To connect your Hi-8 camera to a computer do you just need a video capture device?

Question

Some people are telling me I would also need a video card and others are just telling me I need the video capture device.

Answer 1

What I've done is I own a CyberLink analog to digital connectors that come with some great software. We hook-up our new Hi-8 Camcorders(They still sell them believe it or not) to the CyberLink RCA ports and then plug the USB connector into our computer. This way there is no need for a capture card. It's about $50-100. If you don't want to spend that money or the time (You have to play the whole video in real-time when recording) you might want to just use a company that does this.

My favorite: http://www.ReimagineMemories.com/priceli...

(They can also upload it to the web to share it with friends and family through email, etc. as well as putting it on DVD)

Another is: http://www.vtiboston.com/

And another: http://www.YesVideo.com

Answer 2

Dont worry you just need a video capture device its easy

Answer 3

Or if you have a friend that has a Sony Digital 8 or a Mini Dv camcorder you can play yours through theirs since those cameras are backwards compatible.

Answer 4

If you have an analog (VHS) (VHSc) camcorder…

You need an analog converter, either internal card or external such as the dazzle. It's very easy to use and come with good software. You would hook your analog VHS camera to the analog converter, the dazzle and then hook the dazzle to your PC. The dazzle cost around 70.00 , but worth the money if you have a lot of VHS to tapes to convert.

Answer 5

You'll need a video capture card. I have a Matrox RT2500 and have been very happy with the results.

It comes with Adobe Premiere software, so you can edit your footage to your taste. This particular card is getting long in the tooth - it doesn't support high-definition and you won't find much support left for it. It should be relatively cheap vs. a Matrox RTX2 though...since you're working with standard definition anyway.

My YouTube page has examples of what my card/software is capable of. The Great Barrier Reef clip has some great transitions that come bundled with the software. Good luck!

I forgot, there's a product called "Dazzle". It may work for you, if you're not interested in editing. Certainly one of the cheapest solutions available.