Sony DCR-HC52 Mini Dv

Question

Sony DCR-HC52 Mini Dv

Hi all, I am seriously considering buying a Sony DCR-HC52. I have been researching discussions concerning compatibilty between Sony and Mac OS. Sony's web-site gave no information on operating systems but, the camera does have the i.link port which I have read is vital to making it work with Imovie. Would I be correct in assuming that this will work? I am kinda stuck on Sony's because of the reliabilty and durabilty of their products that I've owned thus far. The overall quality has just been there in the products I've either owned or replaced with a Sony.

20" Aluminum Intel Imac, Mac OS X (10.5.1)

Posted on Feb 9, 2008 2:58 PM

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Answer 1

Jon Walker

Level 6

19,467 points

Feb 9, 2008 3:40 PM in response to chevroletrucks

Would I be correct in assuming that this will work?

While it would be foolish to say it will work with a 100% degree of certainty without owning one, I do believe your chances are better than with one of the HD/SD models. iMovie is compatible with "most" DV FireWire models. And, even if iMovie '08 should have a problem iMovie '06 will probably work. In addition, other import options are available. While I generally would not recommend its use over a dedicated capture application like iMovie, Final Cut, or even Vidi (free), even QT Pro can import DV files. I personally have no problems with either the DCR-TRV520 (Hi-8) or DCR-HC3 (SD/HD Mini-DV) with iMovie '08.

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Answer 2

Feb 9, 2008 4:05 PM in response to Jon Walker

I suppose even if it did not directly import the footage, I would still have the option of putting my home movies on dvd via: my sony dvd/vcr recorder and then simply importing thru dvd using dvdxdv. I have tried importing this way with older home movies that were on old TC-30 tapes that I put onto dvd with that device, and it worked fine.

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Answer 3

Jon Walker

Level 6

19,467 points

Feb 9, 2008 4:16 PM in response to chevroletrucks

I suppose even if it did not directly import the footage, I would still have the option of putting my home movies on dvd via: my sony dvd/vcr recorder and then simply importing thru dvd using dvdxdv.

This work flow remains viable with any version of iMovie. Added to iMovie '08 is the possibility of "imaging" DVD content and fooling iMovie '08 into recognizing it as DVD camcorder content and importing it via the "Import from Camera" special conversion routines. This approach does, however, seem "iffy" as some users report successful imports while others report total failure. Manual conversions whether by DVDxDV, MPEG Streamclip w/QT MPEG-2 Playback component, iSquint, Visual Hub, etc. all seem to be 100% effective.

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Answer 4

Feb 10, 2008 8:04 PM in response to chevroletrucks

I bought the camcorder today, I also bought the sony i,link cable at best buy which much to my dismay is only a 4 pin and the Imac requires a 6 pin. I ordered my adapter cable thru the apple store hopefully all will work.

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