iMovie (2013): Import from file-based cameras

Import from file-based cameras

File-based cameras and devices can record and store media (video, audio, and still images) on flash-based storage media, hard disk drives (HDD), and so on. File-based cameras and devices usually connect to your computer via a USB cable. Some file-based cameras have removable memory cards that you can insert into your computer instead.

To check whether your camera is compatible with iMovie, go to the iMovie Supported Cameras webpage.

Import from a camera or camcorder

  1. Do one of the following:

    • Connect your camcorder, camera, or device to your computer using the cable that came with the device, and turn the device on.

      If you’re using a camcorder, set it to PC Connect mode. (The name of this transfer mode may be different on your device.) Your camcorder may automatically go into “connect” mode if you turn it on in playback mode while it’s connected to your computer. For more information, see the documentation that came with your camcorder.

      Note:   Connecting a DVD camcorder to your Mac can cause the DVD Player application to open. If that happens, simply close DVD Player.

    • Remove the memory card from your camcorder or device and insert it into the card slot on your Mac (if it has one) or into an external card reader.

      For more information, see About memory cards and cables.

  2. In the toolbar, click the Import button.

    Figure. Import button in the toolbar.

  3. In the Cameras section of the Import window sidebar, select your camcorder, camera, or device.

    Note:   Most modern digital cameras can shoot still images and video interchangeably. In many cases, the video clips and still images in those cameras appear side by side in the Import window.

    The Import window displays all the media on your device. When you select an item, a preview appears at the top of the Import window.

    Note:   To show only video, only photos, or both video and photos, choose an option from the pop-up menu in the upper-right corner of the Import window.

  4. To preview video, move the pointer left and right across a movie thumbnail in the Import window. For more information, see Skim video.

  5. To control preview playback, position the pointer over the preview in the top portion of the Import window, and do any of the following:

    Figure. Import window playback controls.

    • To play or pause the selected video: Click the Play button (or press the Space bar).

    • To go to the next or previous video: Click the Next button or the Previous button.

      Note:   If you’re at or near the end of the selected video, you can click the Previous button to return to the start of the video.

    • To fast-forward: Position the pointer on the Next button, and hold down the mouse or trackpad button.

    • To rewind: Position the pointer on the Previous button, and hold down the mouse or trackpad button.

  6. Do one of the following:

    • To choose an existing event to contain the imported clips: Choose the event from the “Import to” pop-up menu at the top of the Import window.

      Figure. "Import to" pop-up menu.

    • To create a new event to contain the imported clips: Choose New Event from the “Import to” pop-up menu, type a name for the new event, and press Return.

    To learn more about events, see Organize your events and projects.

  7. Do one of the following:

    • To import all clips: Click Import All.

    • To import only some of the clips: Select the clips you want to import by Command-clicking each clip, and click Import Selected (the Import button changes its name).

    • To cancel import: Click Close.

    The Import window closes, and you can begin working with your clips in the browser. iMovie imports your media in the background.

  8. When your media is imported, disconnect the camcorder, camera, or device.

Last Modified: Nov 3, 2013
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