MiniDV/HDV Camcorders no longer working with Macs via FireWire? Let's figure this out!

[@ScottSchramm]

UPDATE: Apple fixed this issue in the macOS 12.4 update! See my updated video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/naTFYmafq8msh6s and if you're still having issues, please see this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmazlauBidJ_Zqs

[@Jencoutt]

I felt like I was going insane. I contacted Apple Support and they had no idea. Thank you for resolving this issue. I'm going to follow your links to download an earlier version of Monterey and see if this fixes my problem. Very much appreciated.

[@didyoutapeit]

This saved me, thank you. I had been trying all day to get this to work to no avail. Watched your video, upgraded to Mac OS 12.4 and hazaaaa it works!!! Thank you.

[@obiter-things]

Thanks so much. Answers my questions. I can stop banging my head trying to find a solution. I appreciate your great work.👍

[@ScottSchramm]

Glad you found this helpful!

[@Mogely]

I've been going nuts since this upgrade happened thank you so much, I'm about to downgrade to the last Monterey got a lot of tapes to go through.

[@makacarp]

THANK YOU for a systematic isolation of this issue! You make it clear that the problem is in macOS 12.3.1 Fortunately, for me, someone posted the link from an Apple discussion forum. So, I only lost 30-45 minutes. Luckily, I can hold on to my DV tape a while longer, but, Apple definitely needs to fix this ASAP!

[@tekspeditionplanet9109]

Interesting. I just connected my Sony HDV-VCR to my 2019 Intel 27" iMac on Monterey 12.6. Quicktime did not recognize the camera/VCR at all. Final Cut Pro recognized the camera and correctly labeled it (HDV-VCR), but would not run it, would not accept video from the tape, and would not control the HDV-VCR. But iMovie recognized the HDV-VCR, was able to manipulate the camera/VCR controls, and successfully imported both video AND sound. Apple has some serious internal compatibility issues. I love editing in FCP and need the retro compatibility to incorporate my older material. At least the iMovie solution will get me to where I want to be...for now. Great video...thanks for posting!

[@ZakWolf]

I have a Canon VIXIA HV40 as well! And yeah, it's an issue I hope Apple will fix with a future Monterey update.

[@grantsilverthorn]

Thank you. Just spent half the day trying to figure out what was going on, bad adapter? DV output on DSR-20 gone bad? Finally found your video and answered all my frustration. Hope Apple fixes this ASAP. PITA to backup everything and reinstall an older OS, but work must go on....thank you for the links as well.

[@lilginuwine8807]

i found a solution thats very simple, i got the macos 12.4 beta and i tested it and it works

[@michalstary2729]

Thanks for this video!

[@darrellcatmull5110]

Thank you for this wonderful test and observation! I tried this on my MacBookPro i9 running Ventura 13.0.1 and it too, does NOT recognize the camera in Finder side bar or as a source in any popular software.

[@ScottSchramm]

It's only going to show up in iMovie, it will never show up in Finder or other video editors like Premier, Final Cut, etc.

[@ahmedshawky978]

Hi, please help me! I have macOS Monterey 12.7 but it doesn’t recognize my Sony dv camcorder 😢

[@ScottSchramm]

Try unplugging the adapters, rebooting, and then plugging them back in to trigger the security popup to allow it.

[@micheleastolfi6708]

HELP Last Week i was able to digitaze my sony's mini dv movie and yesterday i don't know what happened, i update my system today just for be sure Sonoma 14.3 Macbook m1 pro, what i should do? I have 2 differente chain type, one with firewire 800 and one with 400 to 800

[@ScottSchramm]

Give this video a watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmazlauBidJ_Zqs

[@miles192]

Thanks super helpful

[@winterwolfryan]

Thanks, please update this video if / when this issue is resolved.

[@ScottSchramm]

It was fixed and also works in macOS Ventura as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6DOd6yrf76NbMU

[@turquoise666]

Currently on 12.6 and tried to use FCP to import. It recognized my Sony DV-VCR but while I was importing my video, I had a "No Data from Device" alert that was continuously there. As soon as I stopped importing, the movie was stuck on processing. Tried using Quicktime and kept getting an alert that the device wasn't recognized. Currently using iMovie to see if it works. I still get the "No Data from Device" alert on the screen while importing so maybe it might reproduce the same issue of being stuck on processing as it did on FCP. edit: I made the mistake of not having the camcorder's LCD flipped on. That was the reason for the importing issue.

[@ScottSchramm]

That's weird your camcorder required the LCD to be on for the video to transfer. Thanks for sharing that tip!

[@iangeorge962]

I had a few bugs with the current beta version of Ventura and my sony dvcam HVR z1 using the same cable set up. I had to start rewinding the tape before anything started to show up on the firewire or on QT/Imovie. There was nothing going in for a long time despite me starting and stopping, restarting the mac as well each time then running first aid seemed to do the job. I restarted the mac mini (M1)and turned off the camera then started all over again, this time removing the thunderbolt end and reinserting everything along the connections one at a time. It took me 25 mins but it got there in the end and imovie dislayed it and let me capture. It did but in small bites now and then.

[@ScottSchramm]

Interesting findings. I do have a test system running the beta. I may give it try but most likely, I will wait until the final release and will make another video on that if there is any "gotchas" with the latest version.

[@jnrcastro]

the thing with me is... M1 Montery doesn't allow me to install old drivers of my firewire m-audio.... how can you???

[@ScottSchramm]

M-Audio is horrible about their software/drivers. It doesn't fully work in newer OS's. Here is a video I where I explained this in more detail and show a workaround kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnbLq5-nfZ6Zg9E

[@romankua]

I've just tried to connect my old Panasonic camera and Macbook Pro M1 Ventura 13.3.1 using mini-USB-to-USB. iMovie does not recognize the camera, but QuickTime does. Unfortunatelly I don't have FireWire cable to try it.

[@ScottSchramm]

It won’t work with USB. You will need the FireWire cables and adapters if you want to transfer video at full quality to do it the right way.

[@romankua]

@@ScottSchramm but it does work. I am currently capturing video from tape.

[@romankua]

@@ScottSchramm , I am using Satechi hub, which has usb-a port, usb-to-dv cable which I got with the camera and quicktime to capture. Although it works only manually, I have to start recording and playback on both devices myself.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@romankua there are very few camcorders that allow video over USB and the ones that do compress the video (either by cutting resolution, frame rate, or bitrate) so if the quality looks good enough to you, great. Otherwise if you use FireWire you will see an improvement.

[@romankua]

@@ScottSchramm I think you are right about the quality, it does look poor.

[@ShaneBaker]

To add to the issue: I've tried downloading video from a Sony DV camcorder onto an "early 2013" Macbook running Catalina. iMovie saw the camcorder for about 30 seconds, and then it disappeared! Weird. I'm using a new Firewire 800 - Thunderbolt 2 adaptor and have tried an old and a new 4 pin to Firewire 800 cable.

[@ScottSchramm]

You have a different issue. Catalina is not affected by this.

[@gersonrosenbloom]

Hey Scott, I've determined that the DV out on my Sony TRV510 is not functioning. Any recommendations for what camcorders I should be looking for to transfer my 8mm and Hi8 tapes to my Mac? Many listings don't make it clear if they have a DV out. Thanks so much.

[@ScottSchramm]

This site may help: transfervideotapes.com/digital8-camcorders-with-8mm-and-hi8-playback/

[@DariusBeingReal]

I have a windows pc with a usb c port. However I’m not sure how Ik it’s gonna work or not before I spead 100 dollars on cables

[@ScottSchramm]

It won’t work. See my other video about PC’s: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXK2eqiOZtKkrac

[@waynewebb3633]

Hi Scott I have an issue trying to connect my Sony camcorder to my Mac mini , I’m using a FireWire mini4 cable to a 800 which connects straight with no extra adapters needed , but my max does not see it , I’ve got a Mac mini late 2012 running Mojave , I’ve looked under system report and it’s not listed under fire wire , should I rather get an adapter and use the thunder bolt connection , thanx Wayne

[@ScottSchramm]

What version of macOS are you running?

[@harrychristo]

Thanks for your videos. Great stuff. But I have a request if possible please, because I can’t get my audio interfaces to work. I have 2 x M-Audio Profire 2626’s which are working on my very very old and slow MacBook Pro from back in the mid/late 2000’s - I also now have a MacBook Air with Big Sur OS running, and I bought all the adapters and tried to connect my audio interface to the newer MacBook Air - When I opened garage band, I couldn’t see the interface to select it. Is there anyway u can get your hands on an M-Audio Profire 2626 and do a similar video with MacBook running greater than OS 7 as well as with a windows 11 pro machine with intel 11th gen CPU’s as I’m considering building a windows 11th gen intel machine (I saw your other video which says 12th gen+ won’t work anymore). Also, I was considering buying a FireWire pcie expansion card with the VIA chipset for the new windows 11 pro machine if the adapters in your videos don’t work. Thank you very much.

[@ScottSchramm]

Give this video a watch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnbLq5-nfZ6Zg9E

[@gersonrosenbloom]

Hey Scott, I just discovered your great solution for connecting my Sony MiniDV camera. Unfortunately, I'm running Monterey 12.6 and the system report doesn't see my camera at all. Any thoughts are appreciated.

[@ScottSchramm]

This process still works in macOS 12.6 - I just tested it today. See video here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jNgZmal9SBd6s You might have a bad adapter or cable, or there might be an issue with your camcorder.

[@gersonrosenbloom]

@@ScottSchramm Thanks so much, Scott. Replaced the cables, so now on to a new camcorder. Thanks for being such a great resource.

[@mbiriviri]

so I have Ventura and no DV camera recognition. Any news? Thanks

[@ScottSchramm]

I've tested it in Ventura and it works fine for me.

[@mbiriviri]

@@ScottSchramm thanks for replying! hmmm- apple lists"supported" cameras for Final Cut Pro - none of which are DV.. I have a miniDv camcorder that shows up in Firewire system report but does not appear in FCP, Quicktime or VLC. I'm at a loss...

[@mbiriviri]

I was prepared to install Monterey on an external drive but you can only download the last version - 12.6. But since you say words on Ventura for you....

[@mbiriviri]

just saw comment reply that only works with iMovie! yes it works! Thank you soooo much. I was going crazy and had no way to know or think it would only work with iMovie.... glad I read the comments...

[@eduardonunes7482]

I use Ventura but it’s not working even in iMovie… Can you help me?

[@carolingiertz5385]

My problem is that my camcorder is not connected with the Macbook. Its not showing up under the Firewire section. I tried 3 different MiniDV cameras and it never works. I tried different firewire cables and different adapters and it never worked. I am not using an original Apple USB-C adapter. Im not sure if that's the problem. But the Apple one is to expensive for me for when its also not workin. I have an Macbook Air with the version 12.0.1. Can you maybe help me? :)

[@ScottSchramm]

You need the Apple adapters. They are the only ones that work. Use the links in my video description to get the right ones.

[@meummye]

omg you saved me thanks a lot fr

[@MD-gq6iy]

does iMovie or Quicktime convert the camcorder videos from SD to HD?

[@ScottSchramm]

You can export it at a higher resolution but I wouldn’t recommend because it’s going to take up more file size and it’s not going to look any better. E.g. if you have a 1 minute clip, it could be 0.5GB at 480p, 1.5GB at 720p and 3GB at 1080p but when you watch any of those three in full screen, they are going to look identical so there’s no need to waste so much extra space. You can always try it yourself and see what looks the best to you.

[@MD-gq6iy]

@@ScottSchramm thanks for the info. I was thinking about getting Lifeflix so I could convert my videos to HD hoping to have more modern resolution but will now pass on that. thanks again for your help

[@Stallion45]

I’ve now been using this method for the last week on 12.5 and it works great, but a couple issues. First, iMovie breaks my capture up by scenes and one tape is giving me hundreds of clips which is a pain. I would like a single clip, so then I try Quicktime. This produces a single clip for the full tape, but it’s capturing at 704X480. Curious what this is all about.

[@ScottSchramm]

It is normal behavior for iMovie to create new clips each time the camcorder stopped and started recording. I don't think there is any way to turn that off. One thing you can do is capture everything, select all the clips, drag and drop them to the project timeline, and then export that as one large clip if that is what you want. As far as the resolution, 720x480 or 704x480 are both valid DV resolutions. The extra 8 pixels on each size may just be padding. You'd have to capture it both ways and compare side be side to see if there is any difference.

[@Stallion45]

Interesting, all of my tapes are edited masters that were exported from Premiere years ago so iMovie must be using original time info to break clips up, though it’s doing it in the middle of sentences. As far as the 704, I’ve exported all my masters in 720X480 so it must be something Quicktime is doing. Thanks, glad to know that 704 is still valid and not some weird going on. Now to capture 100+ tapes.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@Stallion45 The only thing I can think of is trying to find a different software (maybe an old copy of FinalCut Pro) that might have the option to disable the auto-scene detection. I know on the PC size, I have personally tested a software called HDV Split (only works with HDV tapes) and that software definitely allows you to disable the auto scene detection.

[@Stallion45]

I stumbled across your video as I’m pulling my hair out trying to capture from my mini DV & D8 camcorders. I bought all the adapters & 400 -> 800 cable. I’m using a brand new Mac Studio updated to the .4 update as you specified. I also have a Mac Air 2013 with Thunderbolt 2 running Big Sur that I’m testing. In both cases, and with all cameras I have the same result. The computers see the fire wire port, but the camera is not visible to iMovie or Quicktime, & Premiere doesn’t see it either. I’ve used these cameras for years on an old pc to capture via firewire but thaqt pc has since died. I’m just not sure what else to try unless my last resort is a bad fire wire cable. I purchased it on Amazon, but is there one you might recomend as the cheap one might be the issue?

[@ScottSchramm]

Since you’ve tested on two different computers we know that’s not the issue. So it’s either the old cable you are using or the camcorder itself went bad. There are links in my video description.

[@Stallion45]

Thanks, I did actually try multiple camcorders so I’m thinking it’s gotta be the FW cable. I had to check my computer to see your links, but I did ordder the cable you specified. I’ve got 100’s of tapes so hoping this works.

[@Stallion45]

@@ScottSchramm Looks like the issue was the firewire cable. After buying the one listed in your video everything worked fine on my Mac Studio in conjunction with the 2 thunderbolt adapters. The only variable between my first attempt before my original comment, and my success was that I noticed my OS updated to 2.5 but I’m sure it was the cable as I had 12.4 prior. Thanks so much…, your video was a real life saver.

[@ScottSchramm]

@@Stallion45 Awesome, I'm glad the cable I recommended ended up fixing your issue!

[@Oasis293]

I have Monterey 12.6 its not working

[@ScottSchramm]

still works in 12.6: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4jNgZmal9SBd6s

[@eduardonunes7482]

I have a Sony TRV18 and this doesn’t recognize in iMovie 😭 last week it was normal, I don’t know what is happening

[@ScottSchramm]

Make sure your macOS is up to date and check the "cameras" section of the privacy and security settings.

[@eduardonunes7482]

I use Ventura 13.4 and iMovie 10.3.6, do you know if it’s really working or I have to downgrading?

[@ScottSchramm]

@@eduardonunes7482 Unfortunately I'm not able to personally test it at the moment, but I haven't heard any other reports that anything has changed so it should be working.

[@eduardonunes7482]

@@ScottSchramm Yes, and I have another Sony mini DV camera that works with the same firewire cable and adaptor. I don’t know what is happening 😢

[@ScottSchramm]

@@eduardonunes7482 If the cable and adapters work with one camcorder but don't with another, then the camcorder is the issue.

[@FabioGatti66]

Just updated Monterey 12.4 beta and now the FireWire connection with my sony camcorder works

[@ScottSchramm]

Yep, I've been testing the betas as well and also noticed it is fixed in 12.4. I've tried posting about this on the Apple Support Forums but they keep removing posts when people mention the betas. Ridiculous censorship over there. But yeah, once 12.4 is released I will make a follow up video to this one showing it is fixed and how to do the update so everyone is aware.

[@carlocatalanvisuals144]

It’s not working now on Ventura 13.0.1. Anyone else have this issue

[@ScottSchramm]

It works, I've tested it. That is an older version now. Try upgrading to a newer version.

[@carlocatalanvisuals144]

@@ScottSchramm I hope it works 🤞🏼! I was able to capture a few weeks ago with Big Sur. Before updating to 13.0.1. The computer didn’t even recognize the camera

[@carlocatalanvisuals144]

@@ScottSchramm did you test it on 13.1 or 13.0.1?

[@ScottSchramm]

@@carlocatalanvisuals144 I can't remember if I tested 13.0.1, but I can 100% say it works on 13.1 as of this morning and just upgraded to 13.2 beta and it still works.

[@carlocatalanvisuals144]

@@ScottSchramm it might just be my chord ! I did fold it up pretty bad and the end of the wire is loose and not stuff like the rest of the wire. Just placed an order for a new one

[@ZakWolf]

And of course, the Mac OS Monterey 12.4 updated fixed it!

[@ScottSchramm]

You are correct. I have a follow up video in the works.

[@nonsequitur313]

🤘

[@Memory_Gatherers]

Just binned Monterey and returned to Big Sur, lot of rigmarole but my Mac is the HDV machine so Monterey will stay binned now unless they solve problem.

[@ScottSchramm]

You can upgrade to macOS Ventura, it still works: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y6DOd6yrf76NbMU

[@kojiba99]

Ops, I got same problem.

[@ScottSchramm]

Update to the latest macOS, Apple fixed it