Will the Sony HDRTG1 camcorder be compatible with Mac video editing software?

Question

I saw this camera in the Sony store today and will probably pick it up... IF it is compatible with the Mac.

Answer 1

It will work with the most current Apple Macintosh iMovie HD that is bundled with the current iLife08. It will work with the most current FinalCut Express and it will work with the most current FinalCut Pro2.

There is nothing different about this camcorder - but the AVCHD compression it applies to the video can only use the video editing apps that will run on Intel-based Macs because there is a lot f number crunching going on to decode this very highly compressed video.

You can download the user manual here:

http://esupport.sony.com/US/perl/model-d...

Refer to Page 27.

The software included in the box with the camcorder is for Windows only - That does not mean the camcorder is not compatible with Macintosh, it just means Sony does not provide any software. Please note that there is an address to which you get directed:

http://guide.d.imaging.sony.co.jp.mac/ms...

that does not work. If you go to the FAQ at the product page, there is a section on Macintosh being compatible with iMovie08 and how to connect. Use the HDD link.

Note that you will need to buy ($20) the "MPEG2 Playback component for QuickTime" from Apple. While you are at it, download and install StreamClip (free) for when you deal with MPEG2 standard definition files http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/vi...

Personally, I stay far away from AVCHD compressing camcorders... and stick with better video quality in DV/HDV video recorded to miniDV tape. Canon HV20, HV30, Sony HDR-HC7, HC9 for new ones. I currently use a Sony HDR-HC1 and am about to get a HVR-V1U.