Hi8 and Mini DV to Mac

[BlimeyCharlie]

Hello and I've done a search on here, but got mixed results so thought I'd start this off again.

I have a Hi8 Samsung video camera, with only S-Video and Audio/Video out (same as headphone socket).
Also have a JVC Mini DV video camera with S-Video and Firewire (4 pin).
Using a Macbook Pro without Firewire though!

Ideally I'll need to get both systems working via S-Video, but have got confused with what I need.

Can I get a 'simple' S-Video to Firewire thingy and then convert/adapt to Thunderbolt, as USB does not work well with video?

I've spent hours farting about and looking on the internet, but think I've now gone too far in absorbing information for tonight.

Any help appreciated. Going to Maplins tomorrow, hence posting today.
Cheers.

[TheRainMaker]

You want something like this.

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/uk/products/inten...

[BlimeyCharlie]

TheRainMaker said:

You want something like this.

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/uk/products/inten...

Thanks for the info, that may well do the job.

However, had more of a look at things this evening. I have an old G4/G5 Tower Mac which has Firewire. Can't get anything to show up though on desktop as an icon or under utilities.
After a bit of research found the computer shows the video camera is connected to computer via 'About This Computer' and under 'Firewire'. But I now know I need iMovie to be able to import video from camera. But my operating system is old so not compatible with Apple Store's downloads.

On my MacBook pro I only have USB connected to the same camera (no Firewire on MacBook) and computer is not picking up anything via USB and 'About This Mac' menu.

So will leave things alone for now, maybe record film via a modern camera as the 'old' cameras play footage required on an LCD TV as an interim measure.

[BlimeyCharlie]

Thought I'd conclude this as have found the solution.

Maplin do a thing called a 'VidBox' which is a box that converts analogue vid cameras to digital. You need to install software into Mac that comes with product. Took about 10 minutes to suss it out.

I then use 'S Video' connected to box, along with RCA leads (for sound, left and right channel) and away I went.

Bought a dedicated Mac product, and cost me £60 just under. No need for Firewire adaptors etc. The software produces .MOV files which are then easy to view and also import straight into FCP.

I use it for Mini DV and Hi8 and of course you need cameras from each system to play the tapes.