mccosha wrote: ... Canon.... said the problem is with Apple.
Then you have your answer, even though you are unhappy that it is not the answer you wanted.
If you are determined to use a camcorder to record directly into iMovie, consider the following:
(1) Apple's http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?path=iMovie/9.0/en/mov39f84285.html clearly tells us that a "tape-based camera or camcorder" is necessary to record directly into iMovie.
If I understand the specs correctly, your Canon VIXIA HF M300 uses Flash Memory rather than tape as its recording medium, so it does not meet the "tape-based" requirement.
(2) I looked at the Canon web support page in response to: "What is the Mac compatibility of my camcorder? " (Loading time for copy and paste search is LONG.)
The posted Canon info states, in part, that"
... Macintosh OS10.4.3 and up users may be able to view the contents of a finalizeddisk or files recorded onto the hard drive (for hard disc drive models) on the computer when it is connected to a USB port on the computer. With a finalized disk loaded into the camcorder the camera should show up on the desktop as a mounted drive and files may be copied (dragged) from the disk using normal procedures. Any desired editing, playback or other features may require additional third party software. |
This response tells me is that you should be able to import files from your camcorder's memory card to iMovie for editing. However, Canon makes no promise that your USB camera can work as a video source for recording directly to your Mac's hard disk through iMovie.
(3) Apple's information has been consistent since at least November, 2008. I know this because I had a Canon VIXIA HV30 at the time, and I used it to record directly into iMoive. I later also tested the successor model VIXIA HV40. Both of these camcorders use tape, and both worked to record directly info iMovie with no problem (and great video quality.)
I do not know how recently you bought your camcorder or how long Canon's information has been available. If Canon only published its information after you bought your camcorder, or if you were unaware of the info when you made your purchase decision, perhaps Canon or your retailer will allow you credit for your VIXIA HF M300 in trade for a tape-based Canon VIXIA HV40 or Canon VIXIA HV30 so you can record directly into iMovie.
Message was edited by: EZ Jim