I have a Canon ZR45MC Camcorder with minidvd tapes. I would like to copy the tape into iMovie. I have connected the camera to my iMac via the usb port however nothing happens. I also copied the tape to a DVD via a DVD recorder and tried to save it that way however the file cannot be converted.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Copying from Camcorder to iMovie
- Thread starter abacab1003
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
hmmm...so imovie isn't even recognizing that ur camera is connected...that's strange. Basically it's only showing the options 'built-in isight' and 'time laps'?? Sometimes just restarting ur computer can adjust the problem..or turning ur camera on and off when imovie is open and it's connected..
Well, emt1 hit it on the head. Out of curiosity I just downloaded the manual from the Canon website. If you refer to page 102 of your copy of the manual, it notes that the included USB cable can only be used to transfer still images recorded on the memory card, not video.
On that same page it gives you instructions how to hook up a firewire transfer cable that you will need to purchase, if you have not already, to transfer video footage to the computer. Make sure you get a cable with a full size plug on one end and the 4 pin mini plug (that they illustrate in the manual) for the camcorder end.
Make sure when you do get a cable and attempt the transfer that you set the camera in its playback mode, not recording mode.
On that same page it gives you instructions how to hook up a firewire transfer cable that you will need to purchase, if you have not already, to transfer video footage to the computer. Make sure you get a cable with a full size plug on one end and the 4 pin mini plug (that they illustrate in the manual) for the camcorder end.
Make sure when you do get a cable and attempt the transfer that you set the camera in its playback mode, not recording mode.
I was not aware of the DV input. Next question is where would I get the cable? Apple store? Went to Radio Shack and they only had the 4 pin mini to the 4 pin mini. Do I need the 4 pin mini to a USB size?
Funny what info those manuals have eh?
Well, if you really want one locally then Best Buy and Circuit City have plenty in their camera sections, but if you can wait for mail order then places like emt1 mentioned are sources for them much cheaper as was mentioned.
One at Best Buy is 6 pin to 4 pin FireWire cable even though their description is back-asswards as far as the connections go. Here is a Monster Cable cable that is the same connectors: Circuit City cable.
Funny what info those manuals have eh?
Well, if you really want one locally then Best Buy and Circuit City have plenty in their camera sections, but if you can wait for mail order then places like emt1 mentioned are sources for them much cheaper as was mentioned.
One at Best Buy is 6 pin to 4 pin FireWire cable even though their description is back-asswards as far as the connections go. Here is a Monster Cable cable that is the same connectors: Circuit City cable.
lol at those prices. I think I paid like $5 for mine with shipping.
Yep, I've got to agree- somehow or another I have got like 4 of them that came with equipment over the years- and I have yet to buy one! But if somebody has got to have one now, at least those places have them- you just pay through the ... for the convenience!