Digital 8 footage to Macbook pro

Question

Digital 8 footage to Macbook pro

I have a major dilemma regarding transferring digital 8 footage to my Macbook Pro.

Here are the details:

1) I have a Sony DCR-TRV 140 (Digital 8).

2) Connect via Firewire: Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 to firewire to handycam to iMovie. But iMovie doesn’t support this camera, so I’m hesitant about buying all these expensive adapters when theres a slight chance it will recognize the handycam. Or capture the video using Quicktime, which I also don’t know if it will recognize the handycam. Maybe i’m looking for reassurance, I’m not sure. I heard iMovie doesn't support Digital 8 anymore?? Can anyone back up or debunk this claim for me?

3) Capture video with elgato, if compatible with this handycam model. This process, I’m not too familiar with at all.

Thus, both options are equally expensive and doubt is casting over my mind. What should I do?

Thoughts, comments, and help is greatly greatly greatly appreciated!

Posted on Oct 1, 2019 2:27 PM

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Answer 1

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

23,401 points

Oct 1, 2019 5:06 PM in response to angelicacastillo

>But iMovie doesn’t support this camera,

>I heard iMovie doesn't support Digital 8 anymore??

According to note 2 in the article iMovie for macOS supported cameras - Apple Support, "iMovie works with most mini DV tape-based camcorders using DV and HDV formats. Use FireWire port for tape-based devices." A Digital 8 camcorder like the Sony DCR-TRV 140 should not be too different as far as connectivity is concerned. However, there have been comments about certain iMovie versions working while others do not, so you may want to carry out tests. In this context, do you have access to (or could borrow) an older Mac with a built-in FireWire port (which would not require expensive adapters)?

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/W000/W0003021M.pdf

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/camcorders-tape-camcorders/dcr-trv140/articles/00029443

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Answer 2

Oct 1, 2019 9:57 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Hello!

Thanks for the response!

Unfortunately, I don’t have access to older Macs with an older version of iMovie.

I have the most up to date version of iMovie, Final Cut Pro, & Adobe Premiere. I’m scared the programs are too new that it won’t recognize the camera at all, but I guess the only way is to try! If the 1st option doesn't work, ill try the video capture device which is expensive too :’(

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Answer 3

Rich839

Level 8

47,688 points

Oct 2, 2019 9:08 AM in response to angelicacastillo

Hi, angelica,

Most tape based cameras are supported. An Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter only costs $29.00 on Amazon. You might consider purchasing one and seeing if your camcorder will transfer the footage to your Mac.

Rather than importing directly into iMovie the recommended way is to import into the Photos app. You can then access your video clips from within iMovie by clicking on the Photos item in the sidebar of an iMovie project.

Another way is to import to your Mac by using the Image Capture app on your Mac.

-- Rich

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