Sony Digital8 Camcorders

[k2skier]

I need a 8mm camcorder to transfer my HI8mm tapes to the PC. I would like a Sony Digital8 and thought I needed a 700 series (TRV730/740) or an 800 (TRV830/820/840) but I see that the 830/840 has a built in printer; will this printer cause any reliablility issues? I'm just using it to transfer and wont do any new recording, I may also use it for a pass through to transfer VHS also.

For transfering quality will a TRV 460/480 do the same quality as the TRV700/800's?

[edDV]

I need a 8mm camcorder to transfer my HI8mm tapes to the PC. I would like a Sony Digital8 and thought I needed a 700 series (TRV730/740) or an 800 (TRV830/820/840) but I see that the 830/840 has a built in printer; will this printer cause any reliablility issues? I'm just using it to transfer and wont do any new recording, I may also use it for a pass through to transfer VHS also.

For transfering quality will a TRV 460/480 do the same quality as the TRV700/800's?

The 7xx, 8xx models usually have the features you need plus many camera features you don't need. Same with printer.

Look for these two essential features.

1. Ability to play analog Video8 and Hi8 tapes.
2. "Analog pass-through" for dubbing composite/S-Video to DV.

Also, first generation Digital8 would only play Hi8 at 1x speed. Later higher end models allowed picture in shuttle.