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I would like to connect a tape-based camcorder with a (4-pin) Firewire 400 output to a Thunderbolt port on my late 2012 iMac (which has no Firewire ports). Apple sells a Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter(i.e., Firewire 800). I'm thinking I could plug that into a 9 PIN/ 4PIN BILINGUAL FireWire 800 - FireWire 400 Cable from monoprice.com. Should that work, and if so, is it the only/best solution?
Cary
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That should work without any problem.
If your camcorder has got other connections like USB, I recommend you to use USB instead, so you will save money and there are more possibilities that it works. Also, if it has got a SD card, you can insert it directly onto the iMac without connecting your camcorder
Sorry, but no SD card, and USB on the camcorder is for downloading photos (not video) only. In general, I don't think USB can be used for capture (tape) or downloand (hd) from camcorders, for technical reasons having to do with dropping frames. Perhaps USB 3.0 can be used on newer camcorders, but that won't help me.
In that case, use FireWire. Your FireWire 400 camcorder should work without any problem if you use a FireWire 400 to FireWire 800 cable, and the Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter
Thanks. I'm glad to hear I was on the right track. By the way, I understand Canada recently defeated Spain in a Davis Cup (tennis) match. Surely that can't be true.
We are so good :-). You are welcome
Connect Thunderbolt on new iMac to Firewire 400 device
