Import Mini DV, HDV or DVCAM Tapes to an Apple Computer
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- čas přidán 28. 07. 2024
- We show you how to import (capture or digitize) Mini DV, HDV & DVCAM Tapes into an Apple Computer (Mac) using a great program called LifeFlix. It requires a cable and/or a few adapters depending which computer you have (the video explains this). If you have a Thunderbolt 1 or 2, USB-C or Firewire connection on your mac computer, we show you how to easily turn your old tapes into files that you can watch on your computer. Unlike video tapes that degrade over time, files are a safe way to preserve your memories in HD (High Definition) or SD (Standard Definition). Thanks for watching. Please like and subscribe. www.LoveWhatYouDoReviews.com
LINKS TALKED ABOUT IN VIDEO:
DV to Firewire Cable:
amzn.to/3QlWPS9
FireWire to Apple Thunderbolt 1/2 Adapter:
amzn.to/2ZDuC1k
Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) Adapter:
amzn.to/2Uq6BW9
LifeFlix DV Importer & Video Editor Website:
www.lifeflix.com
DISCLAIMERS:
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video and its content was not reviewed or paid for by outside persons or manufacturers. - Zábava
You solved a problem, the "professionals" at the Mac store couldn't. I took my Handicam in with me, and they looked lost. Thank You. All my memories are stored on DV, and they include times and people that are gone now.
yes haha
Yikes, that's not great support from the store, particularly when Apple pushed firewire for a long time.
@@DoubleMonoLR Firewire has been dead for 10 years since Thunderbolt 2, TB3 and now USB-C and TB4 ... and it's not an 'Apple' technology - it's set by multiple stakeholders and changes rapidly ... but hopefully we're near an end game with the USB-C form factor
After trying several different ways o import mini DV into my iMac, this really worked. The program allows you one free tape to try. Finally! Thank you!!!!
Perfect how to video! Just dusted off my old DV Cam and will try this soon. cheers
I’ll try it. Thanks. I’ll keep you updated.
Best up to date tutorial thank you so much
Лучший!! Долго мучайся с этим вопросом , благодарю 🙏
Very helpful. I like and subscribe.
Very helpful and the most useful video I found thanks
Life saver! Thank you so much for this video. Have a Sony HVR-Z1E camcorder but currently no way of transferring files (unless I pay a ton for a company to digitise it)...until now! Thanks again.
Thank you v much - this is an awesome video with great recommendations
awesome video and very clear tutorial ❤️
This was exactly what I needed. One tape transferred; lots more to do.
Fantastic instructions, really helpful. Any idea how to get the time/date stamp on the video footage like to older Hi8 or even 8mm camcorders did? you know when it would show the time/date status,p in the bottom corner whilst the video would be playing.
Thanks for the video, I followed this and it works great. Only question I hope you can answer is why does QuickTime stop recording at 7 mins when the tape is still playing
Thanks, when I get a computer I’ll do it.
Perfect video, so I can buy macMini and connect it to my old Canon HV-30
dude this is such an updated way of importing now. Thanks for the info!
very informative thank you
Just what I needed :)
Thanks for this video! Does Liteflix save each shot individually? It will detect each scene and make a new file while capturing?
Also, do you like liteflix better than using Capture in Premiere Pro?
I have the same Sony that you do, but I've got a late 2015 MacBook Pro, and it has only USB and HDMI inputs. And I don't seem to be able to use iMovie with the Sony. I used my old MBP with it.
Maybe my best bet is to try to use the old MBP. Because my old Sony worked fine with it.
Thanks this video it is very helpful! I have the Lifeflix software and my camera imports the images into my MacBook Air but not the audio, do you know if there is something I can do to fix that issue?
your voice is relaxing
I have 30 full tapes, should I do one at a time and edit or import all into an external hard drive and edit as I go along, thanks for the clear information
Hi ! I have the same camera and cords yet nothing is syncing up. Could you please show me your settings for your camera.
Thanks for the video! Do you know how/if this camera can be used as a webcam?
Thank you, I got the links. Is there an adapter to get it to an HDMI input on my TV. Thanks again.
what cables do i need for a 2015 (late model) iMac ? Do i need both the thunderbolt firewire adaptor and the thunderbolt 2 to 3?
thanks in advance
Hi I have a SONY DCR -HC32/HC42 The cable that connects to the DV outlet of the camera has on the other side 3 pins and I dont know which connector I need to conect to a new MAC and tranfer video or to a HD. Could you please tell me. Thank you
I ALSO HAV E A SONY DSC F707 CYBERSHOT CAN YOU TELL ME WHICH CONNECTORS ARE NECESSARY.
Great video!! The Lifeflix is great. Now I need a video to how to burn my iMovie into my dvds. Do I need another program? On my old Mac I had iDVD and toast that I used before. Now I had to get a external cd drive. Thanks for the help
Hi. I wonder will it work if the source tape is recorded on a cam with 44.1 Hz audio (Canon) and the deck for playback and transfer is a DV CAM (Sony PD100) which has 48 hz audio (I do no longer have that Canon camera).... I notice as I play back the DV tape recorded on the Canon from the Sony the audio goes on and off but the picture plays well....... Wonder if the capure program will take care of this audio issue during import?
I have done this on my old iMac with firewire port using both iMovie and later FCPX, and have had no issues digitizing more than a hundred tapes from various expeditions in the Himalayas. I don't see any reason to use 3rd party software. Files are named after tape, and every scene brake is recognised and a new clip results in a new file increasing a counter in the file name. Very ease to work with, just takes the time it takes to run through the whole tape. It took me some weeks to digitise all those 100+ tapes, but now they are on my harddrive - and backed up 🙂
I tried both of those programs and every time there was a break in the tape, it would fail to digitize the rest of the tape. This was the only software that I found that could deal with the breaks. It saved me a ton of time. That’s awesome that you didn’t have those issues!
does it work with the new apple macbook pro
Thanks, I "subscrubed".
Thanks!! Gracias!!
bro. i have a pc with firewire 400. would this work with a cable that goes dv from the camera to firewire 400 to the pc?
Will this work for Sony vx2000?
Hi, I have arranged the identical setup and cannot get the software to recognize the HDR1 camera? Can you please help?
would this work also for a sony dcr dvd camcorder that takes dvd+rw
I got the extra adapter for usb c for my new MacBook but the computer does not recognize the camera. My old Mac did with the single adapter. Not sure what is going on?
what cable i need to normal computer (not apple mac)?
does this work for mini dvds or just cassettes
Great step by step video, I got a FireWire type 2 4pin(miniDV) to thunderbolt 2 awhile ago seemed to work. But after reading some comments I wonder if I’m losing quality? I’m back doing research for my mum with a new Mac need to thunderbolt 3(usb c) solution. Thinking thunderbolt 2 to thunderbolt 3(usb c) adaptor is best solution. But I’m still wondering if I’m losing quality?!
It’s all just digital so you shouldn’t lose any quality no matter what adapters you use
does the charger have to be charger or will it still play connected to the computer?
what if you use third part adaptors? The apple ones are soo expensive!
Still confused...I have a Canon ZR70 NTSC mini dv camcorder with no firewire. I want to transfer the footage from the mini dv tape to my Mac. What do I need? Thanks!
Does this work with a JVC mini DV? I’ve got one that’s 18 years old.
Does this still work with fcpx?
It’s not working on my M1 Max, but works on my 2012 mbp.
I have been looking for a rental service or transfer service for like 10 years with no luck… even in San Francisco
Great tutorial I just wish it didn’t cost 99 dollars
Is there another app that is free? I can't afford $99
@@EarlBalentineimovie
@@EarlBalentinebut quicktime works great if you dont edit in imovie
Do you need a MAC compatible camcorder or can this be used with any? I have a JVC miniDV but the model number is not compatible so whilst the camcorder connects it doesn’t capture the footage on iMovie.
Great !!! If it works I will be over the moon.
What if my cam corder doesn't have the DV connection? It is an older model
Is there a way to do it with Windows?
Amazon does not carry this adapter. any suggestions? Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter
Hey everything was working but it froze on my MacBook and only got some of the tape. Now I tried to restart and the software keeps say “no camcorder found” and I’ve unplugged everything even deleted and re- downloaded the software and the same. Any help?
I am trying to search for the adapter that connects Firewire port to Thuderbolt .. Can any one please tell me how to find it?
So you can´t use a fire wire to usb?
Hi all,
Finally, after chasing a used camera (mine broke), finding my dv cable and connecting 3 adapters, I can finally capture to my MacBook Pro.
I was very happy to see Super Cut immediately recognizing the camera with both video and audio.
Is there anything I need to do to get the best import quality?
Should I be using a different software?
Are there easy solutions for upscaling the video and/or improving quality?
I appreciate your help.
Where did you find the Firewire to Thunderbolt connector? Can’t find anywhere now
Is there an adapter that goes from the firewire cable to USB-C or does it always have to be two adapters? Thanks
I couldn’t find one
Hi, I am using Mac OS Ventura 13.6. with IEEE 1394/DV to USB 2 cable. Nothing seems to recognise my Canon MV530i. I have tried iMovie, and Debut software and even FCP. How can I bypass the fact that my camcorder is not supported. Is it the cable that's wrong? Any help would be so welcome...
Hi. Not sure if anyone has tried this on the MacBook M1s yet but I'm having trouble getting Final Cut Pro X or iMovie or Quicktime to recognize my MiniDV camera (Sony Handycam HDR-HC3). I have a Belkin DV/iLink to Firewire 800 cable running into the Apple Firewire 800 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and then into the Apple Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3 adapter into the USB-C port on the MacBook but the computer doesn't see the camera. (It used to on my old iMac 2014.) I also have tried another DV to FW800 to make sure it wasn't a bad Belkin cable. Wondering if you might have any thoughts?
Doesn’t work on new macs you better use OBS instead
thankyouuu
does anyone know if permiere pauses the video importing when it splits or breaks clips?
It does. I gave up on it. Had to use the other program I mentioned in the video.
Hi, Thanks for the very clear video. I connected my handycam to my new Imac as mentioned in the video. Unfortunately the program LifeFlix DV Importer does not find my Handycam. What should I do? Thanks for any sugestions, regards, Jan
As long as my camera was turned on, all the cables were connected and I inserted a tape, the program saw my camera. It was just automatic. I would contact them directly for technical support. They probably could tell you if you explain the gear you are using. I never had an issue and found that program very easy to use.
The program actually did not support catalina until a few days ago, it should work now
Are u sure that two adapters connection, thunderbolt3-thunderbolt2 to firewire, would work ? I checked it does not work from Apple.
I read that you need to download the camera driver onto your computer, for no it to be recognized.
LifeFlix doesn't recognise Sony HDV Z1U camcorders sadly.
Yes! “SHOE me!”
I have the same camera as on the video. What settings do you need to apply for the iMac to recognise it ??
I have the same camera and problem as well
You’ll need the mentioned software to trick your Mac. They are fickle.
Could I use Premiere Pro to capture instead of the LifeFlix DV Importer software?
Premiere pro stops on all the tape breaks. I could not get it to digitize an entire tape. Even with a capture card.
Struggling to find a Sony HDV mini Dv Cam any alternative or suggestions?
I got a Sony HDR-HC1 "used" from eBay, but it looks brand new. Trouble is, all the markings on it or in Japanese. Good thing I've got my old one which doesn't work to look at, plus I've got the old manual.
my old camera wont work but i still have alot of tapes i wanna watch but idk how to import them without the camera:(any idea how?
Buy a camera. Rent a deck. Or send them to an online service. Google it.
i would recommend go on craigslist/Letgo and buy an old DV camera for probably $10-20
Is it basically the same for mini dvds?
I have not tested that, so I am not 100 percent sure.
Unfortunately, any 'modern' Mac DOESN'T HAVE the firewire connection.
To do this on a new Mac with usb-c you would need to buy two cable connecters which are the firewire- thunderbolt and then thunderbolt to USB-C which I will link below. Thats all you need!
Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter
Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter
Hey, you mean + the mini-dv to firewire adapter? I have iOS 10.13.6 and can't derush my Canon MV700
Ummm Apple says it does not work in 2 connection combined. I checked today
Is it possible to use use a dv-dvi cable to make the transfer?
That Cable doesn’t exist
Question! I have acquired an old Sony HDR-FX1 HDV Camcorder. I would love to use it to shoot a few short films. I have a late 2019 iMac. I am seeing so much different information on what I need in order to get the tape footage in HD to my Final Cut Pro X Software.
If I am understanding correctly, I would need an IEEE 1394 FireWire cable, then adapt that into FireWire to Thunderbolt 2, then that into Thunderbolt 3, and finally into the computer?
I saw something that confused me about needing a FireWire 800 to 400 (or the other way around) as well.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Excellent video! Liked and subscribed.
You might've solved this already, but you can get a single cable with 4 pin (mini) FireWire 400 on one end (for the camera), and FireWire 800 on the other. The 800 end goes into the apple FireWire adapter, which then goes into the thunderbolt 2 adapter. Only issue is the Apple FireWire adapters are discontinued and expensive now.
Is it possible to transfer using DV out to USB cable then into USB C using an adapter? I'm wondering if best to avoid all the wires?
Did it worked for you?
Does the free trial works or ill have to buy the pro version wich is $99 dollars?
Free trial works for one tape
Thank you for the video, but i have a problem. I am using 18's macbook , and OS is Catalina. I use Canon's 6mm camcorder, and I have all the cables. But MacBooks don't recognize camcorders. I confirmed that there was no problem with the output of the camcorder. If you know how to solve this problem, please help me. Your video was very helpful even if my problem was not solved. 🥺
oh my mac os is Monterey😅
How long does it take to transfer? Does it have to play the whole vide in real time to transfer? That’s like an 1hr per tape?
It digitizes in real time.
Hi! I watched your video among others and followed your directions and bought all 3 wires needed and downloaded the program. when i connect it it does not appear and says no camera found . i'm so so frustrated!!! can you PLEASE help me!!! not very comp savvey either
This exact procedure worked for me and many others. I would contact the software developer. They may have an answer.
If your Mini DV camera/camcorder is too old it may not be compatible with Mac OSX. "Love What You Do" or others in this discussion may be able to point you to a web page that provides a list of Mini DV camcorders or even playback decks that are compatible with Mac OSX. I have a camera that my vintage iMac DV computer running OS 9.2.2 "sees & communicates with" but my MacBook Pro running OSX does not see it, i.e. no camera found. This is with iMovie on each computer, not the great "LIfe Flix" program "Love What You Do" recommends.
is audio also transeffered if you use this method?
Yes.
So I tried it and saved a file but there’s no sound is there any way around that?
My Sony handycam doesn’t have a DV input
WOW ! I thought it could not be done. But then I went about it all wrong. NOW only thing I need are the links to get the proper cables and jacks. I didn't. see any links. Sad.
Links are in the description below the video.
im trying to convert my dv tapes im using imovie but it only downloads clips is this better than imovie
In my opinion, if you are trying to turn tapes into video files, this is the way to go.
Johnny RETRO imovie won’t capture sound for me so this is better imo
can i just use firewire to usb adapter
I have not tested that, but if you do try it, let us know if it works.
will this work if i use a fire wire to usb cord with no adapters? or should i use the thunderbold adapter
id like to know this too
No it won't work.
Can I use a FireWire to usb and have the usb plugged into my MacBook?
i wonder if i can do that too
@@wisslef7685 hello to answer both of you no this set up he mentioned is the only way to do it. The firewire cable cannot Passover data in just one cable. You need all these adapters. I tried and tested myself and it works like a charm highly recommend his set up as it provides excellant quality video.
Would this work on an M1 Macbook pro?
Yes
Is their another software I could use other than lifeflix ?
I like it the best because it keeps digitizing, even when it hits breaks in the the tape.
hey man, great video! Is it also possible to import the footage through the mini usb outlet on the camera?
Does this still work with Catalina?
Yes it does! Took a while but it does now.
will it work if i get a dv to usb?
I have the same problem! I can't find a solution anywhere! Have you figured anything out yet?
Or DV to USB???
There's no way a dv can passover the data to a USB in one cable. The bandwidth will not allow it so the only way to do it is the adapters he mentioned. It is a bit pricey but it still is the absolute best way to do it. Those crappy av cable USB adapters are awful. Using this setup gives you the best quality and audio and less headaches transferring. Trust me I used it myself and it works like a charm.
What if the fire wire to thinderbolt is expensive for me can I just get the fire wire to USB??
It all depends on the connection on your camera and computer. If those connection types work, you could try it. The cables described in the video worked great for me, that’s why I suggested them. Good luck and let us know what cables you buy and if they are successful.
a simple [cheap] firewire to USB cable were only ever made to transfer photos. They will not work to transfer video in 99% of cases. You need electronics to change the signal between firewire and USB.
2 alternatives: If you need a really really cheap way you can use the analogue video/audio output for standard definition from the camera and buy a cheap "video capture USB converter". You will loose a lot of quality. If your camcorder or playback device has a HDMI video output ( for connection to a TV) then another option is to buy one of the HDMI to USB capture dongles. There are dozens on ebay and Amazon that all look the same like a black USB memory stick with no brand name.They cost around $15 to $25 but are only suitable up to 30 frames a second ( thats most camcorders which record in 25 or 30fps) . I bought one last week to transfer VHS tapes from a VCR with HDMI and it works very well. Can't believe it only cost $20 using OBS software to record it to an old windows laptop with Intel i3 cpu
do not ever do that, i fried my camera doing that, those adapters are fake.
@@brettogden6104 do you have some video captured with video/audio output and the same captured with Firewire?, I would watch loose of quality because I don't have those cables and is not a cheaper solution
I have a similar setup.. iLink-FW800 + FW800-DisplayPort + DisplayPort-Thunderbolt3 .. from a DCR-HC85 to a MacBook Pro (2018 model with only USB-C ports).. however when i try to import MiniDV tapes with iMovie or FinalCutPro (I originally recorded with an older camcorder, Sony DCR-TRV30) the videos imported are split into tiny 1second long clips. Any ideas what may be at fault here? Could it be the chain of adapters? could it be the version of the iMovie/FCP I’m using? (iMovie 10.1.14, FCP 10.4.8), the OSX version (Catalina 10.15.5), or could it be the difference between the DCR-TRV30 / DCR-HC85 used for recording/playback respectively? the LifeFlix (trial version) doesn’t seem to recognize the sony DCR-HC85 so I can’t tell if this would work for me or not.
That’s why I bought lifeflix. Other software would stop digitizing every time it his a break in the tape. Sometimes it would happen after every shot and I would have to baby sit the entire import. Lifeflix was the only program that did all of the hard work for me. I digitized a giant box of stuff. I bought lifeflix directly from their website. Check their system requirements. Good luck!
Did you ever solve this? I was having the trouble of 1 second long clips being imported into iMovie so I bought LifeFlix. I'm still having the same problem. I can "combine" the clips easily in LifeFlix, but I also have a problem of the application crashing. I'm importing from a Canon GL1 to a 2012 Mac with a Firewire port.
Life flex doesn't recognise my camcorder any ideas?
I would contact the creator of the software. It worked great for me. Good luck!
What cam do you have?
If your Mini DV camera/camcorder is too old it may not be compatible with Mac OSX. "Love What You Do" or others in this discussion may be able to point you to a web page that provides a list of Mini DV camcorders or even playback decks that are compatible with Mac OSX. I have a camera that my vintage iMac DV computer running OS 9.2.2 "sees & communicates with" but my MacBook Pro running OSX does not see it, i.e. no camera found. This is with iMovie on each computer, not the great "LIfe Flix" program "Love What You Do" recommends.
Did you ever try using Final Cut Pro X to import? Does it stop if there is a drop out?