did you ever find an answer to your post? I have a mac os x 10.4.11 and want to buy a nice hd camcorder to make movies but I am not very knowledgeable in compatibility. I was told to get Canon VIXIA HV40 when it comes out in march but I don't want to get something that doesn't work with my laptop. I obviously then want to get final cut pro 5 HD to maintain quality of the footage. I wish Apple made an hd camcorder!