Sony Handycam DCR-HC36 convert to Imovie11?

[famsiem]

I am trying to import videos from a Sony Handycam DCR-HC36 camera into Imovie 11.

I already know that this Sony is not compatible with my IMAC desktop (or macBook Pro) Imovie 11.

While surfing on the net I found out that there seems to be ways to convert this type of video so I can work with it on Imovie.
My goal is to take certain clips from those DV videos and make them into a DVD for the high school graduation of one of our kids.

Anyone can help?

Thanks!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

And have you connected the DV camcorder via Firewire cable* to the iMac (which model/year) or MacBook Pro and cannot access it via IMPOR FROM TAPE?

*

 

[famsiem]

Yes, I bought the correct firewire cable; we have a desktop IMAC 2011, and it does not come up on Imovie, or in Finder. I checked the HELP in Imovie and the SOny Handycam DCR-HC36 is not in the list of compatible camcorders... Same for my Macbook Pro (model september 2010)....

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Yes, I bought the correct firewire cable; we have a desktop IMAC 2011, and it does not come up on Imovie, or in Finder. I checked the HELP in Imovie and the SOny Handycam DCR-HC36 is not in the list of compatible camcorders... Same for my Macbook Pro (model september 2010)....

Since it is tape based, it will not show as any kind of external device in Finder.

Connect the DV camcorder to the iMac, set the camcorder to PLAY/VCR, go to Finder > Applications / Utilities (CMD+SHIFT+U) / System Profiler (Mac OS X 10.6) or System Information (Mac OS X 10.7 or OS X 10.8) > Hardware > Firewire and see, what is listed there.
Other than that, you can capture DV footage via QT Player.

If that does not work, then the problem is the connection, as many have had problems with 4-pin to 9-pin Firewire cable connected directly to modern Macs only coming with Firewire 800.
I solved that by connecting an external Firewire 800 HDD to the Mac and connecting the camera to the HDD.

 

[famsiem]

Thanks... I still can't connect through Finder etc. as you described. This is all I get in hardware/Firewire:

FireWire Bus:

Maximum Speed: Up to 800 Mb/sec

Also tried through QT player, did not work.

On to your next suggestion- what should I get for a Firewire 800 HDD ? Does Best Buy carry any?

Thank you so much, I am kind of a nitwit, but I am learning...

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Thanks... I still can'y connect through Finder etc. as you described.

A video tape is not a storage device that carries files, it carries signals and bits, thus it is not available via Finder.

This is all I get in hardware/Firewire:

FireWire Bus:

Maximum Speed: Up to 800 Mb/sec

Nothing more?

Also tried through QT player, did not work.

This also points, like the System Profiler / System Information bit, that the camera is not recognised.

On to your next suggestion- what should I get for a Firewire 800 HDD ?

As you could use that HDD for storing the files captured from the DV camera (1 hour of footage takes 12 to 13 GB of storage capacity), get one with enough storage capacity to capture all your tapes (1 TB HDD should suffice for 60 hours of footage while still having more than 10% (as recommended) of its capacity unused).
I have had good experiences with multiple WD My Book Studio HDDs, 1 TB might cost around 100 USD.
Or spend around 130 USD for a 2.5" WD My Passport Studio, that way you could take it with you more easily, if you need to.

Does Best Buy carry any?

I do not know that, as I never have been to that store.
Depending on your location, the probably might. You could call there first.

 

[famsiem]

Thank you so much - I will study a bit to see what I can get - will need something to store about 70 (!) mini DV's on it - each has 60 min footage on it and would like, once I am at it, to buy something for back up (and then I hope that will be able to be used for the many years to come...). I will certainly let you know what works.... thanks again!

 

[simsaladimbamba]

Thank you so much - I will study a bit to see what I can get - will need something to store about 70 (!) mini DV's on it - each has 60 min footage on it and would like, once I am at it, to buy something for back up (and then I hope that will be able to be used for the many years to come...). I will certainly let you know what works.... thanks again!

While 1 TB can store 70 DV tapes, the HDD would be almost full, which is not recommended, thus I recommend getting a 1.5 TB HDD with Firewire 800 and for backing that up, you could get a 2 TB USB HDD, that should cost around 300 USD.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

You should be able to download with the supplied software and your usb cord.

Do you even know what you are talking about, since what you recommended does not work in this case?
Since this is your only post since registering four days ago, you might not be a spammer, but then again, ... .

 

[daybreak]

I think all new members should introduce themselves and tell us what equipment and what field of software they are into.
All this long winded question on Sony camera and iMovie tells me he is not following basic steps. First port of call would be Sony Camera Web page. Then the Apple site which has been explained.
If you are not going to edit material... burn them straight unto a DVD via video recorder.

 

[famsiem]

for Simsaladimbamba

TO Simsaladinbamba: I used Video2PC adaptor for even older Home videos (HI8) and was actually able to use this for SONY Mini DV's - works great. Now on to storage and back up , easy with your directions. Thanks again for all your help!