Sony HX1 and Mac computer compatibility I visited the Apple Store's "genius bar" today (8/15/09) and was told that I am having trouble with editing Sony movies due to a compatibility issue. This HX1 camera is considered a "camcorder" and is not on the list of compatible cameras for Mac computers. Here is the list of compatible Sony cameras:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1014Unless there is something I don't know yet, Sony has done me wrong in selling me this camera without mentioning this, and in fact including material on its CD ROM for Mac users which would imply that the movies taken with this camera are Mac compatible.Is there something I don't know??? Sony HX1 and Mac computer compatibility I visited the Apple Store's "genius bar" today (8/15/09) and was told that I am having trouble with editing Sony movies due to a compatibility... » Read More Sony HX1 and Mac computer compatibility I visited the Apple Store's "genius bar" today (8/15/09) and was told that I am having trouble with editing Sony movies due to a compatibility issue. This HX1 camera is considered a "camcorder" and is not on the list of compatible cameras for Mac computers. Here is the list of compatible Sony cameras:http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1014Unless there is something I don't know yet, Sony has done me wrong in selling me this camera without mentioning this, and in fact including material on its CD ROM for Mac users which would imply that the movies taken with this camera are Mac compatible.Is there something I don't know??? « Show Less
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I, too, am worried about the phrase 'Windows platform' I have an early G5 with a top of the line Radeon video card... from two years ago. Am I good to go?John
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David, I'm still struggling to decide on the HX1 because on Amazon it says Windows Platform" and this is a little scary (referring to Mac usage) when it seems other camera listings do not carry this phrase "Windows Platform" =doesn't that seem to imply HX1would prefer not to work with Macs? (I am re-reading your remarks carefully BTW --just an additional question)
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look iMovie 09 support the sony natively:http://skitch.com/docrock/nnesu/import-from-sony-dsc-hx1
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Mr. Johnson . . . I'm about to buy the HX-1 but now I'm wondering if you think a Powerbook G-4 will have fewer issues like the ones described above. Fewer issues-- but maybe more? Uh-oh!Looking forward to your reply!
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Your A720 IS takes a 640 x 480 movie while the Sony HX-1 takes a 1440x1080 HD Movie (although it can also take the lower resolution video). The reason your iMovie on your MacBook bogs down is that the video bandwidth of your Macbook is less than required for smooth playback of an HD Movie at 30 fps. Just change your HX-1 video setting to shoot at the lower resolution and you'll be fine. Alternatively, you can convert your 1440x1080 videos to the lower resolution format and then your Macbook will be fine with it or you can upgrade to a new Macbook with a more powerfull video hardware and more video memory. Your A720 IS takes a 640 x 480 movie while the Sony HX-1 takes a 1440x1080 HD Movie (although it can also take the lower resolution video). The reason your iMovie on your MacBook bogs down is that the video bandwidth of your Macbook is less than required for smooth playback of an HD Movie at 30 fps. Just change your HX-1 video setting to shoot at the lower resolution and you'll be fine. Alternatively, you can convert your 1440x1080 videos to the lower resolution format and then your Macbook will be fine with it or you can upgrade to a new Macbook with a more powerfull video hardware and... » Read More Your A720 IS takes a 640 x 480 movie while the Sony HX-1 takes a 1440x1080 HD Movie (although it can also take the lower resolution video). The reason your iMovie on your MacBook bogs down is that the video bandwidth of your Macbook is less than required for smooth playback of an HD Movie at 30 fps. Just change your HX-1 video setting to shoot at the lower resolution and you'll be fine. Alternatively, you can convert your 1440x1080 videos to the lower resolution format and then your Macbook will be fine with it or you can upgrade to a new Macbook with a more powerfull video hardware and more video memory. « Show Less
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Hello Sandra!Do you still use the Dynex 1.3 web cam for your Mac? I had recently bought a Mac Mini (dual core i5 Intel), and I came across your post. Is the Dynex's image quality really about as clear as the Logitech Vision Pro? Right now, Best Buy has them on sale for $16.99. I also want to know how well the mic works on it. If your Dynex 1.3 is still serving you well, let me know! I don't mind shelling out $16.99, if your Dynex webcam is still going strong!
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On the box it says direct connect requirements: Mac OSx v 10.3 or later with USB Software requirements for Olympus Viewer: Mac OSx v10.4.1 -v10.6 You should have no issues, it comes with a software CD-ROM that will help with the processing of images, but even iPhoto will allow download and basic editing of images as well as video download direct from the camera or from a card reader without the proprietary software. I looked through my manuals and didn't see a listing of requirements. The software included is comprehensive but very slow, frustratingly so. If you are not doing heavy editing and just sharing your pictures I would avoid it.
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Yes, at the time when I got it iMovie wasn't even recognizing this camera even though Sony was claiming it is compatible. I was pissed off with Sony because I was chatting Sony Tech and once he figured out he cannot help me anymore he just disconnected from the chat. I was on Lion that time but not sure if it is still the case. Things may have changed since then. I think I got it last year somewhere around same time..
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I have a question, I just picked out this camcorder as a Christmas present. My family just purchased it for me. I will be using it for my Senior Project Documentary (Needed to graduate college). I have a new Macbook Pro and will be editing on Final Cut Express 09. Does anyone know how the video quality will be with that? Also, will I have any compatibility issues? Lastly, how is the audio on this? I was going to invest into the external microphone. Has anyone had any issues with audio thus far? Thanks.
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Did you ever figure out how to use your Sony Handycam DCR-DVD108 with your Imac/Imovie? I still haven't -- but there has to be a way, right? I gave up a while back, but am now ready to try again. Please let me know if you have any tips.
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I'm running OSX on my mac and I've had no real problems with my Aiptek DV5900 so far, except for the videos. D: But I found a quick download solved that problem. I can play the videos on quicktime, I just can't edit them or anything in iMovie, which, sucks, but I can live with it, seeing as I don't really use the video function on my camera anyway except to take funny pet videos. And editing is really not needed in youtube quality things.But as for photos, it still works. I kind of hate how cumbersome iPhoto is and wish it didn't take so long to recognize my camera when I plug it in via the USB port, but at least it recognizes it. Thank God. I'm running OSX on my mac and I've had no real problems with my Aiptek DV5900 so far, except for the videos. D: But I found a quick download solved that problem. I can play the videos on quicktime, I just can't edit them or anything in iMovie, which, sucks, but I can live with it, seeing as I don't really use the video function on my camera anyway except to take funny pet videos. And editing is really not needed in youtube quality things.But as for photos, it still works. I kind of hate how cumbersome iPhoto is and wish it didn't take so long to recognize my camera when I plug... » Read More I'm running OSX on my mac and I've had no real problems with my Aiptek DV5900 so far, except for the videos. D: But I found a quick download solved that problem. I can play the videos on quicktime, I just can't edit them or anything in iMovie, which, sucks, but I can live with it, seeing as I don't really use the video function on my camera anyway except to take funny pet videos. And editing is really not needed in youtube quality things.But as for photos, it still works. I kind of hate how cumbersome iPhoto is and wish it didn't take so long to recognize my camera when I plug it in via the USB port, but at least it recognizes it. Thank God. « Show Less
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I came to amazon to find out what's new on the camcorder front. I bought this Canon HG10 almost two years ago and I absolutely love it.I use it with Mac OS 10, IMovie and Final Cut Pro 6.0. Other than some improvements; 1080p vs 1080i (from Panasonic). I really didn't see any reason to get a new camera (upgrade). I recently just purchased new battery packs and a new Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone. If I was to get a new camera I would probably get the HG20. But that one is $1000. So, no rush. I'm going to hold on to this one for a year or so then see what's available in the HG series later next year. I came to amazon to find out what's new on the camcorder front. I bought this Canon HG10 almost two years ago and I absolutely love it.I use it with Mac OS 10, IMovie and Final Cut Pro 6.0. Other than some improvements; 1080p vs 1080i (from Panasonic). I really didn't see any reason to get a new camera (upgrade). I recently just purchased new battery packs and a new Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone. If I was to get a new camera I would probably get the HG20. But that one is $1000. So, no rush. I'm going to hold on to this one for a year or so then see what's... » Read More I came to amazon to find out what's new on the camcorder front. I bought this Canon HG10 almost two years ago and I absolutely love it.I use it with Mac OS 10, IMovie and Final Cut Pro 6.0. Other than some improvements; 1080p vs 1080i (from Panasonic). I really didn't see any reason to get a new camera (upgrade). I recently just purchased new battery packs and a new Rode SVM Stereo Condenser Microphone. If I was to get a new camera I would probably get the HG20. But that one is $1000. So, no rush. I'm going to hold on to this one for a year or so then see what's available in the HG series later next year. « Show Less
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Ummm...why does everyone say it's not Mac compatible? I have a MacBook Pro running Leopard and iMovie imports the clips with the USB cable.
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I've tried to upload it to my Mac and it does not recognize the camcorder at all!! It is so frustrating! anyone know what I am doing wrong?
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Hi Marian, Sony DCR-SX85 Camcorder is not compatible on Mac. However, by using a card reader, you can insert the Sony Memory Stick in it and access the pictures on your Mac under DCIM folder of the Memory Stick. If the Memory Stick does not appear as a storage device on your Mac, then that means that it is not being recognized or being read. Vincent
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It is compatible with Mac. You have to use iMovie to play it, but if you want to edit, you have to buy converter app. It is not mv4 formatted. I haven't used it since the Yosemite OS update, so iMovie may not work with it anymore. That's an easy fix, though. There are a bunch of converter apps that are able to convert the video to mv4. I use it in clinical practice and also in helping people to prepare for job interviews or public speaking engagements. It's a great tool!
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I had problems using it with my mac. This is what Nix say..."There is a compatibility issue between the X08C and a Mac. A firmware upgrade cannot solve it unfortunately. As you probably know, Mac systems can often have 'hidden' files when you make transfers onto Memory Cards. These interfere with the frame and create duplicates."
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Hi, This was my biggest concern in purchasing a new video camera, and I first purchased a JVC Everio one, which I quickly learned would not be natively compatible. The people at the Apple store told me to get a Canon FS 100 (the forerunner to this model), and when I saw the FS 200 coming out, I decided to wait. It was well worth it, and it is COMPLETELY compatible with Mac, but there IS a catch. You need to be running imovie 08 or 09. My Macbook is almost 3 years old, and imovie HD (the 06 version) did not work with the camera, and when I would connect it, it would open iphoto and then have no idea what to do with my movies. Imovie 09 is a great program, and worth the money since it is easier to use than iMovie HD AND has important updates like the ability to post directly to YouTube (the older programs involved an extremely complicated process where you had to change bitrate settings, UGH!). So to sum up, this IS the camera for mac and imovie users, but know that you will need to upgrade your system if you are running an imovie version that predates imovie 08. Also, I recommend getting a card reader when you buy your memory card. I got a 16 gig card on Amazon that came with a reader for $40 and it's amazing. You just pop it in the side, open imovie, and I was able to transfer 2 hours of video in about 8 minutes. LOVE IT!!
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Thanks for the answers I received. I did find out that with my IMAC (newest version) I was able to use IMOVIE. Works fine.
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I bought this is a present for my son. My son has a PC/Windows system. I asked him if he thought it would work on MAC and he said he thought so but wasn't sure. Maybe call Sony to find out. Hope this helps.
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NO, do NOT get a MAC. Overpriced and WAY over-hyped. I can edit 60p with ZERO chop on one of my meager core-duo laptops at 1.8ghz, with effects and PIP's, etc. no problem. You probably are not optimally configured both in hardware and software. What kind of hard drive do you have? This is a very likely culprit. I typically only edit on RAID0 configs because of their awesome speed, and this is where the bottle-neck is really. Also, get some real editing software. I've been using Edius for 10+ years now, and it is simply THE BEST NLE software I have ever used bar none (Vegas, Avid, Premiere Pro through CS4, and yes (sigh) Final Crap Pro). It is incredibly fast, stable, and supports mixed formats and more on a single timeline. Best wishes in any case.