What do I need to capture from an ANALOG Camcorder?

VariousArtist wrote on 10/22/2002, 3:36 PM

I have a sony 8mm Analag Camcorder. I would like to transfer these tapes onto my PC so that I can burn VideoCDs to view in my DVD player (these are mostly videos of the family as well as old band gigs, etc.):

- what hardware do I need to capture the analog source?
(I already have a PC, etc.)

- is VideoFactory the right software for the job?
(I only need basic editting, but I do not want to compromise on quality)

I'm sure these questions have been asked before...thanks for answering again ;-)
Thanks
Peter

Comments

CraigF wrote on 10/22/2002, 5:59 PM
I recommend one of the Canopus converters. They have 3 to choose from, and I'm using the ADVC-100. The 100 allows Analog in/DV out, or DV in/Analog out. It connects to a OHCI compliant firewire card. I capture with VideoFactory 2.0 and I'm very pleased. After editing the AVI file, I write the "movie" back to disk in DV AVI format. Then I use TMPGEnc to make the MPEG2 files that I burn to DVD. Alternatively, you could buy the MPEG plug-in for VF 2.0 and skip the step of writing the DV AVI file.

So, in short, I'd recommend any of the Canopus ADVC products. BTW, I'm using a SIIG firewire card from CompUSA for $29.99.

~Craig
Stiffler wrote on 10/23/2002, 12:00 AM
I agree with Craig. I've heard great things about the Canopus converters, don't they have one that is a card in it self?

I started with an analog Dazzle capture device (DVC-80), but it didn't work very well (and poor quality). Another option is to capture from a Dig-8 or DV camera that has a pass-through feature, but it is a more expensive way to go.

I only wanted to give you an answer to your last question: VF is the way to go. I have made only a couple of VCDs, and VF did a nice job.

Canopus web site:__http://www.canopus.com/US/Products/index/products_advc.asp

(I'm now capturing via Sony Dig-8 to a Siig card, and using Vegas).
randy-stewart wrote on 10/23/2002, 12:06 AM
VariousArtist,
One other option is to place the 8MM tape into the Sony Digital 8 Camera and play them into your computer via firewire. No need to pass through as the Handycam's will play the 8MM tapes and digitize them during the capture process. I'm assuming you have a firewire capability and access to a digital 8 camera. If not, then the Canopus is a good option...costs around $200 however. Hope this helps.
Randy
Grazie wrote on 10/23/2002, 1:45 AM
Randy, I reeeeaallly didn't know one could "place the 8MM tape into the Sony Digital 8 Camera". Does this mean VariousArtist could take an Analogue tape and put it in a DV cammy? I honestly didn't know that wrinkle! I love this forum....

Grazie
miketree wrote on 10/23/2002, 3:19 AM
Not all Sony digital 8 cameras can play Hi8 tapes. My 130e can't!
Stiffler wrote on 10/23/2002, 3:20 AM
The short answer is yes.

My Sony TRV-240 will play 8mm, Hi8, and Digital-8 tapes. And I use this camera to capture DV (from my tapes) to Vegas.

Stiffler wrote on 10/23/2002, 3:22 AM
Agree with miketree...My cam is at the bottom of D-8 cams that can do this.

($599 USD)
randy-stewart wrote on 10/23/2002, 11:03 PM
Hi Grazie,
My Sony TRV-120 can do it. I've used it for pass through also. Works great!
Randy
Grazie wrote on 10/24/2002, 1:52 AM
Doah! Well, yer learns summing every day - if yers lucky! "Be Lucky!"

G
VariousArtist wrote on 1/7/2003, 2:20 PM
Thanks to everyone for providing so many helpful hints and pointers. I think I am sold on Vegas Video (as I'm pretty used to using their audio tools already) and it's a toss up between getting the Canopus or, as Randy said, using a DV Camera to do the digitizing outside of any PC peripheral. I must admit, I rather like that idea, and it might simplify the whole process a great deal...
Kind regards
Peter
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