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 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 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 MOVconversion.

Import Sony HDR to iMovie'11 on Mac easily

"Anyone using this camera with Imovie 11.
I wonder because I´m about to buy a new camera, because the one I have (Canon Legria HFR 106) doesn´t work properly with Imovie even though it is posted as supported camera on Apple´s website.I need someone to confirm that they are using Sony / HDR-CX550V (PAL) and thatthey don´t have any issues using it with Imovie. I would hate to spend a lot of money (again)"
----------from Apple discussion
iMovie'11 has clearly claims some Sony HDR cameras models
1. "may not be visible in the Camera Import window",
2. "Some camcorders using CMOS-based image sensors may produce images that appear distorted after using video stabilization."
So after you bought your Sony HDR camera, to import to iMovie'11, iMovie'09, iMovie'08 or iDVD, firstly have a check whether it's iMovie'09, iMovie'11 supported model by Google "iMovie supported cameras", if it is then is ok, if not, don't worry also, you can use professional Sony HDR to iMovie Converter for Mac to help you so far. It works for you byconvert Sony HDR AVCHD to iMovie supported MOV, Mp4 with best quality and quick speed. Then you can import the MOV or Mp4 format directly to iMovie'11, iMovie'09, iMovie'08 without any problem.
Here is list of Sony HDR models has problem with iMovie'11, iMovie'09:
Video stabilization limitations
Sony HDR-CX11 Sony HDR-CX12 Sony HDR-CX10 Sony HDR-CX520
Sony HDR-CX520V SonyHDR-CX550 Sony HDR-CX550V Sony HDR-SR1
Sony HDR compatibility problem.
Sony HDR-CX110 Sony HDR-CX120 Sony HDR-CX150 Sony HDR-CX170 Sony HDR-CX300 Sony HDR-CX350 Sony HDR-CX350V Sony HDR-CX370V
Requires Mac OS X Leopard v10.5 or later
Video stabilization limitations problem.
Sony HDR-UX1
Sony HDR-UX7
Sony HDR-UX20
Tutorial of convert AVCHD to iMovie'11, iDVD (Lion included):
Step One: Import AVCHD Video to Converter
Firstly, you need to copy your AVCHD to Mac and launch AVCHD Converter for Mac, then click "Add File" to upload your AVCHD files to the program. Any AVCHD files from AVCHD camcorders are supported.

Step Two: Set Output Video Format for iMovie.
Go to iMovie-> MOV
Or HD Video-> HD MOV

Look its resolution in setting option: