Best way to put Sony camcorder 8mm tapes to DVD?

[via Email or PM]

Hello,
I would like your input on how or the best way to down load my sony camcorder's 8mm tapes to dvd and to be able to edit them in the same time, Best regards,

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[admin]

You'll need several basic things.

1. A VTR/VCP/VCR or camera to play the tapes. I suggest a Hi8 or Digital8 deck, not a plain Video8 camera. Certain Hi8 cams clean up the quality of the Video8 8mm tapes. These can run anywhere from $200 to $500 or more, used, from eBay.

2. Timebase correction. The signal output from analog video tapes is "dirty" and unstable. The digital recording device expects a perfectly clean signal. If you don't give it a clean signal, it may not record well or even record at all. For more on this, read "What is a TBC? Time Base Correction for Videotapes" ... these run about $225.

3. A digital converter, whether it's an internal computer card card, an external computer capture "box" or stick, or a DVD recorder. Know that not all devices will do high quality, and that includes many "name brand" units. Some of the best units make the new DVDs look better than the tapes, while others will look the same or even worse. These can run anywhere from $25 for a piece of junk to $500+ for a semi-pro solution.

Budget is important.

In some cases, it's more feasible to pay a service $15-20 apiece to convert the tapes for you. (But not the "local" solution, like Walgreen, Walmart, or the no-name converter service in the local strip mall. Find a reliable online company online, whether it's us or one of our competitors.)

Hope that helps.

[Uncle Slam]

I know I'm bumping, but I won't do another after this, let me extend the idea list to VCR DVD burner combos. A lot of these are in demand, if not DVD home stand alone burners in and of themselves, but I bought several the past year, they all work, and I love them! I'm selling my overstock on Craigslist, but keeping at least two, or three! (one for the folks) They upscale video to 1080P and the benefits seem to show on the VHS side output via the HDMI (Panasonic models). The DVD recording operating an 8mm camcoder that supports Firewire is the way I go. I had one model that allows onscreen control prompts for the camcorder so you don't have to touch the camcorder for cueing your source

[mrsark87]

I, too have a number of 8mm to transfer. Is there a difference in 8mm and Hi8? I have a Sharp Viewcam VL-e620. It works and I have all the cables, etc. Can I get by with capturing straight from the camera? Or do I really need to add the tvc? I will be using the ATI 600 usb for capture. These are analog, correct? I have searched for a manual for this Camera online with no luck. I may have it. Also, how important are the cables and connections? I think this just has a small hole to plus in for audio and video to go out. Also, I don't think I have a computer that accepts firewire anymore. (my desktop might). Desktop is win7 and laptop is win8. Do I need to try to pick up a winxp laptop to work with?

[volksjager]

dont use that Sharp it is no good for transfer - only use Sony Hi8 or Digital8 cams with built in TBC
i posted a partial list of the good ones somewhere on the forum.

Hi8 is a step up from video8(aka 8mm)
just like Super-VHS is a step up from normal VHS
the Hi8 equipment always has S-video and the better ones have TBC
these will make even video8 tape look better
8mm/Hi8 is a much better format than VHS

[mrsark87]

So, how about a Sony trv-57? Found one on craigslist. Also, saw a trv52 on ebay. If, not can you give me a couple of good models to look for. Thanks!

[volksjager]

no - you want CCD-TRV62 or higher
the 57 is only video8 not Hi8
and make sure you get TRV not TR series

[volksjager]

also stay away from models ending in the number 8 - those are mono audio only

these are known good Sony Hi-8 cams with TBC:
CCD-TRV62
CCD-TRV65
CCD-TRV66
CCD-TRV70
CCD-TRV72
CCD-TRV82
CCD-TRV85
CCD-TRV87
CCD-TRV93
CCD-TRV99
CCD-TRV101
CCD-TRV615

[mrsark87]

Great! Thanks for the help.

[volksjager]

you can also use Sony Digital8 cams
those are DCR-TRV series
i believe DCR-TRV320 and higher will play video8/hi8 tapes

[msgohan]

These are the Sony Digital8 cameras that will do analog passthrough.

There are several other models that will play Video8/Hi8 but only to the analog outputs, including the first-year models.

The Hitachi Digital8s are listed as having TBCs. What's wrong with those?

[volksjager]

dcr-trv120
dcr-trv230
dcr-trv240
dcr-trv320
dcr-trv330
dcr-trv340
dcr-trv350
dcr-trv460
dcr-trv530
dcr-trv720
dcr-trv730
dcr-trv740
dcr-trv820
dcr-trv830
dcr-trv840

[lordsmurf]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Uncle Slam

I know I'm bumping

We never have issue with bumping if it adds value to the original conversation.

Quote:

Originally Posted by volksjager

also stay away from models ending in the number 8

I've been using the TRV-138 for years with no complaints. If it wasn't good, I wouldn't be using it.

Even "stereo" recordings from a consumer camera are just mono anyway. Yes, copied into two channels, but it's still just a single microphone on the camera. It reminds me of camera phones, and talk of its megapixel count, even though the limiting factor of the image is the tiny non-pro sensor. The image's actual resolution is far below the fake megapixel count.

Remember that fidelity (ie, HiFi) is not tied to stereo. You can have a quality mono signal on the tape, and that's often the case with Hi8 and Video8. I find that Hi8 and even Video8 is superior to VHS-C and SVHS-C cameras, and even the older VHS cameras. I really wish our family had used Video8 and Hi8, as opposed to VHS-based formats.

Most tapes were recorded mono too, as the mono cameras were far more prevalent back then.

[mrsark87]

OK, I can look for any of these. Is the DCR model preferable to the CCd? I am currently looking at TRV-65, 87, 140, 85, 615, 82. Are these all fairly equal or is there a ranking for them? I would like to go ahead and get one ordered. Thanks!

[volksjager]

they are all about the same -
the XR ones are a little better IF you tapes where recorded in XR (most are not as it would have had to be made originally on a Sony XR cam)
the Digital8 cams have the advantage of being able to also play D8 tape and are a little newer so may be easier to find in good shape.
LS is right about most tapes not needing the stereo, but i figure if you are going to buy a cam anyway you may as well buy a stereo cam - if you fall into a killer deal on a mono cam- it will be fine too.

i personally have a CCD-TRV93 that i found on ebay brand new in the box about a year ago.
it is XR and stereo. i previously had a CCD-TRV101 which was non-XR. my tapes where not XR so i saw no difference between them