iLink Cable

My point is that you cannot use USB to import directly into iMovie.

Matt

iLink = Firewire = IEEE1394

You CANNOT use USB to import into iMovie.

I also own an HDR-HC3 (and it's big brother HDR-FX1). The problem might be that you are trying to import using the camera's "iLink conversion" feature, that downconverts HD to SD in real time as it's outputting via firewire. For some unknown reason this will not work with iMovie or FCP. Neither Apple nor Sony claim to be aware of a problem, so if you have Applecare, talk to a tech and get the problem documented again, so eventually they will fix it. Sony tech support is ABSOLUTELY WORTHLESS!

You should be able to capture in HD, then you can just drag those clips into a standard iMovie project and iMovie will convert it for you; or better yet, if you own "Toast" (and you should) the iLink conversion feature works just fine!

20" Intel Imac / 15" Aluminum Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.5)

20" Intel Imac / 15" Aluminum Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.5)

I am confused David...maybe I just don't understand what it is you are doing but I have the same camera and after playing around with the camera settings was able to import...maybe you're talking about a particular feature? I haven't sat down with the camera long enough to know all the ling yet.

Your camera can record both high definition (HD) and standard (SD) video formats.

iMovie can work with either, but the project needs to be created in one of the 2 formats.

The camera can convert video shot in HD, so it outputs thru the firewire as SD, but iMovie is not able to recognize it as of now, and will just give you an error message.

iMovie should have no problem importing HD footage into an HD project, or SD footage into a SD project, but if you are trying to convert one to the other it can be tricky.

I can probably help you if you can explain exactly what you are trying to do.

DY

20" Intel Imac / 15" Aluminum Powerbook Mac OS X (10.4.5)

Sorry i forgot to say something in my last post, Go to versiontracker.com find the Program HandBrake and download it, After you download handbrake finalize the Mini DVD in your camcorder, and plug in your camara. After your computer finds the Disc in your camera, open HandBrake, open the Disc using Handbrake and Push Rip. After Handbrake is done, the movies will be in an Imovie HD 6 format. I had the same problem with my Mini DVD camera. When i went to the Apple store they told me to download Handbrake for the Web site Versiontracker.com and now i am able to play and edit my movies from my Mini DVD camera.

and one more thing, you can use a USB cable with iMovie, I do it all the Time with my Camera, the people at the apple store also told me you do not need to use Firewire, all that firewire does is import your movies faster the a USB cable.

Vinny,

I'm not talking about just importing to your computer.

I'm talking about importing directly into an iMovie project.

That's what requires FireWire.

Matt

OK I think I understand after reading your second message. I just uploaded ILife which has the Imovie HD upgrade so that is probably why I was not having a problem importing my video into Imovie...I am not on a project right now just tested it the other day and it worked.

...also I think I hear that we can't easily have both formatts on the same project....thanks for the tip!