Importing video from 8mm video camera to iMac

Yes, from my Sony DCR-TVR520 -- also a Hi-8/Digital8 hybrid model. In fact, I just pulled it out and made a quick import test to ensure nothing has changed following the various iMovie and OS updates. It still works with both iMovie '06 and '08.

Any help here would be greatly appreciated. I'm a pretty happy Mac convert but this problem is quite annoying.

Can only repeat my work flow and hope it might work for you:
1) Attach AC power supply. (Some users have reported their movies only import when the camcorder is attached to the AC power supply.)
2) Ensure camcorder is set to "DV Out" option.
3) Connect FireWire cable between computer and camcorder.
4) Open the iMovie '08 application and turn on the camcorder in the VTR mode. (Some users report the camcorder must be turned on when the application is opened and others say iMovie '08 must be opened first. Mine works either way.)
5) I use my recorder in the "Manual" mode (i.e., "dumb" protocol mode), so when the "Import" window opens, I get a "blue" screen and have to manually start camcorder playback to get a picture to begin playing in the iMovie "Import" window.
6) At this point I fast forward or rewind to approximate point at which I wish to begin capture.
7) Again set the camcorder to play and press the "Import" button in the iMovie "Import" window to open the "Event" navigation window and enter your settings. (My camcorder pauses while I am doing this.)
8) When I accept the storage settings, capture begins and continues until I manually stop it. If breaks or dropped frames are detected, events are automatically broken into separate clips. (Note: I my case Events are named according to the date of import but the individual clips reflect the Date/Time stamp from when the content was shot.)
9) When done with your capture session, simply press the "Done" button to close the window.
This workflow seems to work with both the DCR-TVR520 and my HDR-HC3.