Need help with NEW Panasonic PV-GS320

[dsquared]

Thanks to SCOOTERANDY advise on a camcorder, I purchased the Panasonic PV-GS320. My question is "How do I connect to the Mac?" I have a firewire cable, but the manual doesn't really explain how to get it connected. I plugged the firewire into the camera and into the mac. I set the camcorder to Tape Playback Mode but nothing happens. If I turn the camera on, still nothing happens. Like with my digital camera, once I plug it into the computer and turn the camera on, iphoto automatically opens up. I guess I thought if I plugged the camcorder in, iMovie would open. I'm not sure what it is I'm not doing..I'd appreciate any help!

Thanks

 

[bigbossbmb]

iMovie won't open by itself... have you opened it manually?

I've never used iMovie, but I would think once it's open you just need to go into capture mode.

 

[angrygolfer]

You need to manually open iMovie. It will ask the format you're using (mini-DV, Hi8, HD, etc.) I don't remember but you may need to also select the source (your camera) from one of the menus.

 

[Goldwing99]

Panasonic PV-GS320 w/ iMovie

Angrygolfer is correct.

You must first open iMovie to import video from the camera.

So, open iMovie, ensure your camera is plugged in, and switched to "Tape Playback Mode. Switch the camera on. iMovie will launch a "Tape Playback" window.

In the bottom left corner of this window are two settings: Automatic and Manual. If you want iMovie to handle the the entire import from rewinding the tape and importing it will do so. Otherwise leave the switch in manual mode.

Click the import button on the right side of the window, and the import will begin. If the "Manual" switch is selected, you will have to manually rewind the tape. Follow the prompts for titling, and you will be fine.

iMovie can only import at normal tape playback speed, so begin the import and walk away. You will see the video rerun enough times during editing.

Hope that helps.

 

[PhixionFilms]

Thanks to SCOOTERANDY advise on a camcorder, I purchased the Panasonic PV-GS320. My question is "How do I connect to the Mac?" I have a firewire cable, but the manual doesn't really explain how to get it connected. I plugged the firewire into the camera and into the mac. I set the camcorder to Tape Playback Mode but nothing happens. If I turn the camera on, still nothing happens. Like with my digital camera, once I plug it into the computer and turn the camera on, iphoto automatically opens up. I guess I thought if I plugged the camcorder in, iMovie would open. I'm not sure what it is I'm not doing..I'd appreciate any help!

Thanks

I have the exact same camcorder. Best investment ive ever made, next to my apple computer. But like the gentlemen said above, after you plug the firewire in, manually start iMovie or Final Cut and you will be ready to go.

 

[oshmia]

which cable did you get?

i just unwrapped my imac (beautiful) and i want to connect my panasonic pv-gs320 so i can start editing movies. is this the right cable i need to purchase?

http://store.apple.com/us/product/TU942LL/A?mco=MTI5NzY4NDM

it is the belkin 9-pin to 4-pin cable (firewire 800/400). I can't find the specs in the panasonic operating instruction. thanks

 

[KeriJane]

Hello.

Welcome to the Forum.

Yes, your camera appears to have a standard Mini-DV port behind the battery and that cable should work fine.

That particular camera also has a Mini-USB port (also behind the battery) so you could connect it with a USB cable instead of the Mini-DV.

Firewire (FW) also goes by: "DV", "Mini-DV", "IEEE1394" and iLink. You can plug a FW400 camera into a FW800 computer or vice-versa so long as you have the correct adaptors or cables. It will auto-negotiate to the lower speed (FW400) which is quite a lot faster than USB in the real world.

If you have a choice between FW and USB, it's best to use FW.

Why they put the ports behind the battery is beyond me. Apparently Panasonic prefers that you run it off AC power when capturing.


Anyhow, your new iMac has a very nice editing program called iMovie already on it. You can burn it to DVD, upload it to YouTube, make a file, etc..
Have Fun,
Keri

 

[chkdg8]

Does anyone know how to hook up the GS320 as a second webcam so I can switch views with camtwist?