How to Transfer From a Canon AVCHD to a MacBook Pro

IMovie can import Canon AVCHD files to a native Mac video format.

Canon's line of HD camcorders saves digital videos in a format known as Advanced Video Coding High Definition, or AVCHD. Although Macs do not offer native codec support for AVCHD files, the iMovie application included in Mac OS X supports importing AVCHD movies into a Mac-friendly format. IMovie will automatically detect your Canon HD camcorder when it is connected to your computer and set to the appropriate playback mode. Once iMovie opens, you can import AVCHD videos from the camcorder with just a few clicks.

Things You'll Need

• USB data cable

Instructions

1. Turn the "Power" switch on your Canon HD camcorder to the "On" position.

2. Turn the Power switch to the "Mode" position and then release it. The camcorder is set to playback mode. The LED indicator light will turn from red to green.

3. Connect the camcorder to your MacBook Pro using the USB data cable supplied with the device. The computer will recognize the camcorder as an external storage drive and launch the iMovie application.

4. Click the "Automatic" setting on the switch in the lower left corner of the iMovie program window.

5. Click the "Import All" button. IMovie imports all AVCHD videos from the Canon camcorder to your MacBook Pro.

References

• Canon: VIXIA HD Camcorder
• Apple: iMovie Import Videos