Best camera for playing 8mm videos? (Sony Video8/Hi8 formats)
 

I have taken the job to capture 15+ 8mm/HI8 cassettes recorded on a Hitachi 8mm video camera (VM-E340E) as a gift to my parents. And also I want to save it for myself and my siblings. My goal is to get as close to the original as possible and if needed I can get some more equipment if it can improve the quality.

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Related post on Avisynth/filtering here: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...cassettes.html
Advice on new/better 8mm camera here: http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...a-playing.html

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Best camera for playing 8mm videos? (Sony Video8 format)
 

you probably are going to want to use a Sony Hi8 camcorder with a built in TBC
there is a bunch of good ones listed in this thread:
http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...-stored-2.html

Ok, you think it would reduce the noise or do you see some other error?

Assuming the European version of the same camera he got in that thread would be the same and have TBC/DNR? Sony Handycam CCD-TRV65E PAL Hi8 XR Camcorder.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sony-Handyca...item1e6c2e5136

The CCD-TRV65E should have the TBC and DNR functions the NTSC versions have. That isn't quite "good condition" either, thats pretty beat up for a camcorder. You shouldn't have any issues with the AC adapter either, they are universal and just need a plug adapter to match your home country.

Regarding de-interlacing. If the final product is going to be on DVD, don't de-interlace unless you have to.

that cam is beat to hell.
no way would i buy it at that price.

yeah, I know. I am looking for another one.

If I get another camera what improvement can I expect?

Regarding de-interlacing I did it here with QTGMC to remove the noise. If I have to do it, should interlace it again in the end or use the de-interlaced video on the dvds?

i cant say for sure on your particular tapes.
but i went from a Minolta Hi8 cam to a Sony CCD-TRV101 and the difference was HUGE.

you going from a regular Video8 to a good Sony Hi8 should be a night and day difference.

Ok, let hope so :)

Found this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/SONY-HANDYCA...item519e3dd709

Could not find it on sonys site, but on cnet.com it say it have TBC.

i dont know about a 208
but most models that end in the number 8 are not stereo out.
these model i know to be S-video out, stereo out and have TBC:
CCD-TRV62
CCD-TRV65
CCD-TRV66
CCD-TRV70
CCD-TRV72
CCD-TRV82
CCD-TRV85
CCD-TRV87
CCD-TRV99
CCD-TRV101
CCD-TRV615

there are some others listed in the thread as well.

the CCD-TRV208E does have the TBC and DNR function. It does not have stereo output if that is important.

Ok, there are some sony video 8 camcorders at sale, more precise Sony Handycam CCD-TRV 48E / 57E PAL Video8 XR Camcorder. Would it be best with a hi8 camcorder or is a video8 ok, since it was recorded on one? if not it looks like I will have to wait and see if any one pops up on the market.

you want a Hi8 with a TBC for sure!!
you could also get a Sony Hi8 VCR - but you will probably pay more for that than a camcorder.
i believe the EV-S3000 and higher have TBC

dont use a Video8 anything for capturing - they are crap

Ok. Does anyone know what the main difference between the CCD-TRV and CCD-TR series was? And if I find one ccd-tr with TBC and S-video will it be ok?

you generally want the TRV
the TR are the older units.
some of the later TR's where Hi8 with S-video, but i dont know if they have TBC

there are plenty of TRVs on ebay- it just takes time and patience
i got my CCD-TRV101 mint with a bunch of extras for $53 shipped

Ok, its only that it is a couple of PAL versions available on ebay. And one is in poor condition and one is shipped to US only.

I looked in the manual for some of the HI8 CCD-TR (600-700 range) and it looks like they have TBC,DNR and s-video, but no stereo audio. I can live with out stereo.

I will continue to monitor ebay and local market places.

Thanks

Cont.

That would be nice to get one at that price. The ones I have seen so far for PAL versions are 150$++.

the higher number TR are good cams
you also have the option of certain DCR series Digital8 cams that have Hi8 playback
read the thread i linked to earlier - someone listed some good DCR's there.

PAL does complicate things.
if you do find a good deal on a US only shipper,
i believe the management here will proxy ship for you - i seen them offer to before.

Most all the models in the US are going to be NTSC, they do not play PAL tapes at all.