How to Import Videos from Sony Camera to Mac

There is no denying that Sony's digital cameras can do amazing things. From taking explicit photos and videos to sharing them with friends, this innovative device has it all. However, to import Sony video to iMovie, you’ll need some special knowledge or professional third-party software. In today’s tutorial, you’ll learn how to transfer videos from Sony camera to Macfor future playback. Let’s get started!

For starters, Sony camcorders are divided into two models – (Sony DCR-) Standard Definition Models and (Sony HDR-) High Definition Models. Standard models include Sony DCR-HC52, Sony DCR-DVD650, Sony DCR-SR47, among many. These camcorders create video footage in DV (AVI) and MPEG-2 formats. High Definition models, on the other hand, include Sony-HDR-SR 5, Sony HDR-CX100, Sony HDR XR100, and many others. Unlike the Standard Definition models, they create videos in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 AVC/.

However, you can only import MOV and MP4 videos to Mac computers. Therefore, you can’t import Sony video to iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro, or even Final Cut Pro for video editing. One of the best solutions (as we’ll see later) is to convert Sony camera videos for Mac, iTunes, iPhone, Apple TV, Adobe Premiere Pro, etc.

Using iMovie is arguably the easiest way of transferring Sony camcorder footages to your Mac computer. With this software, you can browse, import, and even edit your videos. You can add special effects, use templates to create movie trailers, and many more editing tasks. After that, this program allows you to share the movies with friends and family on social media and video sharing sites, e.g., YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, etc.

But it’s important to note first that the iMovie isn’t compatible with AVCHD 60p videos. So preset your camera to record AVCHD 24i, MP4, or AVCHD 60i if you intend to use iMovie. However, if you already have 60p videos, I recommend using UniConverter to transfer and convert Sony MPEG-2, AVI video to MP4, MOV format.

That said, here is how to transfer Sony videos to Mac with iMovie:

Step 1: Turn on your Sony camcorder and connect it to your Mac computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: Set the camcorder to “USB Mode” or “Mass Storage” and close iPhoto if it launches automatically.

Step 3: Launch iMovie by going to the Finder Bar>Go>Applications.

Step 4: Once iMovie launches, click the “File” tab and then choose the ‘Import from Camera” option. To import all footages, click the “Automatic” button and then “Import All.”

Step 5: Set your destination folder and then give it a name in the “Create New Event” section.

Step 6: Click “OK” to start importing your Sony videos to Mac. You’ll see an “Import Complete” dialog box where you’ll click the “Import” button. It’s that simple.

If you find using iMovie to be tiring (which it is), download and install UniConverter on your computer. With this Mac/Windows app, you can convert DV, AVI, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 files to Mac-supported formats, i.e., MP4, MOV, 3GP, etc. What’s more, you can edit your Sony footages by cutting, trimming, adding watermarks, and many more editing tasks. Additionally, you can transfer converted videos to iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android, camcorders, and other external devices. And yes, it comes with an intuitive media player for watching your videos, regardless of the format.

UniConverter(formerly UniConverter)

Convert Sony MPEG-2, AVI video to MP4, MOV and other 150+ formats.

Supports device-specific presets such as Apple TV, Xbox 360, iPhone X, and many others.

Built-in editor for tasks such as trimming, cutting, rotating, adding watermarks, applying effects, etc.

Transfer converted Sony videos to Android, iOS, camcorders, SD card, and many more.

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Step by step process of converting and transferring MP4/MOV Sony videos to on Mac:

After downloading and installing iSkysoft Sony Video Converter on your computer, launch it. Now use a firewire/USB cable to connect the camcorder to your computer. Click the + Add Files drop-down list and then choose the Add from Camcorder option. Click the Add to Convert List button to start importing your Sony camcorder videos. They will be added as video thumbnails.

Click the edit signs below the thumbnails of your videos to start trimming, cutting, adding subtitles, applying effects, etc. If you’re happy with the changes you’ve made, click OK to proceed.

Now choose your preferred target format. You can do that by clicking the drop-down button beside the Convert all files to label. Next, click the Video tab and then choose between MP4 or MOV from the list. You can also click the Device tab and select your preferred device from the list. Finally, set the resolution and click the Convert or Convert All (for multiple conversion) buttons.

Lastly, click the Converted tab at the top of the home window to find your MP4/MOV videos. Right-click on the video you wish to transfer and then choose the Add to Transfer List option. Click the Transfer tab and then tap the Transfer All button to start importing your Sony camera videos to any device.

Transferring and playing your Sony camera footage shouldn’t be hard if you have the right tools. With iSkysoft Sony Video Convert, you can convert and move your video recording to any device. This way, you can enjoy them anywhere.