Digital 8mm Video Cameras (1 Viewer)

[Kirk Gunn]

Looking to make the jump to digital video. Would like a Digital camcorder compatible with 8mm so I can transfer all my 8mm analog tapes to DVD (this is very important). Budget ~500.00.

So far, only found the Sony DCRTRV350, but feel I'm missing some other decent alternatives. Perhaps my google skills aren't as good as I thought ? Any suggestions ?

Thanks !

 

[Evelio Figueroa]

I have that model and its my 1st 8mm camera. I didn't like the prices on the Mini DV cameras so I looked at the Sony DCRTRV350. It has i-link to hook up to my Sony Vaio desktop. If you're looking to transfer all your 8mm analog tapes to DVD, then this is the camera for you. It'll playback 8mm and Hi8

Here is the specs on it.

http://www.sonystyle.com/intershopro...DCR-TRV350.pdf


The DCRTRV250 does not playback 8mm and Hi8. Its D8 only.

 

[Thomas Newton]

Sony is the only manufacturer of Digital8 camcorders. As you've discovered, some of the Digital8 models (typically the cheaper ones) can't play 8mm/Hi8 tapes.

You can go the MiniDV route. MiniDV models have gotten cheaper, and some may be within a $500 budget now. However, you would need one that has an analog line input (many do not), and you would also need an working 8mm/Hi8 camcorder (e.g., your existing one) for converting tapes.

Finally, there are analog video capture solutions for PCs, although I doubt if any of the cheap (

 

[Andrew W]

Most of the DV cameras have a analog pass thru conversion. It's not usually well documented, but in general, you hook up a VHS or 8mm player to the cameras RCA analog input and then you can do a digital capture on your computer. I've got the TRV320 and it does this.
Andy

 

[Kirk Gunn]

Unfortunately my analog 8mm camcorder has died, so it looks like it's the 350 for me. Too many pix of my daughter I need transferred to digital.

Onecall has it for ~450.00, includes shipping. They've been good to me previously so off I go !

Thanks

 

[Steve Berger]

I haven't checked their current product line but Hitachi also had Digital8 camcorders.

 

[Kirk Gunn]

Found a lot of references to the Hitachi Digital8 VME555LA, but no solid reviews, pricing or feature summaries. Not clear if it will transfer analog 8mm and Hi8 to digital.

Even Hitachi's website didn't bring it up !