None of my Sony Handycams will let me import my tapes into iMac 2017 to iMovie using a firewire. When connected iMovie shows that it does see the handycam, but it will not allow me to import anything. It does not even let me view or play control from iMovie. I've tried the USB port, restarting my computer, switching the settings in my handycams. Very frustrating....
Sony Handycam models that I have been trying:
DCR-TRV103
DCR-HC40
DCR-HC62
Help please
Hi, LostOn3,
I believe that the owner's manual for the HC40 requires the camera to be turned on before connecting to a Mac. Check your manual to review the steps, if you have not already done so.
Also, here's Apple's instructions for connecting to a tape based camera and importing into iMovie:
https://help.apple.com/imovie/mac/10.1/#/mov6af9c94c1
You also can try importing directly to your Mac instead of into iMovie. You can do that with the Image Capture app on your Mac.
-- Rich
Hi!
According to this specifications iMac 2017 does not have FireWire port:
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP760?locale=en_US
https://support.apple.com/kb/SP759?locale=en_US
What iMac model do you have?
Thank you for the response.
I had to buy 2 apple adapters to link the Sony handycam to the iMac 2017. Here is how I have them linked in sequence.
Sony Handycam > Firewire > Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter > Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 > iMac 2017
Try playing the tape by using the play controls on you cam' to give iMovie something to "chew" on.
With the tape playing hit import.
If iMovie sees an input it might do something.
This has worked for some on here in the past.
You could try the Record feature in QuickTime Player which is on your Mac, but it is becoming increasingly more difficult to import tape into iMovie with latter OSs and Macs, although some do have success even using the 2 adaptors that you have mentioned above. Anyway give QTP a go, after trying my first suggestion.
In my post above I meant to add a link to the QuickTime Player help.
https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201066
I see. And does your camera present in device list? Try to open About This Mac and find your camera in Thunderbolt device list. Is over there something like digital camera?
Sorry for carelessness. You already said that iMovie see your camera. I think the problem is in many converters from camera FireWire port to iMac Thunderbolt port.
thesurreyfriends,
I tried both of your suggestions and nothing...
Thanks for your suggestions.
Yeah I guess it was an expensive way too find out that it doesn't work.
Sony handycams to iMac iMovie
