Sony DCR TRV10E to iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

Question

Level 1

8 points

Sony DCR TRV10E to iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

I have been trying for weeks to get my old perfectly working 1999 Sony camcorder (DCR TRV 10E) with "mini DV cassettes" connected to my iMac (iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017). I want to import the old cassettes and start working with them in iMovie.

I have ordered several cables but none work.

Sony says I need their iLink cable but can't find that. the one that looked like it didn't work

Sony helpline is not helpful.

I include 2 pictures of my handycam ports and cables

I hope somebody can help

Thanks

Corine

iMac, OS X 10.10

Posted on Nov 28, 2020 6:51 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Nov 29, 2020 4:15 PM in response to cmbtn

Hello,

To begin with, have a look at the second picture in this article:

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/support/camcorders-tape-camcorders/dcr-trv10e/articles/00029443

A 4-pin to 9-pin FireWire cable connects the camcorder and the adapter. i.LINK = IEEE1394 = FireWire.

The adapter would be this one:

Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter - Apple (UK).

However, an extra adapter is needed for the connection to your computer model:

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple (UK).

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."

While there have been reports about successful DV connections using double adapters, there have also been reports about problems. An older version of iMovie may work better. A direct FireWire connection to an older Mac with a built-in FireWire port may work better. So, look upon this as an experiment.

iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) - Technical Specifications

Reply

Answer 2

cmbtn Author

Level 1

8 points

Dec 3, 2020 11:40 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Thanks a lot, both of you.

I used my old iMac and after downloading an old iMovie version from the App Store (only possible after login with Apple ID) I am now happily importing all old tapes.

Thanks for your help!

Reply

Answer 3

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Nov 30, 2020 7:18 AM in response to cmbtn

Hello Corine,

Yes, I can only confirm what Ian R. Brown said, try the 2010 iMac first.

iMac (27-inch, Mid 2010) - Technical Specifications

https://manuals.info.apple.com/MANUALS/1000/MA1543/en_US/iMac_Mid2010_UG.pdf#p19

Since that machine has a FireWire 800 port, a 9-pin to 4-pin cable (similar to the one in your link) is needed.

Good luck!

Jan

Reply

Answer 4

Nov 30, 2020 6:10 AM in response to cmbtn

Your 2010 iMac is definitely the one to use.

That looks like the correct one ........... 9 pin to 4 pin.

However, it looks very expensive. They can be bought for less than £4 on the UK Amazon.

I have always used the cheapest USB, FireWire, HDMI and Optical cables and never had a problem.

Reply

Answer 5

cmbtn Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 30, 2020 3:59 AM in response to Jan Hedlund

Hi Jan

Thank you very much for your answer. If you think the even older iMac might work better I might try that first as I also have an I-mac (27" 2010) which I think has one firewire port.

would I then only need the first cable you mention? like this? https://www.bol.com/nl/p/firewire-800-9-pins-naar-firewire-400-4-pins-kabel-lengte-1-5-m/9200000106987073/

Reply

Answer 6

cmbtn Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 30, 2020 6:46 AM in response to Ian R. Brown

Thanks! Ill look at the dutch amazon and let you both know if it works

Reply

Answer 7

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Dec 4, 2020 3:29 AM in response to cmbtn

Hello again,

Thank you for the update. Glad to hear that it is working.

Kind regards,

Jan

Reply

Answer 8

Nov 30, 2020 7:07 AM in response to cmbtn

Even cheaper on eBay ............. £3.29

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/3m-Long-Firewire-800-to-400-9-Pin-to-4-Pin-Male-Cable-IEEE1394B-PC-Mac-CAMCORDER/352285847591?epid=6015221349&hash=item5205df7027:g:BLEAAOSwcO1aizyU

As I mentioned above, I have been using various "bargain-basement" cables for the last 20 years and never had a problem. The big name companies are simply ripping everybody off.

Reply

Sony DCR TRV10E to iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017)

Similar questions