Digital camcorder for Mac?

[s.m.h.]

Been asked to find a digital camcorder suitable for Mac. Dont want a dvd type, something with a hard drive if poss. Anyone got any ideas? budget around £250.
Thanks.

[crmcatee]

If it's firewire it'll run on the mac.

I'm running a Canon MVX460 and it works a treat.

[kiwisr]

Just be careful that you get one that is Mac compatible for editing. A lot of the HDD/DVD ones use a type of compression that isn't easily supported in Macs. That's why it is still best to get mini-DV camcorders (they are still the best quality too)

[s.m.h.]

Ok, have been given as a present a Canon DC220.
So far not impressed at all.
No software supplied in the kit to download video, only to show pictures.
The only way to view it is to finalise the vid then only shows it in iDvd with no way to save it. The files are all saved as _TS files which the mac doesnt recognise.
I was recommended this by someone at the wifes work who uses one on their macs but tbh it seems like I will have to buy a load of software (£50)to get the feckin thing working.
Its worng that Canon can sell a camera, advertising it as pc/Mac and not supply the necessary software to at least get basic video saved on you Mac.

[crmcatee]

Did you install any software from Canon?

I've not and just use Imovie to import the tape, which it sorts into shooting order and sections. I can then edit it at my pleasure.

What's your process for getting the video onto the Mac ?

[page3]

I've just got a Panasonic SD1 (which has just been replaced with the SD5). It records onto SD cards in AVCHD format (ie: MPEG4 H264). iMovie 8 handles the format just fine. Although above your budget, it might be worth a look if you can spend the extra £100.

[s.m.h.]

I have a copy of iMovie on its way from missus's IT guy at work. My iBook is a few years old but this should solve the problem!
I can play the video but cant save it at the moment, idea was to send video of little'un to parents.
Thanks for the replies.

[s.m.h.]

Ok, got iMovie HD 6, but still will not load video from camera.
Now unless I'm being dumb the Mac ought to-

Recognise when the camera is plugged in, then
Open a suitable player or iMovies

The Mac opens a dvd player but theres no option to save, just play.

iMovie does buggerall, just says it doesnt recognise the file from the camera

The files are VOB

I notice some of you guys have tapes, this is a mini disc.
I have tried to finalise the disc, which allows it to be played but not saved.
If its not finalised it wont play at all
There is another setting on the camera but that doesnt work either.
Is it possible that its because its via a USB and not firewire?

[sjn2004]

s.m.h. said:

Ok, got iMovie HD 6, but still will not load video from camera.
Now unless I'm being dumb the Mac ought to-

Recognise when the camera is plugged in, then
Open a suitable player or iMovies

The Mac opens a dvd player but theres no option to save, just play.

iMovie does buggerall, just says it doesnt recognise the file from the camera

The files are VOB

I notice some of you guys have tapes, this is a mini disc.
I have tried to finalise the disc, which allows it to be played but not saved.
If its not finalised it wont play at all
There is another setting on the camera but that doesnt work either.
Is it possible that its because its via a USB and not firewire?

It looks like the latest version of iMovie works with these new machines including those that record in AVCHD (1980i) used by Panasonic and Sony. Seems most if not all of the med/lower end camcorders have ditched the firewire connection.

[page3]

I use iMovie 08 with my Panasonic SD1.

You might find 'Voltaic' of use. Check here - http://mac1080hd.com/