Mid 90's Camcorder tapes onto DVD/Computer

[MKH9130]

Gents,

I've found a bundle of camcorder tapes which my family used with our first camcorder between 1992 and 1996. We no longer have the camcorder....

The tapes are 8mm.

I would like to transfer them onto DVD or the PC.

What is the easiest and most inexpensive method of doing so? I've only got about 10-20 tapes to transfer and then I'll not neet it again. Can't imagine quality would be an issue as from memory the quality of the 1992 Sony Camcorder we had was dire.

[mmertens]

You'd need some kind of video input on your PC. Some of the TV cards from e.g. Hauppauge can do video capture and they can be had reasonably cheap - do a google. Dedicated video capture cards have bells & whistles you'd likely never need but you would pay for.

What I did when faced with the same problem - recorded all tapes directly on DVD using a standalone DVD player/recorder, and edit the DVDs on the PC afterward to add chapters, clean up etc. DVD recorders can be had quite cheaply these days (around 60-70 quid can be easily found), you can always use them to play DVDs as well so the money isn't wasted (you have a DVD in your bedroom already?). Alternatively surely someone amongst your acquaintances has one, you might be able to borrow it for the purpose?
Maarten

[cirks]

I think the issue is more the 8mm tapes than the getting it on to a PC/DVD.

Are the tapes the small version of a video casette that originally would have fitted into a VHS size tape holder to be played? If so, I can probably help as I believe we still have the holder at home.

[job38]

I faced the problem a while ago, purchased a Hollywood DV Bridge from ebay, it converts tape to digital.
Not as straight forward as it seemed tough, images were very poor quality and no sound.

I don't know if I'm doing something wrong or if the tape info is corrupting

[mmertens]

Ah yes... teaches me for not reading...! Please ignore my rather obvious response...