Help with getting video from camcorder to macbook

[mrbu]

Hey I'd really appreciate any help I could get with this. I need to figure out a way to get video from my camcorder to my MacBook.

Camcorder: Sony Handycam DCR-HC21, has mini usb, firewire, and a/v out

Macbook: 2.4 Ghz Aluminum Macbook

The problem is the new MacBooks don't have firewire, anyone know a way to get around this? I really appreciate any help!

 

[spinnerlys]

You could try USB streaming, but you'll get poor video results out of this.

Firewire would be the best choice.

Maybe you still have some old computer for which you could buy a FW card and capture with it and then transfer the material to your Mac.

And no, there is no FW-to-USB-adapter.

Consult the bad Sony manual for USB Streaming.
http://www.sonystyle.com/wcsstore/S.../63fcdbe4627b6246e9932664074adafde8dcfe29.pdf

 

[ftaok]

I'm guessing that if your camcorder supports USB streaming, it's Windows only. If so, then you'll need a PC or BootCamp. Either way, it's probably not going to be pretty.

So you have a few options.

1a. Upgrade your MB for a MBP.

1b. Downgrade your MB for a whiteMB.

1c. Get a Mac mini (or other Mac) to be your dedicated DV import computer. Store everything on an external drive so that you can edit with your MB if you choose.

2. Get a new camcorder that transfers over USB ... doesn't help you with the tapes that you already have, though.

3. Get a device that has analog inputs and USB output (e.g. EyeTV devices, Hauppauge HD-PVR 1212, etc)

Good Luck!

ft

 

[moverbeck3160]

DCR HC 21 Sony Handycam interface to Mac and IMOVIE

I recently encounter the same problem with the above camera wanting to transfer a tape into IMOVIE. My son being a film editor on such movies as the Bourne took me to Best Buy and we purchased a DYNEX Fire Wire 6/4 PIN Cable which when connected to my 2 year old Mac Book was recognize by the IMOVIE Program and I was able to view the recorder movie in the IMOVIE program. I hope this provides a solution to all of the SONY and MacBook users.

 

[spinnerlys]

Sorry, but is this some kind of spam, moverbeck3160?

The original poster stated s/he has an aluminum MacBook, which has no Firewire.

 

[kevingaffney]

I purchased the roxio vhs to dvd kit for mac two weeks ago. Cost about sixty dollars. Works a treat with my old camcorders and video recorders with large and small cassettes. Imports direct into imovie. I love it