How do you Transfer Sony HD Camcorder footage to iMovie

12 Sep 2011 18:00:07

David Chaplin

Has anyone had any experience of transferring video footage from the Hard Disk of Sony HD camcorder to the current iMovie for editing. I've looked back in discussions to early 2009 & whilst Euan mentions transferring to a Mac but did not cover iMovie.

My first attempt indicated the camcorder was not even recognised. Any suggestions please.

David Chaplin

Re: How do you Transfer Sony HD Camcorder footage to iMovie

12 Sep 2011 22:09:38

Mick Burrell

Do you have to use a special setting on the camera to output content or just turn it on? How did you connect the camera to the Mac? If USB cable, with it connected, click on the Apple logo (top left of screen) and click "About This Mac". In the small window that opens, click the More Info button. Now, on the left of the window now open, click on USB (under Hardware) and see if you can see the camera attached to the USB Bus. If you can, then the Mac can see the camera and it's a software issue.

Re: How do you Transfer Sony HD Camcorder footage to iMovie

13 Sep 2011 16:32:50

David Chaplin

Thank you for that guidance Mick and having followed your suggestion, I can confirm the iMac does recognise this Sony HandyCam using the USB cable. I think you are right about it being a software issue having since searched some internet forums. The opinion seems to be that iMovie can't handle HD video but the new Final Cut Pro X should. Unfortunately, the reviews are not encouraging but I have formed the opinion these are mostly from professional video people who expected different things, more an improved Final Cut Pro not an upmarket iMovie.

I wonder if anyone has a Sony HD Camcorder and which software have they used for editing?

Re: How do you Transfer Sony HD Camcorder footage to iMovie

16 Sep 2011 11:15:41

David Chaplin

After Tuesday night's discussion and a later telephone call with Peter (video guru) from our club, he has pointed me in the right direction. I am pleased to confirm iMovie '11 can edit Sony HD video footage and I look forward this new adventure.

Many thanks to all who helped.

Re: How do you Transfer Sony HD Camcorder footage to iMovie

16 Sep 2011 23:14:12

Mick Burrell

Don't keep the solution a secret! ;-)