However, you can only use it capture still images and MPEG-quality video from the camcorder. If you have a tape-based camcorder, there’s a way to transfer video from your camcorder to your computer as will be explained below.
Camcorders That Use MiniDVD Discs
Work is undertaken by skilled technicians to provide quality refurbished 8mm tape players. Some of these tapes are still available for sale online. It’s no big deal in these days of Blu-ray movies, but you would just want to grab your favorite movie on Video8 and watch it on an 8mm VCR just for the experience of it. You’ll find yourself converting more tapes than you would with a camcorder.
How to Upload Videos From an Old Camcorder to a PC
In the mid range is the DIGITNOW USB Video Capture Card Device Converter ($21.99) which, in addition to RCA connectors, also has an S-Video connector. It’s compatible with both Mac and PCs, captures video in H.264, AVI, MPEG2, MPEG4 and MP3, and comes with its own capture software. From time to time Windows 7 may switch back to the original 1394 OHCI Compliant Host Controller driver. If you notice that the IEEE 1394 device is transferring slowly and/or is not recognised anymore repeat the above steps and re-install the driver.
It wouldn’t be economical to convert your 8mm video to a digital video format through such a service.. Yes, you could and should use an 8mm videotape to digital video transfer service if one is available in your neighborhood. If yours is a Digital8 or mini-DV camcorder, you can use the Firewire connection in your camcorder to transfer video to your camcorder.
Usually, after the connection, editing software in the computer is activated to capture the data from the Camcorder. Although it comes with a price, it can be affordable depending on your chosen service. It can be useful to transfer video footage from your Sony Handycam to a PC for editing, storing and sharing.
“There is another way, but it’s a bit of a project,” says Elias Arias, Consumer Reports’ project leader for audio/video testing. You’ll need a film-reel projector, a digital video camera, and a clean white wall or a projector screen.
If your camcorder doesn’t have a USB port and and you don’t fave the facility to use a Firewire connection, then you’ve the option of an external USB connection. At Costco you’ll pay $20 for up to 2 hours of VHS content. At Walgreens the cost is $35 for one tape-to-DVD conversion. (Blu-rays are more expensive.) You can start your order online, then take your tapes to a local store. The process takes about three weeks, and you get your original tapes back as well as the files on DVD. Digital files are included at Costco, but Walgreens charges an extra fee for them.
What Are MiniDV Tapes?
After the last step, the video should appear, playing inside the capture window of your software. I find that having a file this size allows me to fit two cassettes onto one DVD. Once completed access the file directory that the software saves the file onto your computer. Also the post I wrote What is The Best Way To Transfer VHS To DVD? Will give you ideas on different capture cards and DVD/VCR combo drives. This post explains what capture card and software I use.
Legacy Box offers complimentary splicing if a tape’s film is broken. If you are short on time or want to leave it to the pros, there are a number of mail-in services that will digitize your VHS tapes for you. These are some companies that we recommend for the service. Most converters come with downloadable software to process the transfer. Before you begin the process you will want to make sure that you’ve installed that on your computer. Once the software is installed in your computer you are ready to begin.
Read more about minidv camcorder tapes to digital here.
On the low end is the ABLEWE Mini RCA to HDMI converter ($14.99), which can convert an analog stream from your VCR to 720p or 1080p digital. However, you’ll need to provide your own software to capture the video. In addition to that VCR you will need a USB-to-composite video converter and a computer with USB ports. USB-to-composite video converters are easy to find, but like a used VCR the price point on these devices vary—anywhere from $12 for a very basic setup up to $80. You can import videos using Windows Live Photo Gallery.