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Transfering camcorder files to mac

Hi, I recently bought a Canon VIXIA HFR21 camcorder and want to transfer some of the video files from it to my mac. The camera came with a cd that has a program called “Transfer Utility” that lets you transfer the camcorder files to the computer, but it’s only for Windows! Is there a program that’ll let me transfer the files to my mac or some other way to do it? Thanks for any help you can give!
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Bobby

Comments: 19 Responses to “Transfering camcorder files to mac”

    13 years ago

    Have you checked the Canon site for information? They should tell you how to import the video files.
    For most cameras you just plug the camera in to your Mac and run iMovie. Then click on the camera button to bring up the import interface -- or, often the import interface just appears. Have you tried that?

      kikr
      12 years ago

      Gary, you are the best! I had the same problem, but with IMOVIE I fixed it! thanks from Mexico!

    Bobby
    13 years ago

    Yes that worked! I forgot about that camera button. :P Thanks a lot!

    Bobby
    13 years ago

    One other question. What video quality should I use to record some scenes? The choices are MXP, FXP, XP+, SP, and LP. I can't really tell much difference between them when I watch clips of the different modes on my mac. I'm making a short film that'll be seen mostly on youtube. I still want it to be good quality though. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!

      13 years ago

      I'm not sure what each one means. You should consult the camera's documentation to find out.

    scophone
    13 years ago

    oh , very nice!!!

    Daniel Alexander
    13 years ago

    When I press the camera button it goes to my isight built in camera not my camcorder.

    The device will mount and I can see the device as well as files, but none of them seem compatible to copy into imovie?

    HELP! :)

      13 years ago

      That will access cameras for live recording. If you want to use files already created, just use File, Import.

    James F
    13 years ago

    I'm running into the same problem as Daniel Alexander but I can't see the camcorder anywhere on my computer. I've tried plugging it in and then turning it on, plugging it in then launching imovie. when I press the camera button the only option is the built in isight. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

    James F
    13 years ago

    Figured it out! Connect the camera through the USB and click the "camera/arrow" button on the camera and then select "all-for pc only" on the camera screen and then it imports them into imovie. No additional software is needed.

    Ken
    13 years ago

    wow! thanks a lot guys. I had the same problem too but now everything is working out just as well... great job!

    Lou
    13 years ago

    I'm not sure but when I play the video on my HD Tv, it does not look HD at all..... not sure if its a setting but i have tried everything and looks like I'll be returning it.....

    Rick
    12 years ago

    I have a Mac and when I transfer the videos from my Canon Vixia HFR21 to my I Movies, it works. Now my problem is burning it to a DVD. It says it burns it but when I try to play the DVD in my Blue Ray player, only the pictures I took show but none of the videos show??? Help! Thanks.

      12 years ago

      There are two types of DVDs: Data DVDs that contain files, and video DVDs that are specially formatted to work in video players. It sounds like you are just creating data DVD and your video player is using its data DVD slideshow function to show you pictures.
      If you want to make a video DVD, you've got to use video DVD creation software, like iDVD or Toast.

        Rick
        12 years ago

        Thanks Gary...I'll give it a shot.

    Meredith
    12 years ago

    Is is possible to use Final Cut with the Vixia, or am I stuck with iMovie only? I can't get the files to go directly to Final Cut, but was wondering if maybe there was a work around.

    thanks!

      12 years ago

      Don't know. Don't have that camera. Have you tried contacting their support to ask them?

    Ale
    12 years ago

    Si have Cannon HFR21 and just yesterday dropped it by accident and the screen turned white and has a crack on the corner. My biggest mistake was not changing the settings to save my pics on my memory card it's all in my internal memory!! now i want to try and transfer all my pictures and videos to my MAC and nothing is showing up i have a lot of pictures and i'm freaking out. what can i do??? please help

      12 years ago

      Take it to a tech expert of shop and have them help.

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