Camcorder to MacBook Air

>I was just plugging it all in, but iMovie wouldn’t recognise the device.

The following about import from tape-based cameras could perhaps be of some help:

https://help.apple.com/imovie/mac/10.1/#/mov6fa10197d

>I’ve been transferring old VHS tapes

That would have been an analogue transfer.

>leads I need to capture my camcorder tapes

Analogue transfers can use composite (RCA) or S-Video. Similar to an example on page 53 in the

(English) GR-DVL157EG camcorder instruction manual (via the link in my previous message).

Page 54 in the instruction manual shows another example, a digital transfer using FireWire (IEEE 1394/i.LINK/DV).

If possible, a full digital transfer should be chosen (higher quality).

Correction II:

Analogue transfers can use composite (RCA) or S-Video. Similar to an example on page 52 in the

(English) GR-DVL157EG camcorder instruction manual (via the link in my previous message).

A separate capture device with software would digitise video in case of a computer connection (USB).

Hello,

It is difficult to understand the reason for omitting a MacBook Air (13-inch, Early 2014) in the Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter compatibility list (which includes other Macs with both Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 ports). Maybe the list just is not complete. The system requirements say "Thunderbolt-equipped Mac computer".

There may be other reasons why your camcorder is not recognised. The FireWire (IEEE 1394/i.LINK/DV) cable appears to be OK. It could be a software problem. Which application(s) have you been testing? For information about programs, procedures, et cetera, it may not be a bad idea to have a look at posts by (for example) thesurreyfriends and Rich839 in the iMovie for Mac forum.

The GR-DVL157E (if necessary, an instruction manual can be found via https://www3.jvckenwood.com/english/support/) is not specifically mentioned in iMovie for macOS supported cameras – Apple Support, but a Note 2 (Tape) says that "iMovie works with most mini DV tape-based camcorders using DV and HDV formats. Use FireWire port for tape-based devices.", so it should be possible to carry out a transfer. However, there have been reports about both successful and not so successful attempts with various camcorders. The iMovie version could possibly be a factor, and it may be worth testing a transfer via an older Mac with a built-in FireWire port.

Correction (link):

The following about import from tape-based cameras could perhaps be of some help:

https://help.apple.com/imovie/mac/10.1/#/mov6af9c94c1

Hi,

Following adapters could connect between MacBook Air and Camcorder.

https://www.amazon.com/DIGITNOW-Capture-Converter-Digital-Windows/dp/B07XP159GX/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=USB+to+S-Video%2C+component+video&qid=1589022433&s=computers-intl-ship&sr=1-2

https://www.amazon.com/UCEC-Capture-Device-Converter-Windows/dp/B07PS2TD9L/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=usb+to+s-video%2C+component+video+mac+os&qid=1589022578&s=electronics&sr=1-2

To begin with, please let us know the camcorder make and model.

Also, information about the exact MacBook Air model/year (and its operating system version) would help.

Hi,

Which model of MacBook Air and Camcorder you have?

You can try to search Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter for digital connection.

This one is not compatible with your MacBook Air:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter

But may be you can find exactly Thunderbolt (not Thunderbolt-2) to FireWire adapter.

Do search this community:

https://discussions.apple.com/community/ilife/imovie

Perhaps you will find an answer…

Your MacBook Air doesn't have Thunderbolt-2 port. See specification:

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201862

This adapter is not compatible with your Mac. Check the section "Compatibility":

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD464LL/A/apple-thunderbolt-to-firewire-adapter

For this adapter you need to have at least MacBook Air early 2015.