ZR930 to Mac connection problem

[Morgan_Hagar]

Trying to digitize some old miniDV tapes. I bought a ZR930. I'm running an iMac (Monterey 12.6.5). I bought a dv to usb cable for connection. When I plug in (and have camcorder powered on and playing) the Mac doesn't see it. Is there software I need for Mac to see it? 

I understand the ZR930 is out of date, but I was hoping someone has developed a work-around since then. Much obliged for an advice. Have a good one.

[kvbarkley]

DV to USB won't cut it. It has to be Firewire to Thunderbolt. On my M1 iMac, for my Sony camcorder, I have a Firewire 4 pin to FW800 cable, an Apple Firewire to TB1 and an Apple TB1 to TB2 adapter. This actually works.

[Morgan_Hagar]

Holy smokes. 1st, thank you for getting back quickly and succinctly.

Now, follow up(s); If I have an older Mac with TB1 do you think I can circumvent the last TB1 to TB2 adapter? Is there a certain app that needs to be used to get the movies off the camcorder or does MacOS handle it?

[kvbarkley]

If you have TB1 you don't need the TB1 to TB3 adapter. I used iMovie to transfer the images. Adobe Premiere Elements has had the importing feature removed.

https://support.apple.com/guide/imovie/import-from-tape-based-cameras-mov6af9c94c1/mac 

[Morgan_Hagar]

Awesome. Thank you again for all the info. I'll give it a go once TB1 to FW cable comes in. 

In return, Lord Vader, I promise not to watch ROTJ for a while. 

[kvbarkley]

It is actually a hot air balloon.