[AsahiToro]

I have a JVC GR-DV3 MiniDV camcorder. It doesn't show up on Apple's iMovie 3 supported camcorders list but maybe that's because it is older. I don't have a cable for it to try it out yet. If it doesn't work when I try it and I need to get a different camcorder, what is the best option around $1000? I like the smaller Sony and Canon offerings. Also, would it be cheaper/more flexible to just get an input device that I could hook any camcorder, vcr, etc. to and then use it to import into iMovie/Final Cut Express? That would be good for me so I can input older 8mm/VHS movies as well(the JVC has no analog inputs). I'm a newbie to video editing but have a new Superdrive equipped G4 that I want to take advantage of and make some DVD movies for the family. Thanks for any input.

[scottiB]

Check out these links:

http://www.adamwilt.com/DV.html
http://www.dvgear.com/shootfaq.html
http://www.connscameras.com/sh569x3396.html
http://desktopvideo.about.com/librar.../aa062402a.htm
http://www.creativepro.com/story/feature/9314.html
http://www.dvspot.com/links/

Your JVC might work, but not easily. From here.

I am using MACINTOSH with the firewire (IEEE1394, I-link, DV) connection, why doesn't my computer recognize the camcorder connected to it?

Certain software/hardware is unable to recognize a JVC camcorder without digital signal being transmitted. To correct this, you can play the tape in the camcorder for a few seconds with digital connection already in place. This should help the computer software recognize that there is a camcorder connected. Any JVC digital camera released in 2000 or later equipped with a IEEE 1394 connection is capable of sending & receiving a signal from Macintosh computers with the latest firmware/software patches installed. Please visit the Apple website for list of compatible camcorder models.

Make sure you get optical stabilization, and avoid Sony's MicroMV cameras like the plague--they do not shoot in DV format. Also, check user reviews at Amazon.com

Happy hunting.

[AsahiToro]

Thanks for the reply scottib,

Those are great links and they will be helpful in my search. First, I'm going to see if I can get my JVC to work from following JVC's instructions from your link.

[audvidsvs]

I have had the Sony DCR-PC101 for about 6 months and I really like it.
The only problem I have had so far is that it's almost too small. I have large hands and sometimes I block the lense or autofocus sensor with my fingers.
I also had an initial problem in IMovie getting it to work from an external hard drive.
That said this camcorder is amazing.I thoght the touchscreen was a gimmick at first but I have used it to spot-focus with great results and it can create some amazing depth of field effects with this feature.
Altough it is small it seems well made and solid and I have not had a single hardware problem with it with a few different macs.

I recently took some footage in california through the sunroof of a Land Cruiser,with the camera outside and me inside and it was amazing how well the image stabilizer works.

Good Luck
Ed