Transfer miniDV tapes from Sony Handicap DCR-HC52 to iMac 24"(Monterrey)

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Level 1

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Transfer miniDV tapes from Sony Handicap DCR-HC52 to iMac 24"(Monterrey)

I do not have the original video camera so bought a second-hand DCR-HS52. I had to buy a bilingual Firewire 800 - 400 cable and then an Apple Thunderbolt to Firewire adaptor to connect the camera to the computer, but I can't work out how to do it. There is a list of Sony Handicams that are compatible with Macs and this model is not on it! Does anyone have any idea how I can transfer the tapes? Or do I have to search for a different MiniDV camera! Why do they make this so complicated!!!

David

iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Oct 31, 2022 12:30 AM

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Answer 1

DAH145 Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 3, 2022 11:56 PM in response to Rich839

Thanks Rich839 - seems that I need a second adaptor! I’m not super cluey and didn’t notice that the adaptor I got from Apple only took me half-way. Hopefully when I get the second adaptor it should be straightforward! Thanks for your support.

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Answer 2

Oct 31, 2022 10:05 AM in response to DAH145

Is it the cables you are having trouble with?

The FireWire 800 to 400 cable needs to be 9 pin to 4 pin.

You say you have a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor.

Two adaptors are required.

First a FireWire to Thunderbolt adaptor ( also known as Thunderbolt 1 or 2)

and then a Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adaptor.

Unfortunately there is not just one cable that will do the job on your setup.

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Answer 3

Rich839

Level 8

47,250 points

Oct 31, 2022 1:13 AM in response to DAH145

Tape based cameras may not be listed but most all of them will work to export to the Mac. Connect the camera to the Mac with the cables and adapters that you have. Then check out this link for instructions:

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

– Rich

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Answer 4

DAH145 Author

Level 1

9 points

Nov 3, 2022 11:52 PM in response to thesurreyfriends

Thank you thesurreyfriends - I think that is the answer! It’s a bit hard to see the “ports/sockets” in any detail in the online photos, but I clearly need another connector! Thank you - am sending off for one now - crazy that Sony/Apple make it so difficult - two adaptors at A$60+ each and the cable from

the camera is making this an expensive matter! Thank you very much for your helpful answer - being elderly and a bit of a technical wuss I hadn’t spotted it!

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Transfer miniDV tapes from Sony Handicap DCR-HC52 to iMac 24"(Monterrey)

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