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Getting Sony TRV-22 Cams Working w/ G5s?

Posted by Cliff on from the solving-the-problems dept.

Phil wants to take a bite out of this issue: "I'm having a time trying to get my Sony handycam to work with my Mac G5. Sony provides software for all Windows environments, and a USB driver and 'shim' program for Mac OS, but not Mac OS X. The Mac documentation says to hook a camera into the Firewire port, no software needed. So is there a device that will allow me to go from USB to Firewire, or do I have to spend a lot of money on an OS 9 video capture program? I can't seem to find an answer anywhere I look, and was hoping Slashdot readers could help me out, because I know I'm not alone with this problem. Thanks."

8 of 106 comments (clear)

  1. Doesn't it come with a Firewire/i.Link port? by ryan_fung · · Score: 5, Informative
    Sony's spec.

    From the page:
    Features:
    i.LINK(R)* DV Interface (IEEE 1394)

  2. Firewire for DV / USB for still Images by madcoder47 · · Score: 5, Informative

    The USB port on sony Video Cameras is for transferring still images off the compactflash card, while the firewire port is used for transferring DV (Digital Video) content. If your mac does not have a firewire port, i highly doubt it would be running OS X. Get a 6-to-4 pin firewire cable to hook the camera up and try iMovie.

    1. Re:Firewire for DV / USB for still Images by jaysones · · Score: 5, Informative
      Furthermore, iMovie's documentation says:

      "Many DV cameras include both a USB and FireWire (also known as iLink or IEEE 1394) connection. The USB connection on DV cameras is usually designed for downloading still images and not video. Use the FireWire connection when working with iMovie. If your camera does not have a FireWire port, it will not work with iMovie. "

  3. Use the FireWire port by rmlane · · Score: 5, Informative
    The DCR-22 has both a FireWire and a USB port.
    Use the Firewire port, and it will just work.

    Features The full range of input and output connections are included, being one of only two in the range to do so. FireWire, MiniUSB and single-jack AV connectors are provided, along with LANC, S-Video in/out, headphone and external microphone sockets, which are situated at the front of the body.

  4. Yeah by 2nd+Post! · · Score: 5, Informative

    Get the FireWire cable.

    It's much cheaper than any other solution.

    iChat AV, iMovie, and Final Cut all work wonderfully when you have it hooked up via Firewire.

    Else none of those programs will work.

    --

    GPL Deconstructed
  5. Make sure DV out is set... by sessha · · Score: 5, Informative

    I have a DCR-TRV17 and it works just fine with Final Cut Pro and iMovie for video transfer. As someone mentioned, you need a 4 pin - 6 pin firewire cable, which you should definitely buy online as best buy, etc. usually gets about $40 for the cable. Just make sure in the settings when you go to capture that you set the DV stream Out -> On (something similar to that) and then your iMovie or FCP or whatever will detect the DV stream. If you want to transfer the images, you can use either an external usb memory stick reader or a 4-6 pin USB cable and image capture or iPhoto will do the trick. Of course, still images are pretty lousy on DV cameras - not useful for much. You would be better off getting a cheap digital camera just for photos.

  6. Re:TRV-19 as well by AKnightCowboy · · Score: 5, Funny
    Any way to have this work under Panther? I only have the USB cable that came with it, and would prefer not to get the firewire cable.

    Sadly this is one of the areas where Macs far fall behind PCs running Windows. Getting digital video editing going on a Mac is one of the hardest feats you'll ever encounter next to game playing. I'd sell the G5 and pick up a nice Alienware box if I were you. I would be willing to take the G5 off your hands since I'm such a sucker for hard luck cases... how about $1000 for the whole thing out the door and we'll call it even?

  7. So Much Mis-Info! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Informative

    OK, the Sony DCR TRV-22 IS in fact a FireWire Mini DV camera. Go check out your local Apple Store, they have one there that is hooked up, using iMovie. The thing is, though, none of the Sony camcorders ship with a FireWire cable. You'll need either a 6-4 pin FireWire or a 9-4 pin FW cable ('cause the G5 has the fancy new FireWire 800 on the back). Buy the 6-4 because it's cheaper! Next, just plug the TRV-22 in, turn it to playback mode and launch iMovie. if you need help, check the Apple Knowledge Base and more specifically this article on how to hook up a Mini DV cam. Oh, yeah, the USB cable that ships with the camcorder is only for photos, not video.....hope that helps!!

    ~panthman~