Sony DCR-SR42 Handycam

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Level 1

5 points

Sony DCR-SR42 Handycam

I have just purchased a Sony DCR-SR42 Camcorder. I tried to upload my video to my iMac. I have what I believed to be uploaded the video footage to my movies folder on the hard drive of the computer. I am unable to open it in Quicktime (I get an error) and I am unable to transfer it to iMovie to edit, etc?

After checking some posts, I see the iMac is not compatible to Mpeg2 files. This is what my camcorder records its video in.

Is there anything I can do to make my video and camcorder compatible to my iMac and iMovie?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Jul 2, 2007 10:35 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Bengt Wärleby

Level 6

19,458 points

Jul 2, 2007 10:50 AM in response to mekershner

Hi m

NO - Sony DCR-SR42 is a hard disk Camera. It's meant for rapid viewing NOT
for editing.

Best recommondation is Sorry to say it. Try to get it changed it will not deliver
in full digital quality with iMovie or FinalCut Express or Pro. Sorry

If this isn't possibly then there are only two options - both as bad.
1. Analog out from Camera to an analog/digital box like a Canopus ADVC-55,
Canopus ADVC-110 or Canopus ADVC-300.
2. By USB importing the mpeg-2 file and converting this to streamingDV that
iMovie or FCE/P accepts.

Both will work - but the result will be losy.

If You can change - select a miniDV (tape) Camera with a FireWire out
FW has more names like: Digital in/out - FireWire - IEEE 1394 - i.Link
all are the same.

FW in and out are Great as You can save full quality to a new tape.

Yours Bengt W

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Answer 2

mekershner Author

Level 1

5 points

Jul 2, 2007 11:35 AM in response to Bengt Wärleby

Thank you for the info. I had someone post on the quicktime discussion board that I could easily take care of the problem.

This was the post.

ll you need to bridge the gap between your camcorder MPEG-2 and iMovie is Apple's MPEG-2 playback component ($20) and an MPEG capable video converter like SimpleMovieX or MPEG Streamclip.
(QuickTime Pro and most QuickTime based programs don't transcode MPEG-2 audio, so forget them).

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Answer 3

Jul 3, 2007 3:20 AM in response to mekershner

Yes

That's about what I clumsily tried to say too.

You need a A/D-box or converting programs. But both ways gives rather
degraded quality.

Another Camera - is sour - but will make life much easier in future.

Yours Bengt W

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Answer 4

snikkr43

Level 1

5 points

Jul 6, 2007 10:42 PM in response to mekershner

I have just purchased a Sony DCR-SR42 Camcorder. I
tried to upload my video to my iMac. >

Is there anything I can do to make my video and
camcorder compatible to my iMac and iMovie?

I had the same problem and bought the Canopus ADVC 110. The quality is not bad at all! I am so happy I don't have to get rid of my Sony. It is a great little converter. Just hook it up to your mac and connect your sony to it with analog cable and it pops up ready to be edited!
Good Luck!

imac Mac OS X (10.4.9)

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