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44Final Cut Pro User Guide
Import into Final Cut Pro from tape-based cameras
You can import media from a tape-based camcorder or device. To determine which
clips you want to import (rather than importing all of them), you can view them using
Final Cut Pro before you import them.
Final Cut Pro supports tape-based import of the DV (including DVCAM, DVCPRO, and
DVCPRO50), DVCPRO HD, and HDV formats.
To check whether your camera is compatible with Final Cut Pro, see the Apple Support
article Cameras supported by Final Cut Pro.
1. Connect the camcorder to your Mac using the cable that came with the camcorder, and
configure your device for remote control over FireWire, if necessary.
If your computer does not have a FireWire port but does have a Thunderbolt port, you
can connect the FireWire cable using an Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire Adapter or an
Apple ThunderBolt Display (which also has a FireWire port).
Note: For best results when importing from a tape-based camcorder, it’s recommended
that you import the video using the same camcorder that you used to record it.
2. Turn on the camcorder and set it to VTR or VCR mode.
This mode may have a different name on your camera. See the documentation that
came with your camcorder.
3. In Final Cut Pro, do one of the following:
• Choose File > Import > Media (or press Command-I).
• Click the Import Media button on the left side of the toolbar.
4. If you have multiple devices connected to your computer, choose the device you want
to import from in the list of cameras on the left side of the Media Import window.
The Media Import window displays the image from the current position of the tape.