What is the best way to capture video from both a Sony MiniDV and Sony Digital8 Camcorder on a 2019 iMac?

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What is the best way to capture video from both a Sony MiniDV and Sony Digital8 Camcorder on a 2019 iMac?

Need to transfer about 40 tapes in all from a Sony MiniDV Camcorder DCR-HC52 and a Sony Digital8 DCR-TRV-315 Camcorder to a 2019 iMac. I am looking for an easy to use method. I'm asking because I believe the 2019 iMac does NOT have the standard Firewire or Thunderbolt ports, just USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3(USB-C). I am interested in both the cables needed and recommended software.

I did search the forums but cannot find anything for the 2019 iMac.

The only thing I have seen so far to use is the Elgato USB Analog Video Capture Device. But I am not sure if that works best for the 2019 iMac.

Thank you for any help or advice. Brad

Specs:

Hardware Overview:

Model Name: iMac running macOS Big Sur 11.1

Model Identifier: iMac19,1

Processor Name: 6-Core Intel Core i5

Processor Speed: 3.7 GHz

Number of Processors: 1

Total Number of Cores: 6

L2 Cache (per Core): 256 KB

L3 Cache: 9 MB

Memory: 40 GB

Posted on Jan 18, 2021 1:52 PM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Jan Hedlund

Level 7

24,235 points

Jan 23, 2021 9:01 PM in response to SgtDeadbolt

Hi,

The recommended method for transfers from a tape-based camcorder is FireWire/i.LINK/IEEE 1394. Both camcorders in this case have FireWire ports (4-pin).

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/3278/32789831M.pdf

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/res/manuals/3865/38659721M.pdf

See also this article:

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/camcorders-tape-camcorders/dcr-hc52/articles/00029443

iMovie for macOS supported cameras - Apple Support (see the Learn more section): "iMovie works with most mini DV tape-based camcorders using DV and HDV formats. Use FireWire port for tape-based devices."

If using a 2019 iMac, two adapters (and an appropriate cable) would be needed:

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

Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter - Apple

However, if you take a look at the iMovie for Mac - Apple Community discussions, you will notice that there have been some reports about difficulties with tape-based camcorders and the latest iMovie versions. So, the general advice appears to be to use a somewhat older Mac with a built-in FireWire port and a corresponding earlier iMovie version, if possible.

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Answer 2

Phil0124

Level 10

216,944 points

Jan 18, 2021 2:15 PM in response to SgtDeadbolt

Both cameras should be able to transfer video directly using a USB cable so all you would need is an adapter to convert from USB to USB-C (Thunderbolt 3) and use the USB cable that came with the cameras.

Those are quite easy to get online. USB-A to USB-C adapter - Amazon.com

Then just follow the transfer instructions from each camera. You can use the Image Capture App built in to macOS to transfer them quick and easily.

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/camcorders-tape-camcorders/dcr-hc52

https://www.sony.com/electronics/support/camcorders-tape-camcorders/dcr-trv315

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Answer 3

SgtDeadbolt Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 23, 2021 2:30 PM in response to Phil0124

Thank you again. Going back and looking carefully, neither camera came with a USB cable. One has a firewire cable and the other only a S-Video/Video cable with RCAs. Neither included a USB type cable. Since the 2019 Mac does not have a firewire cable, I will have to get a Thunderbolt to Firewire Adapter, and then plug that into another adapter to plug it into the USB-C port.

Too bad there is a cable that is 4-pin Firewire to USB-C. If there is, I cannot find one.

Thank you again.....I wish this was easier to do! Be well.

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Answer 4

SgtDeadbolt Author

Level 1

10 points

Jan 25, 2021 3:18 PM in response to Jan Hedlund

Hello, Thank you for the information. Greatly appreciated. Too bad Sony hasn't made something to deal with this as I am sure many are stuck in the same boat. I will read your suggestions. I do worry about going through so many adapters and losing quality, but it is what it is.

I am also learning more about the Elgato Video Capture

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0029U2YSA/ref=ask_ql_qh_dp_hza and seeing how that works.

Either way, I am going to need some adapters.

Thank you again. Be well.....Brad

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