Hi8 Camcorder dead. Best way to ultimately turn digital?
 

So my Sony Hi8 Camcorder CCD-TR600 has been dead for a few years with a tape stuck in it. Finally decided to take it apart and get it out. Success! But machine is too far apart to salvage.:(

So trying to figure out the next step....ultimately I'd like to transfer everything to a computer.

My main question, keeping in mind the best picture that I can get from my old tapes:

1. Buy a stand alone deck like the Sony EV-S7000.
2. Buy the same model as old one Sony CCD-TR600.
3. Buy another Digital 8 camera of some sort.

All would be bought off of eBay so hard to tell actual wear and tear, but I would assume the S7000 would generally be more used.

I've heard the best is use the same camera it was recorded on...but mine is dead. Would getting the same model number make a difference or is it just like buying any other Hi8 camera?

I did pick up a Digital 8 camera from pawn shop but it doesn't work too well. Pictures go in and out during playing and no sound. This would of been nice if it worked and stream into computer, but from research, I may get some degradation on the transfer (not 1 to 1 transfer quality).

I did get it to stream into the old, XP computer, amazingly.

I think if I Use the deck or camera via S-Video, I could bring it into the computer via a desktop video card.

Thanks for the help!

Skip the editing deck and go with a good camcorder. Your best bet would be going through S-Video.

Is it worth trying to find a Digital 8 type of camera or am I going to possible experience the same thing? The digital 8 camera I bought was DCR-TRV740.....and must of been a bad one (I couldn't test before buying).

Or will I have better luck with the exact same model TR600, or try a TR700?

Thanks for the help!

Here is a thread with good Video8/Hi8 cameras to buy. You should be fine test before you buy if you can. http://www.digitalfaq.com/forum/vide...-transfer.html

Great link, thanks! I did a lot of searching but never found that one. Very helpful!