Video Capturing from Old 8MM Sony Camcorder.

I Know this probably has been asked lots of times, but I didn't find anything suitable for me.

I want to transfer my old Video8 tapes from my old Camcorder to iMovie or iDVD for that matter. The camcorder only has a video Output. I've found a couple of products online like the Pinnacle video capturing device for mac. The idea sounds perfect, but I've read a lot of bad reviews already about it's transfer quality.

I also have a miniDV sony camcorder, I heard there is a way to reprogram the output of the camcorder to be an input, so you are pretty much connecting your device to the minidv camcorder and then Firewire to the mac.
(Sounds kinda crazy, and I dont know if its true)

Any help, will be appreciated....I've Searched, and Look like crazy and still cant find anything.

Thank YOU!

TheFedex1 said:

I also have a miniDV sony camcorder, I heard there is a way to reprogram the output of the camcorder to be an input, so you are pretty much connecting your device to the minidv camcorder and then Firewire to the mac.
(Sounds kinda crazy, and I dont know if its true)

Click to expand...

Yes this is true. I don't know how to set it up, for I do not own a miniDV camcorder. But from what I've read on various threads on this subject, I know it is possible. You can do a "miniDV pass through" search or perhaps someone who has accomplished this can help.

Actually it MIGHT be true. Not all miniDV cameras have pass through capability. Start with your manual. If you have trouble with that, then search the net for your camera brand and model for; analog to digital pass through.

For something like this, it may be easier to have a professional "post" house do this. I know there are alot in my area (Seattle). Don't know about your part of the world. I've also just recently learned that Costco Wholesale does transfers of Hi8/8mm/16mm/photo slides to DVD at their photo centers. Can't say anything about the quality but with their satisfaction guarentee, it maybe worth a try.

TheFedex1,

I suggest you to find a Digital8 camera. When you connect this camera to your computer via Firewire you´ll be able to transfer analog Video8 tapes to your computer.

Joster