Sony Handycam HDR-UX7

Updated
For the record, AVCHD is a codec championed by Sony AND Panasonic, not just Sony. And as far as support for AVCHD DVD's in iMovie '08 -- you can forget about it.

This article on Apple.com tells one story:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=306171

Here Apple says that they fully support and have tested the AVCHD DVD format in iMovie '08 and this specific camera model (HDR-UX7). Thus, it should work...but it DOES NOT. The camera is not recognized by the Intel-based Mac and iMovie '08.

After looking in the HELP application in iMovie '08, it says that they do not support AVCHD DVD's! This is VERY unfortunate...for me, and anybody who thinks they're going to make movies on their expensive Mac with their expensive Sony HD DVD camcorder.

Here's what the Help file says:
"You can import video from USB camcorders that record to DVD or hard disk drive (HDD) storage media, or from flash-based devices, such as digital still cameras that record video.

These devices are also called random access devices (RAD) because you can access and import video clips by selecting them randomly. You can preview video clips on the device, but you don’t have to wait for the video to play through as it imports.

NOTE: An Intel processor is required for AVCHD video support. AVCHD DVD camcorders aren't currently supported."

You see, that very last sentence is the key. AVCHD DVD camcorders ARE NOT currently supported.

Maybe you'll have better luck with the hard disk drive models.

For now (as of 11/12/07), we'll all have to wait impatiently.

Apple has lost a lot of street cred with me today. It's a sad day for Apple.