Help with buying new camcorder

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Help with buying new camcorder

I am a first time Mac buyer and am looking to buy a relatively inexpensive new camcorder (first time buyer of one of those as well). A few people have recommended the new Sony DCR-HC46. However, on the Sony website, the specifications don't list Mac on the Operating System Compatibility list. Does this mean that this camera will not work with my computer or does it mean that the whatever software included won't work (I assume that I would be using iMovie HD so this shouldn't matter if it is the latter)?

Are there camcorders that work better with Macs that I should instead buy. I am pretty unsophisticated when it come to computers and camcorders -- so I would prefer an "easy" camcorder over a more complicated "better" one.

Thanks in advance for any help and suggestions.

iMac G5 20", Mac OS X (10.4.4)

Posted on Feb 26, 2006 11:37 AM

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Answer 1

Feb 26, 2006 12:33 PM in response to drsamlowe

Hi doc,
welcome to this forum 🙂

iMovie is an edit app meant to work with firewire connected miniDV camcorders

* miniDV (not miniDVD, beta sp, flashstick, mp4, whatever...)
* firewire/iLink/IE1394 (all same), not usb2, cradle, whatever.... ask the store, wether a fw cabel is included or buy one (3$ for a short one, 4-6pin)
* stay away from "exotic" brands, Sony is a very good choice (I do own one)
* you just need usb for downloading any still-content, in case your new camcorder is able to do so (storage on memorystick, whatever) and you want it
* you don't need any additional software, your Mac has all you need
* you don't need any "special effects" in camera - you will do that with your Mac
* get another additional battery
* get a tripod
* get lots of cassettes
* set camcorder to 16bit audio

BOOM!Done...

have fun! 😉

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Answer 2

Feb 26, 2006 4:37 PM in response to drsamlowe

I agree with Karsten, your mac should be able to handle whatever you devide to buy. I have experience in video production and I have taught people how to use a video camera. The one thing I highly suggest is buying a Mini-DV digital camcorder, avoid the DVD camcorder for now, it's easier downloading your footage straight off of Mini-DV tape. If you have the funds, look at a camcorder with an Accessory Shoe, this way if you need to use a light or a "Shotgun" microphone you can simply plug and play. I have a Cannon Optura 20 and a Sony DCR-HC30, both are OK for home use, Sony's are quiet-er while most Cannon's have an annoying motor noise in quiet shooting conditions. To see what's out there and shop around I would go to either Best Buy or Circut City, that way you can put one in your hand and see if it is right for you. The ony time where you have to doublecheck if the videocamera is compatable with your software is when you go into the Sony professional grade stuff like the betacam XD series, Pannasonic DVC-proline, or stuff that starts out with a 6 thousand dollar pricetag. Hope this helps.

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Answer 3

Feb 26, 2006 11:42 PM in response to Ron Hindman II

... To see what's out there and shop around I would go to ... I forgot to mention in my list, Ron, thanks for reminding me:

you will use a camcorder in many situations, sometimes you need to handle it "blindfolded"... so, check how it "feels" in your hands... some prefer two hands op, others want to manage the main features with one hand; and: some camcorders are too small for some hands (my father-in-law has such pancakesized hands...), e.g. I've seen some Panasonic models... very good, but too small for my hands.......

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