I just recently discovered some old 8mm videotapes (the camcorder that
recoded them is long gone). I'd like to transfer the contents of the
tapes to Mini-DV for editing. I could:

* Buy a new Digital 8mm camcorder with firewire output and analog 8mm
tape playback capability, and then sell it after I'm done
* Rent the above, assuming I can find a place to rent it from
* ??? Any other suggestions?

What would be the best/least costly aproach?

Thanks for your input!

Scott en Aztlán wrote:
You could also send them to a transfer house, such as this one.

http://www.transferstation.tv/

-bill

Scott en Aztlán wrote:
You can find digital 8 camcorders with firewire output in the $300
range (I think) - I haven't shopped lately.  Be VERY CAREFUL because
many cheap d8 recorders are NOT backwardly compatible.

Depending on how many you have, it might be better to have someone
transfer them.  We can send you a UPS label and take care of it for you
if you like.  Contact our production mgr Matthew Jones at 800-950-8653
x 1 for rates.

You also might consider if you do find the right camcorder, inputting
them directly to your computer if that's how you intend to edit.

Craig

http://www.pro-tape.com

You are definalty on the right track. I've done this before.  I have an
old Sony Digital 8 camera and I was able to just use a firewire cable
between the digital8 and the mini-dv camera and copy the contents over
digitally from one camera to the other.   If the tapes are analog this
should work too as long as the camera is backwards compatible with hi-8
and 8mm.  Fortunatly mine is.  You can actually pick up such cameras on
ebay for less than what the other guy said (around $300)  I'd say
closer to $150.  The cheap ones have horrible CCDs and optics, but if
you are just using it for the transfer, then it will be good.

If I were you I'd probably start by asking everyone in my family, work,
church, etc.. if they have a camcorder and what kind.  Digital 8's are
fairly common.  Just say you need to borrow it for a day.

If not, I'd probably pay somebody to convert it for me, assuming it was
just a few tapes.  Probably cheaper that way.

On 10 Nov 2006 08:13:24 -0800, adri***@yahoo.com wrote:

Thanks, everyone, for the suggestions. I think I might try picking a
used camcorder up on eBay. I can buy it cheap. use it for a weekend,
and probably re-sell it for about the same price that I paid for it
originally. :)

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