What do I need for my Imac for Mini DV Transfers

Mini DV camcorders require a Firewire port to transfer the video from the camera, which your iMac has. You should have no problems transferring the video into iMovie.

coqui52 said:

Recently I will invest in a camcorder. I am thinking of buying a HD VTR for the purpose of editing videos recorded on to a Mini DV.

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If you have a Mini DV camera then all you need to transfer the video between the camera and the computer is a Firewire cable. You will need one with the right ends on it. Cameras typically have a four wire mini-sized conectore and the Mac has the "standard" kind.

No need for other equipment except many a larger disk if you need to staor a lot of video. One tape is about 7GB.

You'll just need a FireWire cable. The camcorder will probably take a 6- to 4-pin cable, which in my experience isn't usually included for some reason. Check the box before you get home to avoid an extra trip.

coqui52 said:

Thanks for the info.

However, I once had transfered directly from the camera to my Imac with a firewire cable but the video was not synchronized correctly with the audio and I had to adjust it in Final Cut.

Did it have something to do with the firewire cable, the camera or the computer?

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It may have been due to recording the audio portion at one sampling rate in the camera, then capturing or editing at another on the computer. DV typically uses either 32khz, 12 bit or 48khz, 16 bit audio. You need to make sure that you capture and edit at the exact same rate as you recorded.

-DH

coqui52 said:

How do I know at what rate my camera recorded it? In the menu or something like that?

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That's where they usually are. Check your owner's manuall to find out.

-DH