Getting Started with iMovie
Now that you have a link between your computer and camcorder, you need to pull all that digital video data into your computer. That falls under the realm of your editing software. These days, pretty much every machine that Apple Computer ships comes with iMovie. For Macintosh users that do not have iMovie, Apple offers a $49 downloadable version for purchase on their site. iMovie is not currently available for PC users but you might find a package that offers the same kind of simplicity. Professionals who want control over every last nuance of the editing will find iMovie limited. But I think that if you really sat down and looked at how people edit, iMovie would cover 95% of the basic and professional users out there. That statement will probably bring me e-mail but it is true. iMovie is a great quick and dirty video tool.

It is a good idea to make sure your particular camcorder is completely compatible with iMovie. Apple lists iMovie compatible camcorders on their Web site. Most common camcorders are fine but some have quirks that are documented on the site. Some camcorders not on the list might work or might not. Digital video discussion forums are full of conflicting information about iMovie compatibility with non-listed camcorders. A little advance research can save you frustration later.

If you do not have a digital camcorder with FireWire capability, you can buy FireWire conversion boxes. Sony offers a device (the affectionately titled DVMC-DA2) that is currently compatible with iMovie. In my work with the Sony conversion boxes I have found they are not as convenient. You do not get the full control you would have with a compatible digital camcorder. I would actually suggest you bank your money and get a newer camcorder unless you have a lot of money invested in non-FireWire gear. You might even trick iMovie into working with footage brought in with other devices. I have not tried it with the latest version of iMovie and it is beyond the scope of this series but you can read up on the technique in my earlier review iMovie.