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Mini DVD to MacBook pro

hi I recently got an old Sony handycam camcorder that supports mini dvds and I’d like to be able to use them to store the videos does anyone know the best way for this or give me a link to any mini dvd to MacBook adaptors?


Thanks

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.14

Posted on May 29, 2021 4:17 AM

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Posted on Jun 1, 2021 4:57 PM

Okay so how do you suggest getting the videos off the camcorder and onto the computer?

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7 replies

May 31, 2021 2:07 PM in response to iside179

I would not store my only copy of any data onto any CD/DVD as optical media degrades over time. Using a mini DVD is even more risky since you need to either use a tray loading optical drive or you need an adapter to use the mini-DVD with a slot loading optical drive.


Edit: You should always have multiple copies/backups of any important data even if they are located on external media. You also need to consider how you will access the data in the future if the specialized hardware breaks or is no longer supported.

Jun 1, 2021 12:28 PM in response to iside179

Additionally, there isn't an "adapter" that I have ever seen - if you want to use mini DVDs, the best solution is a player/burner that has a tray which accommodates both regular and mini sizes.


And, as HWTech mentioned, the only "safe" DVD media would be the ones rated for 100 years (I believe Verbatim has or had those).


Edit: @ HWTech - your post didn't show until I hit post.

Jun 1, 2021 5:35 PM in response to iside179

Your original post sounded like you wanted to store the pictures/videos on the discs themselves long term which I don't recommend. I also don't recommend just storing the only copies on USB sticks or SD Cards. Make sure your pictures and videos are backed up just like you do with your computer (or you should be doing with the computer). Any media which contains important data should have multiple copies/backups. All media will fail at some point or the media can be damaged or accidentally erased.


Usually cameras and camcorders allow you to connect them to a computer in order to access their data.

Jun 1, 2021 7:34 PM in response to iside179

That all depends on the camcorder + what connections it has. If you see yellow, red and white, that means it’s composite. So you’d need a composite video cable to a composite-female to usb adapter… then if needed, a usb-c to usb-a female adapter.you’d also need a copy of the video capture software.. obs studio.. available https://obsproject.com/

unless your mini dvd uses one of those slightly strange Sony formats.. you should be good to go. Put the camcorder into playback mode, ensure it’s plugged into a power supply, shut down your Mac, make the connection between camcorder + mac, start up your mac, get obs studio going, ensure there’s a mini dvd in there, then press play on the camcordef and that should be it


good luck to you


john b

Mini DVD to MacBook pro

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