I plug my sony-dcr-pc109e camcorder into my new imac and nothing happens.

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I plug my sony-dcr-pc109e camcorder into my new imac and nothing happens.

I am using firewire and the camera is not listed in the camcorders that go with imovie 09. But surely there is something that can be done? It's my mothers camera so I need help so that she can use it. ANYONE? Thanks

imac 27", Mac OS X (10.6.2), Problems connecting sony dcr-pc109e

Posted on Nov 25, 2009 7:56 AM

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Answer 1

Nov 25, 2009 8:11 AM in response to vesturport

Firewire cameras are not listed individually in the Apple compatibility document because 99.9% of them work. Yours should work.

Tell us more about your camera and how you are connecting it. For one thing, make sure the camera is plugged in to wall power. Battery power will not work for import from a firewire camera.

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Answer 2

vesturport Author

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Nov 26, 2009 4:04 AM in response to AppleMan1958

Thank you for getting back to me.

Here is a link that shows the specs for the camera:

http://www.sony.co.uk/product/sdh-minidv/dcr-pc109e

I did plug it into the wall - still nothing:(?

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Answer 3

mave1ick

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Nov 26, 2009 6:14 AM in response to vesturport

Have the same problem here although with a Sony DCR-SR70. I also can't open some of my projects. I have to force stop iMovie. I did not download from my camcorder since installing Snowleopard. Has something to do with that?

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Answer 4

Nov 26, 2009 6:56 AM in response to vesturport

I notice that your camera has i.link (which is Firewire) and DV in and out.
Here are two more things to check based on a Sony digital 8 camera that I on.

1) Check your manual to see if you have to turn on the i.Link (firewire). Some cameras may turn this off by default to save power.

2) Make sure you camera is set to DV Out. Your camera will also accept DV In, which means you can record from another DV device onto your camera.

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Answer 5

vesturport Author

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Nov 26, 2009 1:45 PM in response to AppleMan1958

I see in my manual that they have the options of STD-USB, USB STREAM and PICTBRIDGE.

I cant find a specific for firewire, so I assume it is on. I tried turning the USB STREAM off and it seems that I am connected through the DV out (the DV in has a different insert option on the camera itself).

Any other ideas? Should I try some other programs than Imovie?

Thanks again
gisli

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Answer 6

Craig303

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Nov 26, 2009 8:07 PM in response to vesturport

Plug your "off" camera into your running iMac, then turn the camera on and put into playback mode, then start up iMovie! It should now recognize cam and be ready to import footage!

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Answer 7

Nov 27, 2009 3:46 AM in response to vesturport

I plug my JVC HM200 high def camcorder into my macbook and nothing happens. iMovie 09 doesn't even recognise the MPL file format. I have been assured by 'everyone' that the camera will be compatible with mac.

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Answer 8

vesturport Author

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Nov 28, 2009 6:05 AM in response to Craig303

Hi again, still I have had no luck? Any other ideas:)

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Answer 9

Dec 1, 2009 3:42 AM in response to vesturport

imac doesn't support the dcr-pc1201e - go to iLife and look into camcorders that it does support and you will find that you're particular camera doesn't work. i am about 2 days ahead of you and still searching for a solution. Apple help advised I should buy a converter for analogue to digital but they aren't available in Australia!

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