Mini dv cassette to macbook

[eyesawred2]

Hello
I have a Canon Vixia camcorder that I use, alot. I use the mini dv cassette instead of the memory card. I would like to transfer the mini dv cassette to my macbook.

What kind of equipment do I need? I know a need a firewall cable. There is a Hd/DV outlet. But, is there anything else?

If I connect the firewall cable should iMovie recognize it immediately? If not what other software do I need?

Thanks.

 

[Aldaris]

Depends on the MacBook

If you have a firewire input your good to go! If not you'll end up needing a USB capture stick.

 

[tonyburkhart]

Which model Macbook and which model Canon Vixia do you have?

The Canon Vixia models I researched on CNET have a USB output, not a FireWire output.

If it does have a FireWire output and your Macbook has a FireWire connection, then as Aldaris said, you're good to go.

 

[spinnerlys]

iMovie '08 Camcorder Support
iMovie '09 Camcorder Support


Firewire 400 (6-pin) port on white MacBook til October 2009

Aluminum MacBooks and the white Unibody MacBooks don't have Firewire.

Your camera has a 4-pin Firewire port.

You need a cable with those two ends:

You camera's Firewire port looks like this:

If your Mac does not have any Firewire port, you can't capture video from a miniDV tape (cassette), there is no way, not even with some non-existent Firewire to USB adapter.

Also, Canon has several camcorders in their Vixia series, so you need to be more specific, for example Canon HF 10.


Additional information on the three current Firewire ports:

 

[eyesawred2]

Outstanding!!

Thanks gentleman (or ladies) for all the information. I am going to best buy in the morning and I feel like I am fully prepared. I hate best buy.