iMovie not recognising my camcorder ( confusion!!)

I am attempting to connect and have I-movie recognise my Sony camcorder. However I very confused as to how to achieve this ,and have so far failed .

The equipment is

MacBook Pro 2019 (intel)

Sony dcr-hc19e( mini DV)

I have watched a number of tutorials on YouTube which give good explanations of which cables are necessary for a firewire connection between the camcorder and the Mac and subsequent success with camera recognition using I movie .


The cables have now been purchased and correctly connected .


However iMovie will not recognise my camera ,(unless there is something which I have not figured out how to configure which the application)

On the tutorials, there are many different cameras being used with successful recognition.

why not mine


1)I understand that there is a list of 'supported' cameras on iMovie which I have consulted however my camera is not included.

I do not comprehend what "supported cameras" refers to ??does It mean that iMovie will only recognise a limited amount of cameras and no others ?

Does it mean that you get more control over your camera from the iMovie application if the camera is supported ?

Or other ?


2)in 'About about this Mac/hardware/firewire there is no sign of anything happening .


Could iMovie be the problem, it just won't accept my camera ?is there other software which is more suitable ?


please help ,thanks in advance

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.1

Posted on Jan 16, 2023 10:12 AM

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Jan 17, 2023 8:33 AM in response to hbpencils

To make sure that we are on the same page, here's the link to Apple's iMovie supported cameras list.


iMovie for macOS supported cameras - Apple Support


As indicated at the top of the website screen "supported" is used interchangeably with "compatible".


Your Sony DCR-HC19e is not specifically listed as a compatible camera. However, at the bottom of the list is Apple's statement as follows:


So, while most mini DV tape-based camcorders may work with iMovie, it is possible that there are some that do not. There is no guarantee that any specific device will work with iMovie. Even the one's that are compatible can be quirky to get the import going. Having new cables and adapters is no guarantee that they will work. Sometimes non-Apple cables and/or adapters do not work. Also, your Mac's plug-in socket may be defective.


Nothing to do but keep experimenting. Make sure that you are following the instructions in the Sony user manual for connecting to a computer. If you haven't already done so, work through the things that I mentioned in my earlier post. You might try connecting to a different Mac computer if you have one, or if a friend has one that you can use. If you bought a cheaper non-Apple cable and adapters you might consider switching them out for Apple ones and see if that helps. Connect directly from camera to Mac and don't use a hub. Make sure that your Mac port is functioning -- plug in your camera and go to Apple Logo/About this Mac/Overview/System Report/Hardware. Run a hardware check using the Apple Diagnostics post on your Mac. It is also possible that your output port is not functioning correctly on your camera. Plug your camera into a power source rather than rely on battery. Etc, etc.


-- Rich








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Jan 16, 2023 12:06 PM in response to hbpencils

Hi,


Most digital tape based cameras are supported by iMovie even though not listed.


That said, importing from tape can be a bit hit or miss with iMovie 10. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.


Most of the time, camera recognition issues are caused by faulty cables or adapters, or cables not tightly connected. Check your connections and maybe test them on a different camera. Read this link, particularly the post by thesurreyfriends, that discusses issues related to importing from tape based cameras.


Importing mini DV tape from Sony Handy-ca… - Apple Community


You might try toggling the camera on and off to see if you can trigger recognition. Try plugging and unplugging the camera. Also, sometimes getting the camera running can trigger recognition.


You can also try importing into the QuickTimePlayer app instead of into iMovie.


-- Rich




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Jan 17, 2023 1:02 AM in response to Rich839

Thanks Rich

Good advice , but still not functioning ....

All the cables are new and unlikely faulty .

Regarding iMovie 'supported cameras' ,I still do not comprehend the Apple 'supported cameras' list .

Are you saying that despite an official list ,the majority of cameras are in fact 'supported' ?

Can you clarify what 'Supported " actually indicates .

giles


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Jan 17, 2023 1:31 PM in response to Rich839

Hi Rich

Thanks again for your good advice and prompt reply .

The only non -apple cable is the '9-4 firewire 800 'and I very much doubt that it could be defective ,as it is new .

I am going to try and get hold of a second camera to see if that works .


regards

giles

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iMovie not recognising my camcorder ( confusion!!)

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