Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

What is the best camcorder for imovie 11 & FCE?

I know many others have this problem and my question is not new, but many answers to my question on the internet are outdated.

I work in Final Cut Express, preferably, but have iMovie 11 that came with my iMac (ver 10.6.8 Snow Leopard). And I know I may have to import video to iMovie (in some cases) and export them to FCE in order to complete my editing there. I always had a taped-based Sony Camcorder, but recently went to the store and couldn't buy the correct tape. I know that recording on tape seems to be on the way out, So I'm shopping for a new camcorder. I've spent hours researching this, whittled it down to two of the top rated for the current year, 2015 (per smartreview.com). They are:


Panasonic HC-V770 Flash memory Full HD

Canon Vixia HF R62 HD Dual Flash


But then reviewing the Apple-iLife '11 Help for iMovie supported camcorders, neither of these camcorders are listed, possibly because the Apple list is obsolete, or possibly because neither of these camcorders work with iMove. Because I film extensively in the wild, and outdoor video quality and sound is important to me, I'd like to purchase the Panasonic HC-V770, but will it work with iMovie and FCE? And will I be able to use almost all of the features?


Does anyone have experience with these cameras and could you give me some feedback?

Does anyone have a camcorder recommendation? I would like the best image quality and optical zoom I can purchase for under $1000. A viewfinder would be nice, but that also looks like it's on the out, and a big mistake by the manufacturers, for those of us that film extensively in the outdoors. LCD screens are almost useless, but what to do? Any suggestions? Insights?

iMac, Mac OS X (10.6.8), Using FCE 4.0.1

Posted on Jun 29, 2015 7:51 AM

Reply
Question marked as Best reply

Posted on Sep 12, 2015 4:33 PM

To answer your main question, ANY camcorder that supports DV, HDV or AVCHD can be used directly with iMovie 11 and FCE. The (now old) list of supported camcorders was never complete even when Apple was maintaining the list, which hasn't been updated since FCE was discontinued back in June 2011. Just check the specs on any camcorder you are considering; if it supports AVCHD (specifically, AVCHD) you should be fine. Also, if you are using FCE make sure it is updated to version 4.0.1 for full compatibility with AVCHD.


About shooting modes. If the camera supports both AVCHD and MP4, shoot in AVCHD. If it supports both interlaced ( i ) and progressive ( P ) modes, shoot in interlaced - FCE was designed for interlaced video and it only supports progressive video in 720p (which you are probably not going to shoot anyway). The Vixia HF-R62 supports both AVCHD and MP4 and even supports 720p video, so you would have all the choices you need. The Panasonic HC-V770 supports AVCHD and MP4 but interlaced video only in AVCHD. I have always found the Canon camcorders to be excellent. Why do you think the Panasonic would be better for outdoor shooting?


One other thing, I got a Hoodman LCD hood for my Canon camcorder; it attaches to the LCD screen via its built-in elastic, so it's removable, and it works great for outdoor shooting.

5 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Sep 12, 2015 4:33 PM in response to owyheeriver

To answer your main question, ANY camcorder that supports DV, HDV or AVCHD can be used directly with iMovie 11 and FCE. The (now old) list of supported camcorders was never complete even when Apple was maintaining the list, which hasn't been updated since FCE was discontinued back in June 2011. Just check the specs on any camcorder you are considering; if it supports AVCHD (specifically, AVCHD) you should be fine. Also, if you are using FCE make sure it is updated to version 4.0.1 for full compatibility with AVCHD.


About shooting modes. If the camera supports both AVCHD and MP4, shoot in AVCHD. If it supports both interlaced ( i ) and progressive ( P ) modes, shoot in interlaced - FCE was designed for interlaced video and it only supports progressive video in 720p (which you are probably not going to shoot anyway). The Vixia HF-R62 supports both AVCHD and MP4 and even supports 720p video, so you would have all the choices you need. The Panasonic HC-V770 supports AVCHD and MP4 but interlaced video only in AVCHD. I have always found the Canon camcorders to be excellent. Why do you think the Panasonic would be better for outdoor shooting?


One other thing, I got a Hoodman LCD hood for my Canon camcorder; it attaches to the LCD screen via its built-in elastic, so it's removable, and it works great for outdoor shooting.

Sep 12, 2015 4:59 PM in response to MartinR

Martin, thank you so very much for your input and information. I also apologize for taking so long to acknowledge your reply. Just one busy summer.


Both responses were helpful, but I've yet to purchase a camcorder! So much information, so much out there. To answer your question as to why I thought the Panasonic might be a better pick for outdoor shooting, one of the hi-lited features of the Panasonic was "A new microphone is shielded from wind noise (great for outdoor shooting)." This is stated in the review. Part of the reason I've also not yet purchased is that I really like a viewfinder and hate to give it up. But your idea of and LCD hood is a good one. Another feature I really like is greater optical zoom capability. I'm use to my Sony with 25 optical zoom. And the Canon Vixia HF R62 has 32X Optical Zoom. With your hoodman LCD hood and for only $390, this might be the way to go. I'm now comparing it with the Canon Vixia HF G20 which does have a viewfinder, but only 10X Optical zoom and cost $799 and a few more recording modes. At this point, I just have to decide which features are more important, and which would work best with iMovie and FCE. Thanks so very much for taking the time to help.

Sep 13, 2015 3:05 AM in response to owyheeriver

I would take claims of improved wind-shielding (or any other improvements) with a huge pinch of salt!


The only way you are going to get better results in breezy conditions is with a separate mic and specialist windshield which will probably cost more than the camera.


I haven't seen the camera and thus cannot prove my claims but throughout my life I have seen similar dramatic statements that amounted to zero improvement.


Indeed my current Panasonic has electronic wind-noise reducing features but I can't detect any improvement in audio quality . . . maybe under lab conditions on certain specific occasions an improvement of 0.000001% can be detected.


Most claims are simply advertising hype made by people who have never even seen the equipment.


Pardon my scepticism.

Dec 2, 2015 12:07 PM in response to owyheeriver

was wondering if you decided on either camera and had any feedback. I've also narrowed it down to these 2 cameras and reading some reviews that the cannons remote capabilities are not good with iOS devices (i.e. control with smartphone) Something about the communication using NFS which is limited on iOS devices to apple pay. Just wondering if you had any experience with this. Thanks

What is the best camcorder for imovie 11 & FCE?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.