Video8 to Computer

[mvtm]

Hey.
I know this has been asked before, but let me have my own thread
So.. i want to transfer my Video8 movies to my Mac.Best quality as possible.I know they are several methods... so if someone could explain me the pros and cons. Currently i have my Video8,Mini DV and Firewire cables.I do take care of my things.

Anyways here is what i have:







Thank You!

[minidv2dvd]

if the zr85 does analog to digital pass through, then connect the audio and video out of the 8mm to the input on the zr85 and set the cam to output it as digital. you will be able to capture it as DVavi over the firewire out of the zr85 into the computer..

[JohnnyMalaria]

Sadly, you may be out of luck. The ZR85 doesn't have that feature as far as I recall (I read the manual recently to help someone with a similar query). The alternatives are an analog capture card (many inexpensive ones available - quality will vary but probably won't be important for Video8 resolution), a standalone DV converter, another MiniDV cam or a Digital8 cam (which can play Video8 tapes and output to FireWire).

[mvtm]

if the zr85 does analog to digital pass through, then connect the audio and video out of the 8mm to the input on the zr85 and set the cam to output it as digital. you will be able to capture it as DVavi over the firewire out of the zr85 into the computer..

The Canon ZR85 has a fantastic 20x optical zoom, analog-to-digital passthrough, and straightforward access to manual controls, making it a great option not only for standard automatic shooters, but those seeking manual control, as well. It is MPEG capable, has digital 16:9 effect, and stills-to-Memory Card functionality. However, its small CCD and poor low light performance make this camera ill suited for users without strong familiarity with manual control. Even with adjustments, this camera may not be able to control its disappointing low light performance.

Thanks, i do not know... how can i physically check if it has the analog-to-digital passthrough.Per that site LINK .It seems it does?. Then i am confused because Johnny was so confident it had.

[zoobie]

pull up all the tabs and look for more plugs?

[minidv2dvd]

the manual i found online claims it can be done.

[mvtm]

Thanks people!
I'll hopefully give it a try by the weekend. I do have a question though,when transfered to the computer how much space will it take for a 120 8mm movie on the new DVavi format? Also, i suppose DVavi is the same as .avi ?

Well thats it,i'm a newbie... If theres anything else i need to know?

[gadgetguy]

AVI is a container that can hold many different formats. DV-AVI is a specific lightly compressed format within an avi container. Figure about 13gig of HDD space for each hour of DV-AVI.

[JohnnyMalaria]

OOOPS

Ignore what I said. I was confusing two different issues that I had been discussing with people.

Let the passing of the throughs begin...

minidv2dvd - good call 8)

[mvtm]

AVI is a container that can hold many different formats. DV-AVI is a specific lightly compressed format within an avi container. Figure about 13gig of HDD space for each hour of DV-AVI.

:O
So if i pass that through firewire ...how much time will it take?

[gadgetguy]

AVI is a container that can hold many different formats. DV-AVI is a specific lightly compressed format within an avi container. Figure about 13gig of HDD space for each hour of DV-AVI.

:O
So if i pass that through firewire ...how much time will it take?

Real time. In other words, however long your video is, that's how long it will take.

[edDV]

AVI is a container that can hold many different formats. DV-AVI is a specific lightly compressed format within an avi container. Figure about 13gig of HDD space for each hour of DV-AVI.

:O
So if i pass that through firewire ...how much time will it take?

Real time. In other words, however long your video is, that's how long it will take.

Unlike cap from your MiniDV camcorder, there will be no remote device control of the Video8. That means device control may need to be turned off in FCP or other capture program. Tape play, stop rewind,etc. will need to be done manually at the Video8 and record start-stop done manually at the Mac..

[mvtm]

Ok,i'm all set. There's no way i can screw my original Video 8 recording right?

[mvtm]

Thanks all, it worked nice.Flawlessly.No probs.I've been having a fun time watching these 15 years old tapes.

[zoobie]

don't throw away the original tapes...

[mvtm]

Sure, I'm not crazy.