Apple iMovie '08 - Manual (Page 14)

14 Chapter 2 Learn iMovie
FireWire-Equipped Digital Camcorders
If you have a DV or HDV mini-DV camcorder that you can connect to your computer
using a FireWire cable, you’ll import the video as it plays through on the tape.
To import video from a camcorder with a FireWire connection:
1 Set the camcorder to VTR mode (video tape recorder mode, which some camcorders
call “Play” or “VCR” mode) and turn it on, if it does not turn on automatically.
2 Connect your camcorder to your computer using a FireWire cable.
The illustration below shows how to connect a camcorder to an iMac using a
FireWire cable.
When the camera is properly connected, the Import window opens.
If you’re importing high definition (HD) video, the 1080i HD Import Setting dialog
opens. If you’re not importing 1080i format video, just click OK. If you are importing
1080i format, or if you will do so in the future, select the size in which you want iMovie
to import your video. The Large size video is recommended for most ordinary uses
(including viewing on Apple TV) because it saves hard disk space and may play back
more smoothly on some computers. However, if your camcorder records in true 1920
by 1080 HD video, and if you will use this video for broadcasting or exporting to
Final Cut Pro, select the Full size, which better preserves the original quality of the
video but uses more disk space. (For more detailed information about this, search for
1080i in iMovie Help.)
3 Make sure the switch on the left side of the window is set to Automatic.
4 Click Import.
The Import window opens
when your device is properly
connected.