Is there a way to put a VHS-C tape into a computer without using camera?

Question

I have a camcorder that only has a usb connection so video can not be transfered from the camera to the computer. Is there something like an adapter where I can run the tape through right into the computer bypassing the camera itself? I think it uses VHS-C or something like that. I have a mac by the way.

Answer 1

What sort of camcorder have you got (make and model)?  VHS-C camcorders don't have USB connections (but Macs do), and camcorders that only have a USB connection don't use tapes.  Are you sure your camcorder's "USB" connection isn't a firewire  (DV or iLink) connection?  If it is, just use a firewire cable.

Answer 2

I believe such an adapter would be called a "tape player." I mean, you could try to jam the tape into the CD-ROM drive or something, but I doubt it would work.

You'll either need to connect the camcorder to the PC, or put the tape into a full-size VHS adapter and connect a VCR to the PC. You'll also need an analog-to-digital converter of some kind on the PC end, which is a separate piece of hardware, often with a USB connection to the PC and video and audio inputs for the camcorder/VCR.

If this seems too complicated, you should probably pay somebody else to digitize your tapes. It's not a simple thing.