by Christine Smith • 2020-10-28 17:31:25 • Proven solutions

Connecting a camcorder to Mac is not very complicated and is not so different from connecting it to a PC, but it must be done properly in order to achieve a good result. This way, it is advisable that you make sure to be informed on whether the connection method works and how to follow the right steps before actually connecting them.

Copy Sony Handycam video file to Mac Connect Sony Handycam to Mac via usb cable, firewire, or a/v cable, turn on the camcorder and copy video files from Sony Handycam to Mac hard disk. Convert Sony Handycam video files Launch Mac Video Converter, locate your Sony Handycam video files and load them into the application. This video shows how to copy files from a Sony Handycam to a PC. The model I'm using is an HDR-CX405. Just connect the USB cable and set it to use 'MTP' inst. This video shows how Sony AVCHD camcorders work with Mac. You have to have an Intel based Mac and you do need at least Leopard for your OS (OS X 10.5 or greater).

After connect and download media files to Mac, you can watch them with your favorite media player, or convert to other video formats for further editing in iMovie, Final Cut Pro, QuickTime, etc. Read the following parts to learn the easy steps to convert and connect camcorder videos on Mac.

Part 1. Steps to Import Photos and Videos to Mac

What you need to connect the camcorder to Mac

A 6 pin or 4 pin cable. Usually, camcorders need a 4 pin cable end in order to be able to connect to the Mac, although sometimes they might allow a 6 pin end as well.

Step 1 Make sure your camcorder is set to the correct mode for importing photos and videos. For information on which mode to choose, see the instructions provided with your camcorder. If your camcorder has a sleep mode, make sure it is disabled or set to a time increment long enough to allow your images and videos to download.

Step 2 The first step is to locate the four-pin FireWire port on your video camcorder. On most video camcorders, you'll find it located under a plastic or rubber boot. Leave the video camcorder powered off and simply lift the boot from the camcorder and insert the smaller four-pin end of the FireWire cable into the FireWire port of the camcorder.

Step 3 Once the camcorder is connected, take the other end of the FireWire cable, the larger six-pin end, and insert it into your Mac's FireWire port. When both of the cables are connected, you can turn on the power to your video camcorder.

Step 4 In a few seconds, your Mac should automatically launch iMovie. Follow the on-screen instructions on your Mac and begin the video transfer from your video camcorder to your Mac.

Part 2. Tips for Connecting Camcorder to Mac

1. How to watch VHSs or DVDs using Mac?

If you wish to watch VHSs or DVDs by using your Mac, it is also possible. In order to achieve such a goal, you would need a converter box that would convert the video signal into a signal which your Mac would recognize and then allow you to watch. This converter box would intermediate between each device and would cause both their signals to be compatible.

When working with a converter box, you would need to connect it to the video source and the Mac. This way, you would need to use the cables necessary for both connections, and you should make sure they are the correct ones. It is recommendable that you learn how to achieve this before trying to do it properly. If you have any doubts, you should always consult each device owner’s manual or call the manufacturer’s customer service for advice.

2. How to use video from your connected or built-in iSight camcorder?

You can use your iSight camcorder to record video directly into your iMovie project. This means you can spontaneously add clips to your project while you're working on it. Just connect your iSight camcorder to your Mac's FireWire port, and you're ready to start recording. If you have more than one camcorder connected, such as an iSight and a camcorder, or you have an iMac with a built-in iSight-choose iSight from the pop-up menu that appears when you switch to camcorder mode. Alternatively, you need to convert the camcorder to iMovie compatible video formats, such as MOV.

Part 3. How to Convert Camcorder Videos Easily on Mac

If you want to play or edit the videos exported from your camcorder, the formats are sometimes not supported. Then you need a professional video converter like Wondershare UniConverter, which can help you convert camcorder videos to MOV, MP4, and other 1000+ formats. Learn the detail steps about How to Convert Camcorder Videos Easily on Mac >>.

Wondershare UniConverter - Your Complete Video Toolbox

• Convert camcorder AVCHD/MTS/M2TS files to MP4 or other 1000+ formats on Mac.
• Edit camcorder videos with trimming, cutting, merging, adding subtitles, applying effects, etc.
• Compress the camcorder video size smaller without losing any quality.
• Download and record videos from 1,000+ popular websites by simply pasting URLs.
• Burn camera videos to DVD/ISO/IFO files with an attractive free DVD template on Mac.
• Transfer camcorder videos from Mac to iPhone/iPad/Android devices easily.
• The toolbox includes Fix Media Metadata, GIF Maker, Cast to TV, Video Compressor, Screen Recorder, DVD Copy, etc.
• Supported OS: Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6, Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista.

by Christine Smith • 2020-10-27 16:12:54 • Proven solutions

How to connect Camcorder to Laptop for live streaming? Need to connect old Camcorder to PC? There are multiple ways by which you can transfer videos from camera to computer, and we are here to help you with simple, quick, and effective solutions. Transferring files from your camera to PC/Mac clears up space on your digital camera for recording more videos, and it also enables you to edit the videos on your PC/Mac through various installed software. Additionally, when you transfer videos from camcorder to laptop, you also make them safe and secure. Read below to know about the complete solution to connect your camcorder to PC and transfer videos.

Part 1. How to Connect Your Camcorder to Computer

The very first thing that you need before transferring videos is to connect the camcorder to the PC. You also need to check the ports available on your camcorder and PC and check their compatibility so that data can be seamlessly transferred.

What you need before the connection:

• A Camera/Camcorder with videos you need to be transferred
• A computer
• A connecting cable (the cable generally comes along with camcorders)
• A Firewire or USB port on your PC/Mac

Steps to connect your camcorder to PC/Mac:

You can connect the camcorder to the laptop using a firewire port. Listed below are the steps for your convenience.

Connect the camcorder with the computer via the cable:

Once you successfully connect the camcorder to PC, it will be automatically detected by your PC/Mac and appear as a hard disk drive on your system. A pop-up window will also appear at the bottom-right corner.

Note: In case if your camcorder is not recognized by PC, you would need to install the driver for the camcorder to PC video capture process to initiate.

Part 2. How to Transfer Your Camera Videos to PC/Mac

Solution 1: Manually Add Your Camera Videos to PC/Mac

One of the most common and straightforward ways to add camera videos to PC/Mac is by doing it manually. There are different manual methods, as listed below.

Method 1: Using SD Adapter

SD Adapter, commonly known as a microSD card adapter, looks like a normal SD card that has a slot for inserting a microSD card. These adapters can be easily accommodated in any SD media port on a PC or SD card reader. It allows transferring data between the camera and PC.

Steps to transfer videos from the camera to PC/Mac using SD Adapter:

Step 1: Take out a microSD card from your camera and insert it into an SD adapter. Insert the adapter into the media slot on your PC.

Step 2: Open File Explorer on your PC (press Windows + E ). The connected SD adapter will be visible under the Computer and will show as a removable drive.

Step 3: Double click on the SD adapter icon, which will show two folders - DCIM and MISC.

Step 4: Open the DCIM folder that will show all the images and videos captured by the camera. Select the desired videos that you wish to transfer and copy them to the desired folder on your PC. Alternatively, you can even drag and drop the videos.

Method 2: Automatic transfer with Auto Launch options

Another simple way of transferring camera videos to PC/Mac is through the Auto launch option, which automatically appears when you connect your camera to your PC.

Steps to transfer videos from camera to PC/Mac using Auto Launch:

Step 1: Using a USB cable, connect your camera to your PC/Mac.

Step 2: As soon as the camera is connected and detected by PC, a prompt will appear showing the connected camera and multiple options. You can select from:

• Browse files
• Change general settings
• Import pictures and videos

Method 3: Manual transfer using File Explorer

Another method for transferring videos is by doing it manually using File Explorer.

Steps to transfer videos from the camera to PC/Mac using File Explorer:

Step 1: Connect your camera to your PC/Mac using a cable.

Step 2: Open File Explorer (Windows + E key). The connected camera will appear under Computer. Click the Camera icon to open the card SD card folder.

Step 3: Open the DCIM folder to access images and videos on your camera.

Step 4: Select desired videos and copy/paste to your PC. You can also drag and drop the videos.

Pros and Cons of the Manual solutions:

Pros:

• offers a simple solution, free to use.
• Need no third party software or program.
• Allows transferring videos to PC quickly.

Cons:

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• Support no additional features like editing videos, converting files, and others.
• The method, like auto-launch, does not allow to select the desired video.

You can select from the above listed manual solutions to capture video from the camcorder to PC, depending upon your convenience and requirements.

Solution 2: Convert Camera Videos to PC/Mac Intelligently

Another best solution to add your camera videos to PC/Mac directly is by using Wondershare UniConverter. The software is available for Windows as well as a Mac system and works intelligently by identifying the videos from your camera and adding it directly to your PC/Mac. Using the software, you can not only add the videos but also perform an array of other features like editing videos, changing their format, transferring videos to iPhone, and other devices easily.

Wondershare UniConverter - Convert Camcorder Videos to PC/Mac

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• Convert camera videos to 1,000+ formats, including AVI, MKV, MOV, MP4, etc.
• Convert video to optimized preset for almost all of the devices.
• 30X faster conversion speed.
• Edit camcorder videos with trimming, cropping, merging, adding subtitles, and more.
• Burn video to playable DVD with attractive free DVD template.
• Download or record online videos from 10,000 video sharing sites.
• Versatile toolbox includes fixing video metadata, GIF maker, casting video to TV, and screen recorder.
• Supported OS: Windows 10/8/7/XP/Vista, Mac OS 10.15 (Catalina), 10.14, 10.13, 10.12, 10.11, 10.10, 10.9, 10.8, 10.7, 10.6.

Steps to add camera videos to Mac/PC using Wondershare UniConverter

Step 1 Add camera videos to transfer to PC/Mac.

Launch Wondershare UniConverter after download and installation. On the main page of the software interface, select the Video Converter tab, and then click the drop-down menu beside the +Add files button. Select the Add from the Camcorder option.

A pop-up window will appear showing all the videos present on camera. Select the videos that you wish to transfer to Mac and then click Add To Convert List.

Step 2 Convert camera videos to the desired format.

Click the Output Format button from the drop-down option, and select the desired format from the Video tab. You should also select a video resolution from the given option or customize it from the Create button. Finally, click the Start All button to start converting videos from camcorder to other common formats. You can also click on the editing icons below the video to trim, crop videos, etc.

Step 4 Transfer the converted camera videos on Mac.

Once the conversion process is complete, click the Finished tab to see the list of transferred videos. You can also transfer them to other devices or upload them to YouTube/Vimeo. Click on the File Location at the bottom, the location where videos are transferred from the camera to your Mac will be shown.

If you want to know the video formats that different camcorders support, there is a full guide to Camera Video File Formats for Well-know Camera Brands >>

Part 3. Tips to Transfer Videos from Camera to PC/Mac

With the above-listed solutions, transferring videos from your camera to PC/Mac will now be a cakewalk. To further help you with the transferring process and make it even better below listed are some useful tips.

1. The present-day camera and camcorders record high-quality videos, and thus if you transfer these videos to your PC, they occupy a lot of space on your PC's hard drive. Therefore, to save your computer hard disk space, you can either save the videos to an external drive or burn them to DVD.

2. Different types of cameras and camcorders use different types of connection. Thus it is advisable to check the manual to know the type of connection needed before you transfer the videos from Handycam to PC. Also, check the camera for the available ports.

3. It is important to check if your PC has the needed ports to transfer videos from the camera. Their compatibility with the camera also needs to be checked before the camcorder PC transfer process.

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4. While you capture video from camcorder to PC on Windows 7 or other systems, it is always better to close the other programs which are running on your PC as the transfer process uses a lot of system resources.

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5. The present-day DVD camcorder is capable of directly recording the videos to the DVD that can be played on Blu-ray players as well as regular players. If you want to transfer these recording DVD videos to PC, Wondershare UniConverter helps in converting the camera videos out of DVDs.

6. If you want to transfer camcorder videos from PC/Mac to iPhone/iPad/Android devices, you can use Wondershare UniConverter, which can transfer videos without any format compatibility problem. You can watch the video tutorial to learn more details about how to transfer camera videos to PC/Mac.

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It can be concluded that Wondershare UniConverter is an intelligent and wonderful way to transfer videos from camcorder to PC/Mac. Have a free trial now!