HD Cam for intel processor Mac

[aljdvd]

Hi
I have a Canon HV30 and a PC and the results I get are fantastic. This christmas I would like to get my son a HD camcorder that will work with his Mac ( I know little about Macs ). I have heard that some Cams wont work with Macs? Cam Not recognized when connected or the AVCHD is not supported? Anyway I know his Mac is one with a 27 inch Display core i5 intel processor, has SD/SDHC card slot , Radeon HD 4850 graphic card and latest mac os. Can any of you Mac guys recommend a consumer 3 mos panasonic or similar canon for around £400 - £600 uk currency that you know for a fact will work when teamed with the mac for editing/burning/saving the file etc. I hope this is posted in the correct place. I really need help as the salesmen in the stores dont have a clue.

[Khufu1969]

I have not heard of cameras not working with Macs. Say it isn't so!

[Janke]

Unfortunately, it is so in some cases; HV20/30/40 cameras don't work with Macs that lack a FireWire port - no way to import...

I don't think you can get a HD 3-MOS camera for 400-600 pounds. The 3-chip cameras are much more expensive.

All cameras should be fine with your Mac, AFAIK.

[Khufu1969]

Ok, it's not that they don't work with Macs it's that some model Macs don't have a firewire port, at all? Laptops I assume?

[cgbier]

The latest plastic MacBooks don't have FW. For AVCHD you don't need FW, but an Intel processor, so your boy's iMac will do fine.
Panasonic or JVC 3-mos cams can be had second hand for your price range, but modern single chip cams from Canon or Sony eat them for breakfast.