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Helpful articles for Final Cut Pro for Mac, Final Cut Pro for iPad and Final Cut Camera:
I stopped editing 10 years ago and want to start again.
I want to import VHS and DV tape footage to my iMac. Will programmes like iMovie and Final Cut Pro convert it into something I can edit, or do I need another program to convert it first?
many thanks
iMac Pro
Apple offer a 30 day free trial of FCPX, so you can see if it works for you without cost. No need for credit cards, no need to cancel, it just stops after 30 days. You still have any imported video though.
https://www.apple.com/uk/final-cut-pro/trial/
Hopefully you won't have any problems capturing the DV tapes into FCPX or iMovie.
Your Sony can record an analog input( VHS) to tape as you say, or signal convert it to the FireWire out.The signal convert function can be found later in your instruction booklet under the section connecting cam' to computer.
For the VHS tapes you might want to see if the signal convert function works first as you can go straight into the Mac rather than to tape first and then into the Mac. For this I would suggest you use the Record function in QuickTime Player as it probably won't import into FCPX or iMovie due to timecode not being present.
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201066
If you cannot import VHS tape using QuickTike Player with signal convert then try recording to camcorder tape as suggested by Tom. This method should provide timecode, so you should then be able to transfer this into FCPX or iMovie.
You will need OS 10.14.6 or later to download FCPX ( trial or otherwise).
Importing tape based media ( including signal convert/pass through) appears to have become more difficult with the more recent OS's so if you are wanting FCPX then try the free trial first. 30 days starts the moment you first launch it, so be set up ready to go.
If FCPX can't import your media but QuickTime Player can, then you can still bring this into FCPX of course.
Apple offer a 30 day free trial of FCPX, so you can see if it works for you without cost. No need for credit cards, no need to cancel, it just stops after 30 days. You still have any imported video though.
https://www.apple.com/uk/final-cut-pro/trial/
Hopefully you won't have any problems capturing the DV tapes into FCPX or iMovie.
Your Sony can record an analog input( VHS) to tape as you say, or signal convert it to the FireWire out.The signal convert function can be found later in your instruction booklet under the section connecting cam' to computer.
For the VHS tapes you might want to see if the signal convert function works first as you can go straight into the Mac rather than to tape first and then into the Mac. For this I would suggest you use the Record function in QuickTime Player as it probably won't import into FCPX or iMovie due to timecode not being present.
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201066
If you cannot import VHS tape using QuickTike Player with signal convert then try recording to camcorder tape as suggested by Tom. This method should provide timecode, so you should then be able to transfer this into FCPX or iMovie.
You will need OS 10.14.6 or later to download FCPX ( trial or otherwise).
Importing tape based media ( including signal convert/pass through) appears to have become more difficult with the more recent OS's so if you are wanting FCPX then try the free trial first. 30 days starts the moment you first launch it, so be set up ready to go.
If FCPX can't import your media but QuickTime Player can, then you can still bring this into FCPX of course.
The DV tape can be captured. iMovie and the QuickTime player are more forgiving that FCP. The VHS will need a digital converter. You might be able to use the DV camera, or copy the analog tapes to DV tape.
Thanks Tom. Are you saying, if I went down the Final Cut route I would be able to directly import the DV tapes with the correct leads, but would need to convert the VHS stuff?
if that’s the case, is there a programme/converter you know of or would recommend?
Thanks again
What is the year /model of the iMac that you will be using?
This will determine if you can purchase FCPX for this machine, assuming that you don't have it already.
What version of iMovie are you hoping to use.?
If you are hoping to use the latest version of iMovie then this again will be determined by the year/model of your Mac, particularly if you have never had version 10 before.
What is the make and model of the DV camcorder you will use for the DV tapes? Not all DV camcorders have video/ audio input.
If a camcorder does not have v/a inputs then you cannot record to tape.Those that do generally also have the ability to convert analog to digital ( VHS to digital), allowing analog to digital pass through.
If you are using a Mac from ,say ,10 years ago or more , then it is likely to have a FireWire port and iMovie ver 8 or 9.
If this is the case then you may be able to do what you want but may not be able to use FCPX or iMovie ver 10.
If you can provide the additional info then it may be possible to provide more help and guidance.
Many thanks for the response. I have a few camcorders with one of the older ones being a Sony DCR-PC1000E. I’ve just dug out the instruction booklet and it states you can record from TV/video to it, though it’s something I’ve never tried.
The iMac I use is a 2016 27” Retina Display model. The spec is:
4.0GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz• 16GB 1867MHz DDR3 SDRAM - two 8GB• 512GB Flash Storage• AMD Radeon R9 M390 with 2GB video memory.
I have the correct leads (using an Apple FireWire adapter) to connect the DV (iLink) cameras to the Mac.
I don’t currently have iMovie or Final Cut. I believe the spec of my Mac may be adequate for both. I was thinking of diving straight in with the FCPX package but I’m happy to be advised and pointed in a different direction by those more knowledgeable than myself.
Thanks again
Thanks Tom. I’ve had the Mac for over three years. My son has mainly used it but now he’s got a new PC I felt it was time I returned to editing (which was why I originally bought it). I recall seeing the ap for iMovie and had a play about with it but for some reason thought it was for a trial period. Thanks for the clarification.
I would recommend copying the VHS to DV tape.
You have iMovie. If it isn’t in your Mac, you can download it from the App Store. It’s one of the free system applications like Pages and GarageBand.
Thanks so much for taking the time to explain that. Looking forward to having a go at it.
your assistance is greatly appreciated 👍🏻
Importing to iMovie or Final Cut Pro
