8mm to miniDV/D8

[madymo3d]

So I finally decided that I want to get a digital camcorder. I have a very small collection of 8mm tapes (about 5) that I would like transferred to miniDV or Digital 8. At the advice of a video pro, I have decided to transfer my 8mm to digital format on tape first, and only transfer portions I intend to edit to computer. It made sense; why keep huge files on the computer when I can store them neatly digitally on tape. Smaller files make quicker editing as well.

The question is which camcorder to get. Of course having an analog IN (composite) with the ability to record to tape is a must. Reviews and manufacturer specs are very vague about this feature. Some don't mention available ports, others say it has analog-in but doesn't tell me much. Most people seems to only care about pass-through and not record to tape. Reading lots of Usenet posts points me to the 3CCD TRV900. While that may be an excellent cam and a great bargain now, it's still more $ than I'd like to spend. TRV320/520 seems to be the next step down due to their bigger CCD than current gen cams. But D8 seems to be a dying breed, or at least very minimally supported any more. Anything from JVC/Panasonic/Canon/Hitachi/etc. that has record from analog->tape? I don't care about buying new. Being able to record clear pictures and having good low-light ability is more important. I know realistically I can't have it all, but I just want to have acceptable images in most lighting situations. From what I have seen, most recent camcorders have unacceptable low-light images. That, of course, is also subjective. I have seen JVC GRD33/72 mentioned. Does that have the analog->tape?

[edDV]

Anything with "Analog Pass Through" will also record to tape.

If you only have 5 8mm tapes, try to borrow a Digital8 from a friend and dub the 5 tapes.

At the low end, MiniDV and Digital8 are equal. Higher end models are limited to MiniDV. They both record with equal quality but the better camera sections only are available in MiniDv standard.

If you goal is a low end camcorder, Digital8 and MiniDv are equivalent but Digital8's physical size is larger.

[madymo3d]

Hmm, that's a good idea. Someone who has a Sony miniDV borrowed my 8mm to transcode his old tapes because his 8mm broke. Now it's my turn to borrow his miniDV.

Did not know anything with a pass-through can automatically record to tape. I thought on one of Canon's latest models I read in the manual that it only acts as a "pass-through terminal", giving me the impression that all it's doing is transcoding but unable to record.

Yes, my goal is low end, but not just CHEAP low end. I want it to be an educated low-end purchase!

[edDV]

Hmm, that's a good idea. Someone who has a Sony miniDV borrowed my 8mm to transcode his old tapes because his 8mm broke. Now it's my turn to borrow his miniDV.

Did not know anything with a pass-through can automatically record to tape. I thought on one of Canon's latest models I read in the manual that it only acts as a "pass-through terminal", giving me the impression that all it's doing is transcoding but unable to record.

Yes, my goal is low end, but not just CHEAP low end. I want it to be an educated low-end purchase!

They all record to tape. Only a few have "Analog Pass Through".

[madymo3d]

Found a deal on a used Sony TRV460. D8 with analog-in and ability to read analog 8mm tapes. It's not on my list of preferred camcorder, but it serves my needs and the price was right. Beggers can't be choosers...

[edDV]

Found a deal on a used Sony TRV460. D8 with analog-in and ability to read analog 8mm tapes. It's not on my list of preferred camcorder, but it serves my needs and the price was right. Beggers can't be choosers...

That unit has Analog Pass Through as well.

http://www.camcorderinfo.com/content/sony-dcr-trv460-camcorder-review.htm

[madymo3d]

Yes, this camcorder would have been almost perfect except for the small CCD and poor low-light. Would have preferred TRV320/520. But the seller is giving me some crap about his daughter dropped it just the day before so he doesn't want to send it to me. I have given him several suggestions on we can work it out, but he just flat out refuses to talk about it except to refund my money and not sell it.

[stiltman]

Yes, this camcorder would have been almost perfect except for the small CCD and poor low-light. Would have preferred TRV320/520. But the seller is giving me some crap about his daughter dropped it just the day before so he doesn't want to send it to me. I have given him several suggestions on we can work it out, but he just flat out refuses to talk about it except to refund my money and not sell it.

AKA, his wife found out