HT201634: Identify the model of your iMac

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Q: i am trying to download hi8 video camcorder video to my iMac.

i am trying to download hi8 video camcorder video to my iMac.  I bought a three rca male to usb cable but the computer doesn't recognize the device. I also used the supplied Sony 3 rca to video audio cable which was not recognized.


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iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.4), Kensington Ci 70 wireless keyboard

Posted on Feb 5, 2016 4:34 PM

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Q: i am trying to download hi8 video camcorder video to my iMac.

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  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Feb 5, 2016 4:28 PM in response to GeneralPIC
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Feb 5, 2016 4:28 PM in response to GeneralPIC

    First off, do not post the serial number of your iMac on the forum.  That may be the key to your warranty.  I've asked the moderator to edit the subject line of this post.     Secondly, we need to know the exact model number (not serial number) of the Sony camcorder you have.  That will tell us what sort of connection is possible to connect your Mac to it.  Are you also trying to capture video into iMovie, Final Cut Pro, or some other movie editing software?  

  • by ChrisJ4203,

    ChrisJ4203 ChrisJ4203 Feb 5, 2016 4:30 PM in response to GeneralPIC
    Level 9 (57,056 points)
    iPhone
    Feb 5, 2016 4:30 PM in response to GeneralPIC

    I'm not sure about the Mac, but I've used a Sony with a Windows computer, and that required a FireWire port/cable, or what is called an IEEE 1394 interface. That was the only way to transfer the digital media.

  • by APPLEAL,

    APPLEAL APPLEAL Feb 5, 2016 5:17 PM in response to GeneralPIC
    Level 2 (165 points)
    Feb 5, 2016 5:17 PM in response to GeneralPIC

    I used video capture by Elgato seamlessly on a Macbook Pro with OS 10.10 last year.  I transferred old VHS tapes, but couldn't do 8mm as I didn't have a working 8mm player.

     

    https://www.elgato.com/en/video/video-capture

  • by a brody,

    a brody a brody Feb 5, 2016 5:45 PM in response to APPLEAL
    Level 9 (66,781 points)
    Classic Mac OS
    Feb 5, 2016 5:45 PM in response to APPLEAL

    Firewire is good, though remember many old Sony Camcorders only use 4 pin Firewire which does not supply power to the Camcorder.  Be sure to get it power through some other method.

     

    USB frequently transfers videos in compressed mode, often making it hard to convert to another compressed mode. 

     

    RCA cables and component cables are possible, but they are not always going to save the hi definition video you may be capturing.   You need to really need to know the model camera you have, so the best transfer method can be accomplished.   And different software have different abilities to capture.  There are various forums for Apple's own video capture software on this tip:

     

    http://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-2463