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best high def camcorder for use with mac

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Old 19-02-2009, 4:41 PM   #1
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best high def camcorder for use with mac

Ok just thought i'd ask what high def camcorder you guys would recommend for use with osx leopard and imovie 09. not too expensive as its just for basic use but i keep reading stories about certain camcorders just not working on imovie or was that just with imovie 08 not 09 thanks
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Old 19-02-2009, 7:34 PM   #2
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

iMovie '09: Camcorder Support
Anything listed there will work, though each has its pros and cons. If you could give us a rough idea of your budget, that would really help narrow things down.
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Old 20-02-2009, 9:44 AM   #3
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

Quote:
Originally Posted by A n d r e w View Post
iMovie '09: Camcorder Support
Anything listed there will work, though each has its pros and cons. If you could give us a rough idea of your budget, that would really help narrow things down.
Whilst a nice starting point that list is hopelessly incomplete...I use a Sony TG3e which works brilliantly...
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Old 20-02-2009, 11:14 AM   #4
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

Quote:
Originally Posted by dejongj View Post
Whilst a nice starting point that list is hopelessly incomplete...I use a Sony TG3e which works brilliantly...
I would say it's misleading rather than incomplete (though it may be that, too, as it only lists camcorders that have actually been tested and proven compatible): it lists the TG1 as a PAL camcorder, whereas the model number for the PAL version of the TG1 is TG3.

I had wondered if this anomaly would be corrected when the list for iMovie '09 was made up, but it seems to have been carried over from the iMovie '08 camcorder support page.

Andrew.
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Old 20-02-2009, 2:07 PM   #5
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

thanks for posting the link but as mentioned its seems some on the list do work fine and some not so well. I'm looking at spending between £400 and £500 max i did see the panasonic on special at QVC which seemed to be a great price but seem to have missed the boat on that one.
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Old 20-02-2009, 2:14 PM   #6
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

I would call QVC. They did have a few left apparently from people who cancelled their orders but not sure if they're still there.

I've ordered the Panasonic SD9 and hope it will work fine on my macbook. I have the latest ilife09 so it should all be fine
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Old 20-02-2009, 3:48 PM   #7
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

The Sony CX6 and CX11 work brilliantly with Imovie 09

both are well built easy to hold cameras and produce brilliant movies IMO
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Old 20-02-2009, 3:49 PM   #8
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

Any of the current (= on sale now, as opposed to those due for release in the spring - although I can't see any reason these won't work just as well) - any of the current Panasonic, Canon, or Sony AVCHD camcorders will work fine on an Intel Mac. You don't need firewire for these camcorders since they use USB to transfer video. I have an SD9 and can vouch for compatibility there (although the progressive mode on the SD9 is not fully supported by iMovie, which corrupts the first 5 seconds of any progressive clip from the SD9).

Around your budget you could look at the Panasonic SD9, the Sony TG3 or possibly the other Sonys just mentioned (not sure on price for those), or the Canon HF100.
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Old 22-02-2009, 11:43 AM   #9
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

Anybody got a Toshiba gsc-k40 there using with a mac there seems to be some fantastic deals on these at the moment but can't seem to find info on them being mac friendly or not
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Old 22-02-2009, 1:58 PM   #10
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Re: best high def camcorder for use with mac

+1 for the Panasonic range.

I bought an SD5 last year for £325 at comet to celebrate the birth of my second girl, and have loved it and the ease of use that if offers with the mac.

Main downside, I am using a macbook 2.4 and capture is 2X real time at best, but apart from that pretty simple, I can shoot footage and have it on youtube within 10 minutes quite easily.

YouTube - milkmanchris's Channel

Anyhing after April last year is the Panny and imovie processed.
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