JVC GR - D250U mini dv camcorder just not recognized by macbook or macbook pro

Question

Level 1

8 points

JVC GR - D250U mini dv camcorder just not recognized by macbook or macbook pro

I have been reading these threads for weeks and trying just about everything I have found to fix my problem, but the bottom line is both my macbook and macbook pro do not recognize my JVC GR - D250U mini dv camcorder. I have tried several different brands of fire wire cables, differrent sequences - yet it never seems to work.

I received a response from JCVC suypport and followed their instructions and it did not work, but I did notice it said to use imovie8/9 but my computer already came with imovies11. Should I uninstall 11 and reinstall 8 or 9? Is that the issue? I would rather not go that route unless necessary. My IT skills are mediocre at best and I do not want to open that can of worms if it is not needed.

I wouuld hate to purschase a new camcorder just to upload because I now have a digital camera that records movies and ma happy with that.

I even downloaded the mod converter, but that does not work because my camcorder is just not recognized. I appreiate any help I can get. I have about 50 mini dv tapes to do and am anxious to get started.

Thank you all SO much in advance!

MacBook Pro, Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on Mar 26, 2013 2:12 PM

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Answer 1

Klaus1

Level 9

52,749 points

Mar 26, 2013 4:10 PM in response to Debrina122

Is the camera listed a sbeing supported?

iMovie 11 - cameras supported:

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

iMovie 9 - cameras supported:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT3290?viewlocale=en_US

iMovie 8 Camcorders supported:

http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1014

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Answer 2

Mar 26, 2013 5:05 PM in response to Debrina122

This camera is supported in iMovie 11. Virtually all miniDV cameras are, when you use Firewire.

I have the JVC GR-DVM70u and it works well.

The standard advice applies for all firewire cameras:

You must use AC power (not batteries only).

You need a 9 pin to 4 pin Firewire cable. Avoid adapters. Get a single cable - like this one.

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=103&cp_id=10301&cs_id=1030104 &p_id=3541&seq=1&format=2

Set camera to PLAY (not PC Connect or something else).

Be sure to use the Firewire port or IEEE1394 port, not the USB port.

Check your /About This Mac/More Info/System Report/ to see if your Firewire ports are active and if the Mac sees the camera.

In iMovie, use FILE/IMPORT FROM CAMERA.

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Answer 3

Paul56

Level 1

0 points

Mar 26, 2013 7:18 PM in response to AppleMan1958

AppleMan1958!!!! You are our hero!! imovie 11 stopped reading My Canon ZR950 and I've been ****** about this for a while. But......I never tried AC as I never needed to before now. It worked!! Thanks a ton for the post that solved my problem!!

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Answer 4

Debrina122 Author

Level 1

8 points

Mar 27, 2013 4:52 AM in response to AppleMan1958

Nothing seen when I check so I just ordered 2 new firewire cables one for the macbook and one for the macbook pro - then will test them. I am told by Apple & JVC that they are compatible so let's start with the wires. Thank YOU all for your help. This is certainly frustrating, but it will be sweet when it finally works!!!

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Answer 5

Mar 27, 2013 5:13 AM in response to Debrina122

If I had to guess, a bad cable is the most likely culprit. This probably covers 90% of the cases.

If the cable does not correct it, there is a procedure you can do to your Mac called a PRAM reset. I am not an expert on these, but it will not hurt your Mac. Directions here. http://support.apple.com/kb/PH4405?viewlocale=en_US&locale=en_US

The least likely cause of the problem is a fried Firewire port in either the Mac or the Camera. This is unlikely but could be expensive to fix. If the camera is fried, it is probably best to get a new camera. To repeat, this is unlikely.

Also, one last thing. If you have an older MacBook Pro, it probably has a firewire port. Some of the newer MacBook Pros and MacBooks do not have a Firewire port. In order to access Firewire from these models, you need a Thunderbolt port. You will need a Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter, in addition to the cable I mentioned above.

If you are in doubt about whether your Model has the Firewire port, go to /About This Mac and tells us the model and year.

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