How To Import Videos from Sony Camera to Mac [2022]

If you’re a Sony camera user, you may be wondering how to import videos from your camera to your Mac.

In this blog post, we’ll show you how to do just that! We’ll also provide some tips on importing videos from other cameras to your Mac.

So whether you’re a new Sony camera user or just looking for tips on importing videos to your Mac, this blog post is for you!

Reminder

Please ensure that you have the most recent version of the PlayMemories Home program for Mac OS installed on your computer before continuing.

The PlayMemories Home program is compatible with computers running Mac OS X versions 10.10 and 10.11, as well as macOS versions 10.12 and 10.13.

Instructions on how to import films and photographs from a camera or memory card to your Mac computer using the PlayMemories Home application are available online (in English only).

NOTE:

You can use the Wireless Auto Import feature of the PlayMemories Home software on a Mac computer to import photographs that are connected over a wireless connection.

Wireless Auto Load used to be a distinct piece of software that allowed you to wirelessly import files onto a Mac computer. Since the software’s download service was discontinued on December 19, 2016, the software is now bundled with the most recent version of the PlayMemories Home software, which was released in November.

How can I transfer videos from my Sony camera to my Mac?

You can use the Apple iMovie software to transfer video from your Sony camera to a Macintosh computer. Download the software here. If you do not have the Apple iMovie software installed on your computer, or if you are attempting to transfer 60p (1080 and 720p) recordings, you can use the alternate techniques listed below to copy the video from the camcorder.

It is important to note that in order to support AVCHD video, the Macintosh computer must have an Intel® Core Duo processor or higher.

1. Activate the camera by pressing the button.

2. Connect the camera to the computer by connecting it with the USB cable that was included.

3. Choose either the Mass Storage or the USB mode for the camera.

4. Keep in mind that once the computer identifies the connection, the camera disk or drives will appear on the computer desktop with the label NO NAME or UNTITLED.

The NO NAME or UNTITLED icon on the computer desktop should be selected in step 4.

5. Securely store the video files on your computer.

Note: If any of the folders appear to be a QuickTime® file, right-click on it and select Show Package Contents to see the contents of the folder in question.

In the case of the XAVC S 4K video

1. Select the PRIVATE folder from the drop-down menu.

2. Select the M4ROOT folder from the drop-down menu.

3. Select the CLIP folder from the drop-down menu.

4.The.MP4 extension will be used to identify the 4K video.

In the case of AVCHD video

1. Select the PRIVATE folder from the drop-down menu.

2. Select the AVCHD folder from the drop-down menu.

3. Navigate to the BDMV folder.

4. Select the STREAM folder from the drop-down menu.

For the Standard Definition (SD) video, go to the MP ROOT folder and double-click it.

5. Select the 101ANV01 folder from the drop-down menu.

6. Press and hold the Shift key on your keyboard while you type.

7. While holding down the Shift key, click on the video clip files you wish to transfer and choose them from the list.

8. Press and hold the Shift key until it is released.

8. To copy the files, press the Command Button + C key combination on the keyboard.

Please keep in mind that the Command Button on a Macintosh computer keyboard is depicted below.

9. Go to the folder or directory on your computer where you wish to save the video and double-click it.

10. To paste the files into the specified directory, click the Command Button + V on the keyboard at the same time.

Following the procedures outlined above, the video from your camera will be copied to the computer’s hard disk. In order to load and play these files, you will need a movie player application that supports MPEG-2 for standard-definition video and AVCHD for high-definition video. Additional information and any available upgrades can be found by contacting the software vendor of the movie player application you are now using.

Note:

1st, make sure you have the most recent version of QuickTime, which you can get from the Apple website.

Using HD Video Converter is a good option if you need to transcode Sony camera footage for editing or playing back on your computer for whatever reason.

Connect your Sony camera to your computer using a USB cable.

Most likely, this is the first method that comes to mind. You have most likely been given a USB cable, which you can use to connect directly to your computer.

Pros: It does not necessitate the purchase of additional equipment. USB cords are nearly often included with new cameras unless otherwise stated.

Cons: You’ll need to purchase a USB cord. If you forget or misplace it, you’re in a bind. Furthermore, it is more time-consuming than other procedures. Additionally, a computer is required.

In the event that you misplaced your cable – or if you simply want a spare for your camera bag – this one from Amazon Basics is an excellent choice. They are available in a variety of lengths and include connectors that are gold plated. This device is excellent for charging and data transfer.

3 Steps: Connect the Sony Cyber-shot camera via USB.

Connect the micro USB end of the cable to your Sony digital camera. Some cameras will have the option to select Multi or USB as the connection type.

The other end of the USB cable should be connected to the USB port on your computer.

Turn on your Sony camera and wait for a prompt from your computer to begin recording your video.

Photos and movies can now be seen on your computer and uploaded to your computer. It’s just as simple as dragging and dropping things around on your computer’s hard drive. It’s as simple as clicking and dragging (or copying and pasting) to finish!

The iMovie tutorial on how to transfer Sony videos to a Mac is available here.

Using iMovie to transfer Sony camcorder footage to your Mac computer is, without a doubt, the most straightforward method. You may look through your videos, import them, and even modify them with this software. You may utilize special effects, create movie trailers using templates, and perform a variety of other editing chores.

This tool then allows you to share the movies with your friends and family via social media and video-sharing websites, such as YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook (to name a few examples).

However, it is vital to know that iMovie is not compatible with AVCHD 60p videos, which should be noted beforehand. As a result, if you plan to edit your footage in iMovie, set your camera to record in AVCHD 24i, MP4, or AVCHD 60i. To transfer and convert Sony MPEG-2, AVI video to MP4, MOV format, I recommend using UniConverter. If you already have 60p films, I recommend using UniConverter.

That being said, here’s how to transfer Sony films to a Mac using iMovie on a Windows computer:

1. The first step is to turn on your Sony camcorder and attach it to your Mac computer through a USB wire.

2. Then, if iPhoto runs automatically, close it and restart the camcorder in “USB Mode” or “Mass Storage.”

3. Launch iMovie by selecting Applications from the Finder Bar>Go>Applications.

4. Once iMovie has been launched, select the “File” tab and then the “Import from Camera” option from the menu bar. To import all of the footage, select “Import All” from the drop-down menu after clicking the “Automatic” button.

5. The “Create New Event” section allows you to name your destination folder after you have selected it.

In order to begin importing your Sony videos to Mac, click “OK” on the previous screen. You’ll notice an “Import Complete” dialog box, and you’ll want to click the “Import” button to begin the import process. That is all there is to it.

How to Import Videos from a Sony Camera to a Mac in a More Convenient Way

You can download and install UniConverter on your PC if you find using iMovie to be time-consuming (which it certainly is). The DV to AVI to MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 converter allows you to convert DV, AVI, MPEG-2, and MPEG-4 files to Mac-compatible formats such as MP4, MOV, 3GP, and others. Furthermore, you may edit your Sony footage by doing operations such as chopping, trimming, applying watermarks, and performing a variety of other editing chores.

Additionally, you may transfer converted videos to devices such as the iPhone, iPod, iPad, Android, camcorders, and other similar devices. Also included is an easy-to-use media player that allows you to watch videos in any format you desire.

The following is a step-by-step guide on converting and transferring MP4/MOV Sony videos to your Mac:

Step 1: Import videos were taken with a Sony camera.

iSkysoft Sony Video Converter should be launched when it has been downloaded and installed on your computer. Connect the camcorder to your computer using a firewire or USB cable at this point. Select the Add from Camcorder option from the + Add Files drop-down box after clicking the + Add Files button. To begin importing your Sony camcorder videos, click the Add to Convert List option in the toolbar. They will be used as video thumbnails in the future.

Step 2: Edit the videos taken with your Sony camera (Optional)

To begin trimming, chopping, adding subtitles, applying effects, and other video editing tasks, click the edit indications that appear below the thumbnails of your films. If you’re satisfied with the changes you’ve made, click OK to move on to the next step.

Step 3: Select the desired video format and begin converting videos.

Select your preferred target format from the drop-down menu. This can be accomplished by selecting Label all files from the drop-down menu next to Convert all files to label. After that, select either MP4 or MOV from the drop-down menu under the Video tab of the window. You can also go to the Device tab and choose your preferred device from the drop-down menu that appears. Once you’ve chosen your resolution, click the Convert or Convert All (for multiple conversion) buttons to begin the conversion.

Step 4: Transfer MOV/MP4 videos to a Mac.

Last but not least, go to the Converted tab at the top of the home window and locate your MP4/MOV video files there. Right-click on the video file you wish to transfer and select the Add to Transfer List option from the context menu. Then select the Transfer tab and then the Transfer All option to begin transferring your Sony camera videos to any device of your choosing.

If you have the right tools, transferring and playing back your Sony camera footage shouldn’t be a difficult task. Utilizing iSkysoft Sony Video Convert, you will be able to convert and transfer your video recording to virtually any device. In this manner, you may take them with you everywhere you go.

Our Final Thoughts

In this blog post, we have introduced you to three different ways of importing videos from Sony camera to mac. We hope that these video capture solutions will help make your life easier and save time in the long run. If any of these methods don’t work for you or if you need more information on how to import videos from other types of cameras, please feel free to contact us.

Frequently Ask Questions

Originally posted on January 24, 2022 @ 11:47 pm