HDV Camcorder not recognised in FCPX/iMovie/Quicktime

> my software update it offers me Sonoma 14.3 but not 14.1

If you are using Sonoma 14.1 or newer, you might have to apply this for DV import to work:

If you can't use your camera or video output device after updating to macOS Sonoma 14.1 - Apple Support

Last year I moved 2 hours of MiniDV footage into my Mac. Here’s what I used:

Hardware:

Old Canon ZR60 MiniDV camera

MacPro late 2013

Apple Thunderbolt Display

Firewire cable with 4 pin connector one end and FW800 on other

Software:

OS Monterey 12.7.3

FCP 10.6.5

Connections:

Camera > Cable with 4 pin connector one end and FW800 on other > FW800 port on back of display.

The display is connected to the Mac by Thunderbolt cable.

In essence I suppose I’m using the Display as an intermediary adapter. 

Importing into FCP it works as in the past with on-screen control to start/stop import. 

If you have a recent version of Sonoma, you have to activate "legacy support":

If you can't use your camera or video output device after updating to macOS Sonoma 14.1 - Apple Support (JO)

Not sure what you mean by 900. How is the FireWire 400 connected to the mini ports?

When you use QuickTime and select New Movie Recording, can you select the camera?

Check system info in Hardware to see if the port recognizes the camera.

If you have a Mac made in the last few years you will need a FW800 to Thunderbolt 1 converter and a Thunderbolt 1 to Thunderbolt 2 converter. Older Macs with Thunderbolt 1 ports only need the first converter.

Exactly what model of Mac are you using?

System Information indicates that the Firewire adapter is recognized.

Did you have the camera connected to your mac, turned on and in playback mode when you made this screenshot?

If not, do it and repeat the screenshot. The camera should appear

You could try the cable on other devices known to be working if you have access.

Another way is to read the specs from the cable manufacturer to determine is it fully pinned out and bi-directional. Some cheapo cables are not.

You should be able to see the camera in System Settings/Information once the connections are made.

If you don’t it will never work as you already know.

Al

Ian R. Brown wrote:

That model has Thunderbolt 2 so you will need a FW to Thunderbolt 1 converter and a Thunderbolt 1 to Thunderbolt 2 converter as mentioned earlier together with the Firewire 4 to 9 pin cable.

Ian,

The Mac Mini 2018 DOES have Thunderbolt 3. I just confirmed it with Mactracker.

The OP needs the three things he showed above, and they are correctly placed as indicated.

His image accurately describes what is needed.

brarn wrote:

Hi Luis Sequeira1

I am guessing we haven't been able to progress any further with my issue since I last replied to the above...

I am a user like you, and I do not have any Firewire hardware anymore. I'd love to test this, but don't have the means to.

We have established that you have the right cables and adapters, the only thing we cannot vouch for is your camera. It would be great if you could test either a different camera with the same mac, or the same camera with a different mac. This would be valuable information. Perhaps you have a friend with an old(er) mac that you can borrow?

Perhaps clutching at straws now but I would try the following.

With your cam' ( not powered up yet ) connected to Mac, launch FCP/iMovie/QTP and then power up the cam',

and put cam' into play mode ( tape rolling) using the cam's controls. Does this trigger recognition.? Try this several times.

Now the opposite... With cam' powered up and in play mode (tape rolling) and connected to Mac before launching FCP/iMovie/QTP. Does this trigger recognition? Also try this several times.

Exactly which model of Mac mini are you using?

There have been numerous variations with different Thunderbolt sockets.

Click on the Apple symbol at the top left of your monitor and select About This Mac.

Since we now know that you have the correct hardware, the remaining possibilities are one of those somehow being faulty, or a software issue.

If you could have access to a friend's mac and try there, and it works, you could confirm that the camera, cable and adapters are in working order.

Thanks. If you can I would take it to an Apple Store. If the camera is connected and turned on it should appear in System Information.

Not sure what you’re referring to. Others are working with DV and HDV. What computer is this? What OS? What version of FCP? How exactly are you connecting the camera or deck to the Mac when you’re using QuickTime?

That model has Thunderbolt 2 so you will need a FW to Thunderbolt 1 converter and a Thunderbolt 1 to Thunderbolt 2 converter as mentioned earlier together with the Firewire 4 to 9 pin cable.

Have you got both of those 2 Apple converters

Incidentally, FW400 uses a 4 pin plug and FW800 a 9 pin. So your cable converts the connections from FW400 to FW800.