Sony Handycam to iMovie, Sony HDR to iMovie, Sony HDR 1080 60p/50p to iMovie solution

How to import video from Sony HDR-CX550 to iMovie 09?
"I have been importing video from my Sony HDR-CX550 to iMovie 09 since last year.
Recently, I suddenly found that my Sony Handcam video cannot be imported to my iMovie directly. Even my video file copied in my harddisk also cannot be seen and opened in iMovie. My iMac can detect my Sony Handcam.However, when I press "Import Camera" in iMovie, I cannot see the Sony Handcam. Please kindly advise. " from discussion apple

iMovie'11 did announce to work with AVCHD which is a camcorder video format used by a variety of camcorder manufacturers. However, it is easier said than done. I.e. If you want to import Sony AVCHD into iMovie'11, you will need a Mac with an Intel-based Core Duo processor or better. Even meeting this requirement, there is still difficulty in importing some of Sony AVCHD format to iMovie'11 especially the high definition format 1080 60p/50p recorded from Sony HDR CX-130, Sony HDR CX-160.

You can check the list of Sony HDR camcorders recording in 1080 60p/50p AVCHD:
Recording in 1080 50pRecording in 1080 50p
Sony HDR-CX130E Sony HDR-CX160E Sony HDR-CX180E
Sony HDR-CX360E Sony HDR-CX360VE Sony HDR-PJ30E
Sony HDR-PJ50E Sony HDR-PJ50VE Sony HDR-XR160E
Recording in 1080 60p
Sony HDR-CX160 Sony HDR-CX180 Sony HDR-PJ20
Sony HDR-PJ50 Sony HDR-PJ50V Sony HDR-XR160

The best way to import Sony HDR AVCHD 1080p to iMovie'11 for native editing should be convert the Sony HDR AVCHD 1080p to iMovie'11 direct MOV format. Which can maintain the best original 1080p AVCHD quality and enable you to import MOV (converted AVCHD) to iMovie'11 directly for best editing. Here Mac Sony HDR to iMovie'11 Converter is recommended, and the following is the detail converting progress.

Step 1: Clicking "Add File" to import AVCHD files to Converter from your HD Drive.

Step 2: Set Output Video Format for iMovie'11. And the default setting will keep the 60p/50p quality, just do nothing with the frame resetting.

Step 3: Click "Start" button to begin AVCHD to iMovie'11 MOV conversion.