How can I put film from my video camcorder onto a computer?

Question

if it's important, it's a sony hi-8. uses those half size tapes, (not the really small ones, bit bigger than a radio cassette tape)

I need to know because I'd like to be able to edit the stuff i have on the tapes and its really hard to splice the tape on those small ones (and really, everythings digital or dvd nowadays)

thanks alot,

Answer 1

You'll need some type of video interface into your PC.

You can buy a USB/TV interface for about $100.

Once you have that - then just playback your Hi-8 tape in a VCR and capture the video at your computer.  Then you can edit it using Windows MovieMaker (etc.).

Answer 2

Well if your camcorder has composite cables (yellow white red) that you can plug from the camcorder to your tv to watch the tape on your tv threw the camcorder, then you could get a capture card from best buy or fry's electronics. I think they have one called the dazzle or something that is external (so if your not computer savy you won't have to install it to the motherboard) it's about $60 - $100