Getting camcorder video onto the PC

[thedoc46]

Hi,

So i have a load of old 8mm and miniDV tapes going back some yrs, that i'd like to transfer over to my computer.

What 'inexpensive' device do i need to buy to do it ? What sort of file sizes are we talking about to convert a tape that is around 60mins, and i have probably around 20hrs or so, that i need to convert into a digital format.

This is for a one time use only and I'm not planning on using again once i'm all done.

I think my MiniDV camcorder has a firewire port.. If not, I've definitely got the regular composite cables, and as for the 8mm, well my mum tossed out my old 8mm camcorder 15yrs ago when i moved out lol, so i'll need to buy used one off fleabay. Before they become too vintage and cost a fortune.

 

[ali_83]

Last time I did this I used a firewire cable and a video editing program made by Cyberlink.

I seem to remember having to put the tapes into the camcorder, set them playing and then simultaneously set the software to record as well (kinda like a vcr used to be) and it would record the contents of the tape on to the computer.