Digital8 and Video8 compatibility

PeterWright wrote on 2/7/2010, 3:17 AM

I have a friend with some valuable video recorded on Sony Video 8, which he'd like to preserve by putting on DVD, but at present neither he nor I have a playback device.

I am looking to acquire one, but have read that SOME Digital8 cameras will play back Video8, but not all.

Does anyone know which will and which won't? I am inclined to get a Digital8 device so I can playback all three - D8, Hi8 and Video8, but no good if it won't do the latter.

Advice most appreciated.

Peter

Comments

farss wrote on 2/7/2010, 4:25 AM

I think the issue only arises with the later models. Certainly all the D8 cameras we used to have played all the 8mm tapes.
You could also look out for a Sony GV D800 D8 VCR.

Bob.

edit: Here you go, eBay item 180466545980, that model does Hi8 etc.

JJKizak wrote on 2/7/2010, 4:41 AM

I use the Sony GV-D200 which plays Video8, High8, and Digital 8.
JJK

musicvid10 wrote on 2/7/2010, 6:55 AM

You can sometimes pick up pristine Video8 camcorders at Goodwill or the flea markets for $15-20. No need to pay more.

I used to run mine through my Canon DV for capture, but now I just plug it into my set-top Panasonic DVD recorder. Quality is better because the Panny does a little cleanup along the way.

corug7 wrote on 2/10/2010, 5:25 AM

I'll second the panny DVD recorders. I have one with a hard drive for editing and the conversions are very clean. I'd stack it against the industrial Pioneer recorders like the LX1 any day on record quality and editing ability.

Konrad wrote on 2/15/2010, 1:35 AM

Last time I checked every Sony camcorder owners manual was free to download and you will find the compatibility info in the fine manual.