Vedio8, Hi8 to Digital8

[kinlunyu]

I have an old Sony Handycam CCD-TRV40 and many recorded Vedio8 tapes. I want to buy a new digital camcorder for easy transfer my future vedio from tape to my computer. I heard that Sony Digital8 Handycam can read Video8 and Hi8 tape and transfer these analog video to computer with DV format. If it is true, it is good for transfering my old analog video to my computer. What model of Sony Digital8 Handycam that have this reading and transfering analog video function? If I don't care the size and weight of my new camcorder, is it better to buy Digital8 camcorder rather than MiniDV camcorder? From quality and stablity point, is Digital8 better than MiniDV?

Thanks,

Kinlun Yu

[colday]

There is a big long thread on just this point some where in here. It is only about 2 weeks old.

But, to recap...

Yes most of the Digital 8 cameras (does not have to be a Sony) will play back the old 8 & Hi8 tapes. The play back is just as good as the original.

Yes, the tapes can be recorded to your computer. On my Sony Digital 8 (and most others) you can transfer it as a digital (firewire to .avi), or analog if your capture device supports analog.

Compare the various Sony cameras on their web site. Look closely as some of the lower end models do not have a pass through. This is handy if you want to, say, record VHS passed through the Sony and out the firewire (Sony calls it iLink).

I've recorded old 8mm tapes to my system, the recorded back to a digital 8 tape. I swear the "copy" is better than the original. And, I did nothing to the image file, just out & back.

[pbhalerao]

Colday has already answered your question. My own suggestion: Buy the megapixel models, if you can afford them (Sony DCR-TRV740 or 840).

If I don't care the size and weight of my new camcorder, is it better to buy Digital8 camcorder rather than MiniDV camcorder? From quality and stablity point, is Digital8 better than MiniDV?

Generally speaking MiniDV camcorder have higher pixels in their CCDs (charged coupled device). CCD is what converts the optical image to digital signals (analog signals in case of analog cams). Hence MiniDVs are better that Digital-8. But the megapixel models mentioned above are equal in this respect. MiniDV cams will be lighter but you cannot have backward compatibility with your existing 8mm cassettes. Feature to feature MiniDV cams are costlier than Digital-8. Also, MiniDV cassettes are nearly twice as costly as compared to D-8 cassettes.

Hence I strongly recommend the above Digital-8 models. I also recommend that you use Digital-8 HME (high metal evaporated) cassettes. The other variety is HMP (high metal particle).[/b]