I've done that for 15 years. My Mac has changed, however, the basic elements are: Use Final Cut Pro, connect camera to laptop via either firewire input or through adapter card containing same. In FCP enter command 8. Opens capture screen. To capture video/audio select the capture button. To stop, select escape button on keyboard. You can also monitor audio while capturing. I record on tape as backup. I rely on captured images on hard drive as primary material. If tape runs out, not to worry as recording to hard drive continues until camera is shut off or you select escape on keyboard.
The new FCPX is about a $300 investment. However, I still use Version 6.
There are other methods, but on a Mac, this is a simple and reliable way.
Good Luck!
