How to use Sony Handycam with Mac???

Question

I just bought the new Sony Handycam. I bought this to use with my IMac. The man at the store told me it would work with Mac. He said the USB would connect but when I connect it nothing seems to work. The DVD it came with said it only works with windows! He also said it takes ScanDisk, but it seems to only take sony memory stick. Is ths right? Will it work with firewire? Also If firewire works, I dont want it Live, I want to take the cam places & transfer it later . Is this Possible?? I will choose the best answer. Thanks!!!!

Answer 1

The man at the store is an idiot and is wrong. iMovie and FinalCut will not recognize USB as a method for importing video.

DVD based camcorders will give you the worst possible quality have problems connecting to Windows and Macintosh machines... and the manufacturers should recall them and refund everyone their money.

Macs need to use Firewire (iEEE1394, i.Link) based connections for goodd video transfer. DO NOT put the DVD in your slot loading DVD drive - you will break the drive and scratch the disc.

If you decide to keep the camera (not recommended), you need either:

1) a drawer loading DVD drive (like those from LaCie) http://www.lacie.com/us/products/range.h...

Then, using HandBrake, you will rip the DVD.

or...

2) Using the analog AV cables that cam with the camcorder, you will need to get an Analog/Digital bridge from Canopus http://canopus.com/products/videoconvers... and connect using firewire.

If you want a camcorder that waorks well with your Mac AND provides the best available video quality, return the DVD based camcorder and replace it with a MiniDV tape based camcorder. You will need to get a 4-pin to 6-pin firewire cable, too (firewire, i.Link and IEEE1394a are all the same thing).

If you want OK quality (not as good as miniDV tape), then you can get a hard drive camcorder, but you will need to install and download StreamClip from Apple (free).

Answer 2

It would really help if you posted the model Sony you just bought and which version of iMovie your Mac has.

Sandisk manufactures memory sticks for Sony products. Look in the users guide to see if memory stick duo or pro duo can be used with the handycam.