iMovie: Importing DVD camcorder movies

Summary

You can import movies from your DVD camcorder into iMovie ’08, '09, and '11 by setting the recording format on your camcorder to "Standard" or "Video" mode.

Products Affected

iMovie '09, iMovie '11, iMovie '08 (7.x)

When you insert a recordable disk into your DVD camcorder you may be prompted to choose either "Standard" (sometimes called "Video") or "VR" formats. To import media into iMovie '08, '09, and '11 you should choose "Standard" or "Video" mode on your camcorder. If you select "VR" mode, the camcorder may mount in Finder as a DVD and not a hard disk, which means you may not be able to directly import your media into iMovie '08. 

You can choose your recording format with the following DVD camcorders:

  • Sony DCR-DVD 403
  • Sony DCR-DVD 505
  • Canon DC20
  • Panasonic VDR-D300

Additional Information

You may find some camcorders will not allow you to choose a format if you use DVD+RW media. Consult your camcorder's manual to determine other media options.

Important: Information about products not manufactured by Apple is provided for information purposes only and does not constitute Apple’s recommendation or endorsement. Please contact the vendor for additional information.
Not helpful Somewhat helpful Helpful Very helpful Solved my problem
Ask other users about this article
in Apple Support Communities
See all questions on this article See all questions I have asked