Help importing videos to Final Cut Express using a '10 Sony HDR-XR100?

A friend of mine and myself were interested in creating some high quality snowboard videos. After purchasing an HD camera and some of the best software available, we have had trouble importing the videos onto the program. After connecting the camera via USB port and trying to log and capture, the program attempts to import the clip, yet after awhile it stops and just says idle. Eventually a red exclamation point appears next to the clip's status. PLEASE HELP!!