I have a macbook with Final Cut Express, I can't seem to get my computer to recognize the HV20 using the USB cable but it didn't come with a firewire?

I really need to get this video on here and get through some quick editing but I can't seem to get my computer to recognize the camera.

If you can see the camera in iMovie, then it's an update issue. Update to the latest final cut express and it should see it with little trouble. Additionally, it maybe the problem that asserts itself after installing Leopard. Connectivity can get broken when OS updates occur. Here are a few things I found which may help:

I can’t capture in Final Cut, what should I do?”

There are a great many issues that can make capture difficult in Final Cut Pro or Express. There are a number of steps to try to determine where the problem might lie. Try these first:

If this was a recent operating system update, try doing the steps in this article from the Apple Knowledge Base. If you’re uncertain whether this applies to you it’s better to do than not.

After that, you should trash your Final Cut preferences and Use Disk Utility to repair permissions. To see how to do that go here.

1. Next shut down your computer.

2. Disconnect all other devices from the computer except the keyboard and mouse.

3. Plug in deck or camera, and turn it on. If you’re using on a camera make sure it’s in VCR mode with the correct output selected. This is important for HDV cameras. If you’re using a G5 tower or a MacPro make sure the device is connected to the rear FireWire port and not the front.

4. Start up the computer and launch the application. Do not open an existing project, try simply firing up the application.

5. Set the correct settings for your media and assign your scratch.

Does the application see the device? If not, do not proceed further. Do not open the capture window. It won’t work. Check the connection on the computer and the camera and try a different cable.

Also, from what I've read, the firewire connection can be toggled on or off. So you may want to check that. Easiest way is to have your camera connected, VCR mode, powered on, then open FCE. This makes FCE connect the firewire. OR: go to View>Video OUT>Refresh Video Devices. If a tick is on Canvas Playback audio is heard from the Mac speakers and firewire is OFF. If firewire is active NO audio is heard on the Mac because firewire is Active.

Also, if you're connecting through a third party port, like a monitor USB or a hub, plug directly into the Mac - it could be that the middle man in the mix is causing you fits.

And as you mentioned, the other tip is to capture in iMovie and then import the footage into FCE. I prefer iMovie 6 mytself.

More tips can be found here in the Apple Support forums.

Well I am running leopard with all of the updates for FC. I actually think that the cord is the issue, I need a firewire apparently.

Well, it's better that way anyway. Firewire has a much larger and faster pipeline for moving video to your Mac. And most use USB for moving the pictures from the digital still camera.

I have the same problem with the HV20. I have a MacBook Pro with FCE 4 and am off to the shop to get a firewire to see it will work. I will post back here if it does / dosent. Cheers. www.mattlauder.com.au