I want to edit my old analog tapes on my mac, and record new ones at digital quality. Surely there is a camcorder out there to suit my needs...?

A: You'd have to be careful when choosing a Digital-8 camcorder because they are not all backward compatible with 8mm & Hi8 video tapes.

Alternatively, you can use an analog/firewire converter device:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=61745
that is if you still have the analog 8mm and Hi8 camcorders to playback the video tapes.

I did some research and was under the impression that Digital 8 camcorders could read tapes recorded on an analog 8 camcorder, but when I tried this with tapes someone else recorded on an analog camcorder, my camcorder says that the tapes are playing, but no video comes through the firewire cable and no video comes up on the screen of my digital 8 camcorder. I have tried multiple tapes, and I have tried looking throught eh menus on my camcorder and nothing seems to work.

I have...

I have an old Sony hand held analog camcorder with some old family videos (8mm tapes) that I would like to convert to a format which I can use on my PC. What type of cable do I need and where can I find it? What program would I need for the conversion? Thanks in advance!

A: If you're using 8 or Hi-8 cassette camera, your camera likely has a audio/video output jack that can bus used to transfer the video. Pinnacle has a Analog to Digital interface that will allow you ro copy the video to your PC. I used it with the Pinnacle software to create a DVD of my in law's 60th wedding anniversary party.

If, however, you're using the 8mm film popular in the 50-80's, you need to send the films out for conversion. The cost of the...

Choosing An 8mm Digital Camcorder

Executive Summary by Bryan Seah

This article was written to answer many of the most frequently asked questions on 8mm digital camcorders.

What is an 8mm digital camcorder?

8mm video camcorder

Digital 8 camcorders work by recording a digital signal onto 8mm digital videotape. If your aim is to get an inexpensive method of capturing digital video or to upgrade from an analog Hi-8 or 8mm camcorder, the Digital8 format is your best bet.

Choosing an 8mm digital camcorder can definitely be difficult, especially if you have never owned a camcorder before and are clueless as to where to start. Example of this camcorder are Sony CCD-TRV238E 8mm and Canon ES410V 8mm camcorder. Another 8mm digital camcorder is the Canon ES410V. This is actually one of the leading 8mm digital camcorder models, and for good reason. The Bottom Line: You should choose a digital camcorder based on the features and accessories you need, price and convenience.

Sony CCD-TRV238E Hi8

Executive Summary about Sony CCD-TRV238E Hi8 by Prakash Doraswamy

hi8 8mm camcorder

The Sony CCD-TRV238E Hi8 Handycam is an ideal introductory camcorder, while more senior family members will appreciate the no-nonsense camera functions, solid, easy to grip body, and 2.5-inch LCD display

with easy to read menus. The Sony CCD-TRV238 Handycam also features a 990x digital zoom facility. STAMINA for worry-free recording Sony’s STAMINA technology makes sure you have a worry free long recording time on the Sony camcorder. A Battery Info button displays available recording times and remaining charge level on the LCD display when activated. Easy and Convenient Ease of use is of prime concern for the Sony CCD-TRV238 Camcorder. NightShot plus Low-level light recording technology is incorporated in the form of Night Shot Plus, which can record in more natural colour in low-light environments. Optional accessories Sony provide a wide variety of accessories to maximize the shooting experience with Handycam. Battery - Sony NP-QM91D (NPQM91D) High capacity “infoLITHIUM” M series rechargeable battery allowing long time recording. Equipped with one-touch power level display. Carrying case - Sony LCS-VA20 (LCSVA20) Compact, easy-to-carry shoulder bag featuring an inner partition for storing accessories.

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