How can I tape my old camcorder tapes onto dvd or computer without the original camcorder?

Question

The camcorder tapes I have are TDK 8mm HS90 tapes that were used in a Sony camcorder in years 2000-2002. I no longer have the camera and really want to do these myself instead of using a company to do it for me. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

I am not aware of 8mm tapes on Sony. I am aware of Hi8 tapes on Sony, which are big, and about the size of a audio casette.

Some recent Sony camcorders which use Digital8 tapes, also play Hi8. So, try to find someone who has a Sony camera. The model numbers for these camcorders are something like TRV### where ### are numbers for different models. Example: Sony TRV380 (was sold sometime in 2002). If its worthwhile, you could buy used cameas on  craigslist.org or on ebay and do this job. But make sure the tapes are Hi8, and look at the specifications on the camera (I remember reading that it can play Hi8 tapes)

Samsclub/Walmart have services to convert videos for a fee. But in my opinion, its a bit expensive. But it depends on how much you can afford.