Is a Sony CX190 Camcorder iMac compatible?

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Level 1

4 points

Is a Sony CX190 Camcorder iMac compatible?

I have a 2 year old iMac running Mountain Lion. It does not have Thunderbolt. My daughter is into filmaking, and I would like to buy her a Sony CX190 HD Camcorder for Christmas. I know the software supplied is Windows only, but the man in the shop seems to be saying that I cannot just transfer data via the storage card, but will hav eto connect via a HDMI lead. Anyone know if this is true, and if so how do I do this with a HDMI connection on the iMac. There do not seem to be any leads in the Apple store I could use.

iMac, iOS 6.0.1

Posted on Nov 30, 2012 8:46 AM

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Answer 1

rkaufmann87

Level 10

148,624 points

Nov 30, 2012 8:51 AM in response to Fourforks

Which App are you referring to, if you intend to use iMovie here is a useful link for you:

http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html?lang=en_US

to determine which cameras are currently supported.

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Answer 2

Fourforks Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 30, 2012 8:58 AM in response to rkaufmann87

Thank you, I have seen that link, which indicates compatability. Not sure what you mean by App - she will use iMovie on the iMac. However, the man in the shop had checked with the Sony rep, who says that the video cannot be transferred via the storage card, but must be via HDMI. I have seen a few problems about Sony camcorders here, but no mention of this issue.

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Answer 3

John Galt

Level 10

156,596 points

Nov 30, 2012 9:05 AM in response to Fourforks

If that is a Sony HDR-CX190 then the answer is yes.

http://help.apple.com/imovie/cameras/en/index.html

It has a USB interface as well as a mini-HDMI port. If you choose to use HDMI you should buy this adapter:

Mini DisplayPort | Thunderbolt® to HDMI® Adapter w/ Audio Support

If you want to spend an additional $30 for a lower quality equivalent you can get the same thing from Apple

Moshi Mini DP to HDMI Adapter with Audio Support

That camera will work, but I recommend against buying anything that does not overtly indicate OS X support. That one does not. If a company chooses to ignore this segment of the market that's their problem. Don't make it yours.

Some people are partial to Sony; I prefer Panasonic products.

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Answer 4

Fourforks Author

Level 1

4 points

Nov 30, 2012 9:05 AM in response to John Galt

Thank you. Why is it in the Apple compatable list?

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Answer 5

John Galt

Level 10

156,596 points

Nov 30, 2012 9:18 AM in response to Fourforks

Fourforks wrote:

... Why is it in the Apple compatable list?

Because it is compatible with iMovie, and will work. It's just that if you should ever have occasion to call Sony they may not be able to spell "Mac" even if you give them the first and last letters.

Here is one sample review for you to consider (not your proposed model, but consider the writer's general concern).

I use Panasonic - you will find many models comparable to that one.

Here is one - there are many others: http://shop.panasonic.com/shop/model/HC-V100MK?t=overview

^^ that's what I want to see.

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