8mm Movies to VCD

[gmark]

I have recently been converting my 8mm movies to VCD. I have a lot of 8mm tapes to convert and would prefer to not ruin my $1000 camcorder by using it as a VCR just to upload the movies to my PC. Are there any VCRs that will transfer a 8mm to a PC using a IEEE 1394? I have some Ditigal8 movies and some old 8mm movies. Thanks in advance for any help.

[jtor]

...since you mentioned you have digital8 movies, your best bet would probably be on a digital8 camcorder, that 'can' play legacy (8mm/Hi tapes. At first, I was on the impression that all Digital8 cams can play analog tapes, but I remember seeing a post saying otherwise.

Or, you might want to consider also a gadget that'll convert analog to digital for firewire transfer to the PC (Dazzle Hollywood Bridge, etc); which may be cheaper compared to getting a digital8.

my 2cents.

[sracer]

gmark, I don't know of any VCRs that can play Digital8 tapes let alone any with a firewire attachment.

I can understand your fear of using your camcorder, but please keep in mind, that 8mm camcorders have "full-size", uncompromised mechanisms. That is, they are they same components that are used in standalone 8mm VCR decks. They are very well made. And designed to be used as frequently as typical standalone VHS VCRs.

Unlike VHS-C which has had many compromises to the mechanisms in order to keep the size down. They are suseptible to problems with prolonged use.

So, I wouldn't worry about using your camcorder to play and capture the video to PC. If you are still worried about wear-n-tear on the camcorder, just bulk record the video onto the PC and do all editting and splicing on the PC afterwards.

I used my Dazzle DVC (USB version) to capture and convert my home videos from my Sony Handicam 8mm (not digital to VCDs.
Hope this helps.