Help importing miniDV tapes please

[bexetc]

Hello,

I am trying to import video from MiniDV tapes using FireWire, Panasonic NV-EX21 and my mac running OS X version 10.6.8. I have been trying with iMovie. I don't think it can even see the camcorder (it should showup under devices?).

Any ideas of how to get this working are much appreciated.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

I guess you use a Mac with a Firewire 800 port and use a Firewire 4-pin to 9-pin cable?

If so, do you have an external Firewire 800 HDD you can connect between camcorder and Mac? I just ask, as there are many reports of a 4-pin to 9-pin connection not working with modern Firewire 800 only Macs.

 

[WayneH1]

I don't know about Panasonic but I've had Sony cameras that required setting something on the camera to allow it to use the connection to a computer. It wouldn't "just work".

 

[Dave Braine]

I don't know about Panasonic but I've had Sony cameras that required setting something on the camera to allow it to use the connection to a computer. It wouldn't "just work".

Yes, the camcorder should be switched to Playback.

Which iMovie are you using? Look for a camcorder icon somewhere in the main window. If you click on it, it should show connected cameras.

 

[fa8362]

Sounds like the version of iMovie you're using no longer supports that camcorder. This is common with older devices. You'll likely need another solution, like an ADVC 110 or similar.

 

[rei101]

You can capture via quicktime too I believe.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

You can capture via quicktime too I believe.

Yes, you can do that, but not if iMovie or the system cannot recognise it.