[ianb]

I purchased a Sony DCR-TRV8 camera a couple of weeks ago but can't get it to work with my iMac DV SE. At times it will work, but other times it won't. I use it with iMovie of course, but I turn it on, and it sometimes will connect for a couple of seconds before disconnecting. At other times, it won't connect at all. I know it's not the camera because it worked on an iMac at Compusa. I've tried different cords and have talked to different Apple guys. I've re-formatted the hd and tried everything that I can think of. Any ideas?

ianb,
Wow, that's a tough one. I'm afraid I don't know the "for sure" solution but I will offer a few things. First off, it has been noted on the MacNN many times that for Sony camcorders you should use only MP tapes, not ME tapes. I'm not sure if you're shooting D8 or pure digital(DV). This advice is true for D8, not sure on DV. Also, always use the iMovie controls, don't start and stop the camera manually. Also, set at least five seconds preroll.
I use the Sony310 D8 with iMovie and simply could not have better results (except for that nagging inability to do a video insert without affecting the audio trak.)

HTH,
Rick