Mac and DCR-HC28 Camcorder :(?

Question

So I'm going crazy with this one. I got the Sony Handycam DCR-HC28 as a gift for Xmas from my brother in law who didn't realize that we were running a mac. Took some video about a month ago, tried uploading for the last week and....

The camcorder is not being recognized by my computer (although the firewire cable is transmitting ok since the camcorder is powering up), and obviously not being recognized by the iMovie.

Specs: Intel Mac Mini 1.5HZ 60GB with Super Drive

Running Leopard OS

Most recent iMovie update

Belkin 6pin-4pin FW cable

Long story short, I can't return the product and I have to find someway to make this work.

I also tried this thread: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-7594_102-0.html?forumID=59&threadID=278523&messageID=2670393

If anyone can help, I would be extremely grateful!

I don't care about spending money on software or whatever, I just want the dang thing to work!

Answer 1

So the person in the cnet posting got their issue resolved...

Let's just be sure we're all together.

"although the firewire cable is transmitting ok since the camcorder is powering up". This makes no sense to me. Firewire is used only for transferring digital video not providing power from the computer to the camera.

Anyway... Can we start from the top and make sure all the pieces are "there"?

Is the Firewire port active? In the System Preferences, go to Network. Firewire needs to be active (a checkmark in the box). I need to check my machine at home to be sure you don't need to go in a couple of layers).

1) Camera is off is plugged into its AC power adapter and the power adapter is plugged into a working outlet.

2) Camera DV port is connected to the Mac's firewire 400 port with that Belkin firewire cable.

3) If the Mac is not already on, power it up. Wait for the desk top to settle on and the machine is stable awating next steps.

4) Power up the camera. It needs to be in "Play/edit" mode.

5) Launch iMovie. The blue "camera is connected" screen should appear. Is this where the issue is?

The CNET forum is a bit easier because there is better 2-way communication...

Answer 2

you should download some sort of driver for mac

please answer this question

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

good luck

Answer 3

There are some issues with the Leopard OS and iMovie - some possible solutions were mentioned in this Apple Support discussion thread:

http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa...

Answer 4

I supervise a Mac lab... 18 Mac computers including G5s and Intel-based imacs, running OS 10.3, 10.4 and 10.5.  I've been using iLife 6 and 7.  I've also got about 8 Sony handycams, including 2 DCR-HC28s.  The combination works.

Make sure the camera is firmly seated in the cradle.  Turn the camera on to Play/Edit mode BEFORE you launch iMovie.  The rest should take care of itself.