Importing A sony Handycam into iMovie

[andyboy]

handycam imports

Any help from anyone as I have a Sony handycam DCRSR42 and it will not import to IMovie...I am going nuts

I'm guessing you're using iMovie'08, right?

If you're still having problems, try reading THIS and THIS

 

[andyboy]

Tried all this but still nothing works...surely there is a solution

 

[reggie23x]

Did you have the option to set to usb mode?

When I had my dcr-sr82 (60gb hd-based standard def handycam), there is a mode to see the handycam's hard drive.

From there, the drive is mounted as would any other usb drive.

As for the dvd-based handycam's, I'm not sure.

 

[bebowler]

Yeah I have the same - MacBook with Leopard - and a sony handycam from school. I plugged it in but had to wait for about half an hour for the videos to load up in the iMovie import window. I prefer the SD cameras I have used.

Saying this I tied with the same camera using DVD-RW (In stead of the DVD+RW as before) and it did not apear in iMovie.

How odd.

 

[tonho]

I should had know that
Bought my camera before my mac!!!

Which typo of camera do u recommend?

Don't put the mini-DVD in a slot-loading drive - it won't read it and you'll have a tough time getting it back out.

If the camera doesn't have a FW out port, then you need to find a tray-loading DVD drive to rip the file and then convert it to a format that iMovie can use. DVD-cams really aren't that great if you intend to edit the footage.

 

[MisterMe]

I should had know that
Bought my camera before my mac!!!

Which typo of camera do u recommend?

mini DV or HDV, either with FireWire. These two use the same media and produce the highest quality available to the consumer.

 

[tonho]

mini DV or HDV, either with FireWire. These two use the same media and produce the highest quality available to the consumer.

Sony's as well?

 

[all4gsus.10]

Same Prob

Me and my friend are trying import some footage into iMovie with her Sony Handycam but it wont show up on my MacBook and Im afraid to put the mini dvd in it. Any suggestions

Hey,

I've tried the exact same thing, and was real disappointed when I found out that there was no real way of "directly" importing footage from the DVD vid camera to the Macbook. Real bummer!

But I did my research and it might be similar to what someone else might have said but here's two things you can do:

1) Replace your camera with a Canon (I was told that some models are Mac-compatible) -- SONY and Apple usually don't mesh ... I should have thought of that before buying that DVD camcorder (HandyCam DCR-DVD108).

2) This is what I did --> If you have a PC, load all your video footage there and then transfer it to your mac. Convert your files using "iSquint". It's free though resolution isn't the best ... it works. iSquint does have a paid software too that I'm sure offers better quality ... but for those of us who like free stuff and are ok with settling for less ... than iSquint will do.
--> If your planning to make a movie to put on a DVD ... resolution won't cut it ... might us as well spend a few bucks to get a good converter.

Hope this helps... and if anyone has a better solution do share!

God bless

Donna
iMac 20" (Leopard Dual Core), MacBook 13.3" BLACK (Dual Core), iPod Nano+ Shuffle

 

[tonho]

Hey,

I've tried the exact same thing, and was real disappointed when I found out that there was no real way of "directly" importing footage from the DVD vid camera to the Macbook. Real bummer!

But I did my research and it might be similar to what someone else might have said but here's two things you can do:

1) Replace your camera with a Canon (I was told that some models are Mac-compatible) -- SONY and Apple usually don't mesh ... I should have thought of that before buying that DVD camcorder (HandyCam DCR-DVD108).

2) This is what I did --> If you have a PC, load all your video footage there and then transfer it to your mac. Convert your files using "iSquint". It's free though resolution isn't the best ... it works. iSquint does have a paid software too that I'm sure offers better quality ... but for those of us who like free stuff and are ok with settling for less ... than iSquint will do.
--> If your planning to make a movie to put on a DVD ... resolution won't cut it ... might us as well spend a few bucks to get a good converter.

Hope this helps... and if anyone has a better solution do share!

God bless

Donna
iMac 20" (Leopard Dual Core), MacBook 13.3" BLACK (Dual Core), iPod Nano+ Shuffle

RIGHT man!! thats a pretty good point!
Well.. and witch format would be the best to convert to?
I'm planning to edit with Final Cut Express!
thanks!

 

[ftaok]

Hey,

I've tried the exact same thing, and was real disappointed when I found out that there was no real way of "directly" importing footage from the DVD vid camera to the Macbook. Real bummer!

The newest versions of iMovie and Final Cut can import footage from DVD based camcorders. Check the compatibility list on Apple to see if your specific camcorder is listed.

BTW, Sony isn't any better or worse than the other manufacturers when it comes to Mac compatibilty.

ft

 

[all4gsus.10]

The newest versions of iMovie and Final Cut can import footage from DVD based camcorders. Check the compatibility list on Apple to see if your specific camcorder is listed.

BTW, Sony isn't any better or worse than the other manufacturers when it comes to Mac compatibilty.

ft

The list is in fact on the Apple site ... but from some reviews I've read on other sites (which could have been biased), importing from a DVD does has its disadvantages. And I don't have the newest version of iMovie or Final Cut , so again there another obstacle =0)

I've tried to edit footage from DVD even on a PC and it's simply the quality ... doesn't compare to HD and even miniDV ... but again, that's just me.

 

[ftaok]

The list is in fact on the Apple site ... but from some reviews I've read on other sites (which could have been biased), importing from a DVD does has its disadvantages. And I don't have the newest version of iMovie or Final Cut , so again there another obstacle =0)

I've tried to edit footage from DVD even on a PC and it's simply the quality ... doesn't compare to HD and even miniDV ... but again, that's just me.

I understand that DVD based camcorders are a hassle no matter what platform you're using and that the quality isn't there. I was replying to your statement that DVD camcorders somehow weren't supported on the Mac.

ft

 

[tonho]

ok! all done, I could just have the files from my dvd handycam imported! NOW, each scene that I recorded in my camera came with 2 files.
*.modd & *.mpg.
Do I need the *.modd file?
In witch format should I convert them? A wanna use FCP.! Or Does the FCP have a plugginn to work with theses *.mpg Files!???

Thanks!

 

[QuarterSwede]

Any help from anyone as I have a Sony handycam DCRSR42 and it will not import to IMovie...I am going nuts

iMovie 08 will recognize it. Make sure the SR42 is in Computer mode though! Once it mounts (showing up as an external hard drive) it should ask you whether you want to open it in iMovie or another app. Even if it doesn't you can navigate through the mount and find your .mpg files. Drag them onto the iMovie icon in the dock and it'll start to import.

At least this is what all the research I've been doing on the SR42 suggests. I'm still waiting for Sony to ship me the dock so I can try it myself before I decide to return it (I bought it on clearance).

 

[mac*millie]

sony dcr-dvd108

so... I am a newbie to the forums and also the handycam.

I am using the above sony handycam on dvds. I read through and still nothing would work! I have leopard on my imac and the imovie 08.

anyway after about 30 minutes of reading forums and everything i could find, i plugged in the camera again and realized you have to FINALIZE the dvd in the camera FIRST! THen plug it in, then it will recognize it on your computer through the USB plug...

now i am off to edit and make some movie magic

 

[royeh32]

Answer to all your questions...hopefully

Yes, the Sony DCR-DVD 108 will work with Imovie '08. You just need to set up your camcorder correctly.

When you first insert your mini-dvd and format it for the first time, use the disc setup guide, and format it in "video" format not "vr" format. I REPEAT DO NOT USE "VR" FORMAT!.

VR format only allows you to edit on the camcorder itself.

Video format will allow you videos to be recorded into a format which many editing software will recognize (and by editing software i mean Imovie'08.

Once you format in "VIDEO" format, record all your footage, then finalize the disc. If you don't finalize the disc it and you connect the usb cord, it will show up as a blank disc.

Finalize the disc, then connect it to your Mac. It should open a finder window that asks how you want to open it. Select Imovie '08 in the dropdown menu, and it should allow you to import the content off the dvd.

I found all this out the hard way! I recorded onto 3 discs in the incorrect format. it can still be viewed but only on a dvd player or in the camcorder.

I believe ripping the dvd's content will work like someone earlier suggested, but for future reference just record in the proper format.

I wrote this thread quickly, so i don't know if i left anything out. After of hours messing with my own lost footage, i think this is the solution everyone in this thread was looking for.

Reply back to let me know if this worked for you. This is my first post on macrumors, hopefully it helps a lot of people before losing precious footage.

 

[korr]

What about using a mini dvd-r

This was very helpful! Thank you!

The Sony DCR-DVD 108 manual indicates that only a dvd-rw allows a formatting choice like you suggest. I was unable to find this option using a dvd-r.

The manual (poorly written, I think) suggests that the "easy mode" uses the "video" format. But once again, it seems ambiguous as to whether this works with a dvd-r.

Any further hints to help me? If I use a minidvd-r and the easy mode, will the disk be formatted in the "video" format as you suggest? Is there another way to do this?

One more thing. Can the "Disk Select Guide" be used to choose the "video" format, and if so, how?

Yes, the Sony DCR-DVD 108 will work with Imovie '08. You just need to set up your camcorder correctly.

When you first insert your mini-dvd and format it for the first time, use the disc setup guide, and format it in "video" format not "vr" format. I REPEAT DO NOT USE "VR" FORMAT!.

VR format only allows you to edit on the camcorder itself.

Video format will allow you videos to be recorded into a format which many editing software will recognize (and by editing software i mean Imovie'08.

Once you format in "VIDEO" format, record all your footage, then finalize the disc. If you don't finalize the disc it and you connect the usb cord, it will show up as a blank disc.

Finalize the disc, then connect it to your Mac. It should open a finder window that asks how you want to open it. Select Imovie '08 in the dropdown menu, and it should allow you to import the content off the dvd.

I found all this out the hard way! I recorded onto 3 discs in the incorrect format. it can still be viewed but only on a dvd player or in the camcorder.

I believe ripping the dvd's content will work like someone earlier suggested, but for future reference just record in the proper format.

I wrote this thread quickly, so i don't know if i left anything out. After of hours messing with my own lost footage, i think this is the solution everyone in this thread was looking for.

Reply back to let me know if this worked for you. This is my first post on macrumors, hopefully it helps a lot of people before losing precious footage.

 

[mike1450]

finalize...

I've got one of these pain in the tits (DCR-DVD108) cameras and have been trying to sort it all day...finally got it based on mac*millie and royeh32's posts...

Finalize the disk, plug 'er in, and imovie sorts it out...

It's working like a charm now...

 

[Smooghead]

Handycam and Mac - no problem.....

I've just bought a Sony Handycam SR75 and want to use it on my Mac - a G5 dual 2Gb running Tiger. I was surprised to find no Mac software with the camera, but I plugged it in to the USB connection nevertheless. Switching on the camera gave me a USB screen on the camera, so I simply chose the USB hard drive connection. The Mac then saw the hard drive no problem and the short film my kids had just shot.

Switching on i-Movie '08 then found the camera automatically and it allows me to edit, import, review etc as expected.

Perhaps using i-Movie '08 is the key?

Thought this may help

Smoog
(newbie and first post)

 

[lazzar0]

I've just bought a Sony Handycam SR75 and want to use it on my Mac - a G5 dual 2Gb running Tiger. I was surprised to find no Mac software with the camera, but I plugged it in to the USB connection nevertheless. Switching on the camera gave me a USB screen on the camera, so I simply chose the USB hard drive connection. The Mac then saw the hard drive no problem and the short film my kids had just shot.

Switching on i-Movie '08 then found the camera automatically and it allows me to edit, import, review etc as expected.

Perhaps using i-Movie '08 is the key?

Thought this may help

Smoog
(newbie and first post)

Hi, Im a new user.
Just a question...Im going to buy a Sony HandyCam DCR-SR75E.
Is it the same camera model, you bought ? Im going to use it with Leopard 10.5.5.
Any issue in your opinion ?

Thanking in advance

Paul

 

[mike1450]

just used the HDD today...

it's a coincidence, but i just used a Sony HDD today on both a macbook and macbook pro... one with QTpro and one without. It takes a long time to come up (like 5 min) but if it doesn't, you need to buy Quicktime pro with mpeg2 support... Once you do that, install it, plug the camera in, and it takes about 5 minutes to initialize. Be patient and it works like a charm.

 

[Smooghead]

Hi, Im a new user.
Just a question...Im going to buy a Sony HandyCam DCR-SR75E.
Is it the same camera model, you bought ? Im going to use it with Leopard 10.5.5.
Any issue in your opinion ?

Thanking in advance

Paul

Paul

Yes my handycam is the SR75E. I'm just back from 2 weeks in Mexico with over 2 hours of movies and imported them into the Mac via i-Movie last night.

Smoog

 

[reardley]

Importing to iMovie using VR mode

Thanks for all previous posts. I, too, am trying to import to iMovie 08 from a Sony Handycam DVD. iMovie 08 definitely imports easily using 3" DVDs formatted in DVD-RW VIDEO mode. Generally, two modes exist to format (VIDEO and VR). However, I am trying to find a solution that allows me to record in VR mode (more editing options on the camcorder itself-ability to delete any scene or portion of a scene "realtime") which I prefer. I might try purchasing Pixela software for MAC to recognize VR mode DVD's. I'll update after buying.

 

[lazzar0]

Paul

Yes my handycam is the SR75E. I'm just back from 2 weeks in Mexico with over 2 hours of movies and imported them into the Mac via i-Movie last night.

Smoog

First of all, thanx for you kind reply !

Have you got any extra hints to use this camera with Mac ?

Can you describe each steps ? (Eg. plug USB cable, turn on the camera, select something on camera lcd display and so on ....)


Thanking in advance,

Paul

 

[Smooghead]

First of all, thanx for you kind reply !

Have you got any extra hints to use this camera with Mac ?

Can you describe each steps ? (Eg. plug USB cable, turn on the camera, select something on camera lcd display and so on ....)


Thanking in advance,

Paul

Paul

My earlier post did that. In more detail:
- first shoot something with the camera!
- plug in camera via USB
- switch on camera
- open screen up (its a touch sensitive screen) and select USB connection marked with the hard drive symbol
- the camera HD should automatically appear on your desktop. Ignore it!
- iPhoto may automatically open (it does on mine but I have photos as well as movies on the camera HD). Close it unless you want to import photos.
- open iMovie'08. Once open, a new window should appear in front of the iMovie window, showing movies on the camera HD and asking if you wish to import them. One click (Yes to import all) will then do it.
- thats it!

Note that if you have a lot of movie files then it may take a while for the new window (above) to appear. The first time I did it it happened almost immediately - but I only had about 5 minutes of movie. My vacation footage was over 2 hours and the new window took several minutes to come up.

Good luck

Smoog