[double r]

Just purchased a Sony HDR-CX6EK memory stick HD camcorder. Would appear to perform well in most respects, however there seems to be no way or no support for transferring video data onto an Apple Mac to free up space on a memory stick and to edit footage. I know a modern mac can be booted up to run on Windows XP, but didnt really wish to go down that road, and if the only other options are to aquire a pc/vaio, then I would reluctantly have to trade the camera in. Any insight/suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[redsox_mark]

I don't have a Mac, but you should be able to copy the files to it; it should just look like a USB connected drive.

Where you will have the problem is editing; I don't believe there is any Mac compatible editing software; and the software which comes with the CX6 is also not Mac compatible.

[double r]

Well I have done a bit more research, including sending an email to Sony. I have indeed worked out how to get data onto the mac via USB but until some suitable software comes along it would remain unusabe. You can view and transfer photo files ok, but I have possibly realised too late that the HD video is compressed in the new AVCHD format. If nothing else this post will serve as a cautionary tale to other enthusiasts who might (like I did) assume that compatability and connectivity is less of an issue these days. One solution could have been to put a firewire port on the docking station to play the video out in real time to be captured on a program or recorded onto a mini DV tape via a dv input on a HDV VCR/camera, but I half expect someone to tell me due to the properties of the new format that that would not work. Any further knowledge as always greatly appreciated.

[redsox_mark]

When the first AVCHD cams came out there wasn't editing support for Windows either!

It looks like AVCHD support on Mac is comming, see this

http://jeffcarlson.typepad.com/imovi...editing-c.html

[senu]

Originally Posted by double r

Well I have done a bit more research, including sending an email to Sony. I have indeed worked out how to get data onto the mac via USB but until some suitable software comes along it would remain unusabe. You can view and transfer photo files ok, but I have possibly realised too late that the HD video is compressed in the new AVCHD format. If nothing else this post will serve as a cautionary tale to other enthusiasts who might (like I did) assume that compatability and connectivity is less of an issue these days. One solution could have been to put a firewire port on the docking station to play the video out in real time to be captured on a program or recorded onto a mini DV tape via a dv input on a HDV VCR/camera, but I half expect someone to tell me due to the properties of the new format that that would not work. Any further knowledge as always greatly appreciated.

Have a read

SONY HDR-SR1E camcorder Mac connection ~ HELP!

Originally Posted by redsox_mark

When the first AVCHD cams came out there wasn't editing support for Windows either!

It looks like AVCHD support on Mac is comming, see this

http://jeffcarlson.typepad.com/imovi...editing-c.html

Thanks for that.. it is a trickle though...

AVCHD is not exactly "new" and even with Windows editing support is limited to 3 titles
The Mac OS didnt even "see" the AVCHD files in addition to the fact that there were no Mac OS USB drivers to allow connectivity

[double r]

Thanks for responces thus far. If not comforting they certainly make interesting reading. To elaborate on my own situation I have filmed/edited in HD for almost 2 years and for the most part been happy with tape based cams. However the prospect of an HD cam' with minimal mechanical parts, almost instant access to recorded footage and being of a tiny size seemed very appealing. I film BMX/Skatebaording activities, often shooting many,many repeated attempts of manoeuvers. With a tape based cam, unless there is a long pause, we just let a camera roll/record from begining of tape until the end, sometimes picking off just a couple of shots, doing so with the belief that this is far better for tape/cam than many start/stop cycles (have worn out a few tape drives over the years on mini DV cams, my own experience being Panasonic lasted/fared better than Sony models in most aspects of wear & tear though I only speak for myself and have heard the oppositte situation from a friend). I hope more support will come around for this type of cam' and those 8GB memory sticks come down in price too !