 doesn't work either ? Can it be done via USB ? Would I have more succes with other software ? Please help !

[Unami]

there seem to be other people with that problem... unfortunately no resolution given

https://discussions.apple.com/thread...art=0&tstart=0

https://discussions.apple.com/thread...art=0&tstart=0

you set your camera into playback mode, right?
have you tried pressing play on the camera before trying to import into iMovie? connecting the camera before/after iMovie has started?

have a look at "about this mac"->"more info"->"system report"->"firewire"

if your camera is listed there, i'd try another software for capturing.

[Dave Braine]

Can it be done via USB ?

No. The only way to import miniDV camcorder footage is by using Firewire.

why USB works on a PC and not on Mac is beyond me

Not sure if that's entirely correct as USB and Firewire work in different ways, and miniDV requires a Firewire connection.

[daybreak]

Go to Apple support Camcorder web page and see if your camcorder is listed.
Try setting your camcorder on to your computer before opening your computer. Then open iMovie and then open "Import"
Also go unto YouTube and goggle iMovie Import.
Have you got the correct Firewire connection?

[spacepower7]

Not sure if this would work, but can QuickTime record the camera playback as if it is a live source like an old iSight camera?

[matteusclement]

I remember I had a problem like this and it had to do with the setting inside of the camcorder.