8mm Camcorders - Digital vs. Analog (1 Viewer)

[Kirk Gunn]

Our old Sharp 8mm Viewcam just died, so I'm looking for a replacement that will play the old analog-recordings from the Sharp.
Is the difference between digital 8mm and standard hi-8mm analog that outstanding ?
Any comments on particular models ? I'm looking at 5-600.00 price limit with no fancy requirements, mostly family pix.
Thanks

 

[Kevin P]

Digital 8 is much better quality than analog Hi8. Digital 8 approaches DVD quality, while Hi8 is like S-VHS. Nowadays I wouldn't buy an analog-only unless you are under a tight budget.
Sony makes a number of Digital 8 camcorders, most if not all of them will also play your analog 8mm tapes as well.
KJP

 

[Kirk Gunn]

I can't lose my "library" of 8mm from my kids younger days....
Thanks

 

[MikeSerrano]

My suggestion would be to get a decent MiniDV camcorder with video inputs and then head down to your local pawn shop and pick up a cheap 8mm camcorder you could use to transfer your library to MiniDV.
This would accomplish two things:
first, you'd stop any analog video degradation in it's tracks (as all your videos would now be in the digital domain). Secondly, your library would be compatible with every current and forthcoming video editing hardware/software.
Many low-end MiniDV camcorders are right in your price-range.
-Mike
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[John K Carter]

Good suggestion Mike. I did the same thing when I got my Canon GL-1. MiniDV, firewire & Premire 6 Rocks

 

[AaronNWilson]

I would go with the digital8 sony cameras and bypass the need to buy another cheap camcorder.
Can someone explain to me why miniDV is better than digital8?
Aaron