What type of film (Hi8, Digital8, Video8) can be played on the same camcorder?

Question

I used to have several old Sony camcorders, and now I have a collection of tapes which are Video 8, Hi8, and Digital 8. I want to buy an old camcorder, and was told that there are ones out-there that are able to play 2 types of videos, but I’m not sure which. Do Hi8 camcorders play both Hi8 and Video 8 or is it that Digital 8 camcorders also play Hi8?

Answer 1

Digital 8 can record onto video 8 or hi8 and digital 8 tapes, select models play back each of these formats.

Digital 8 cameras were better value than minidv initially but were never pro spec because of the lack of manual controls (no digital 8 camera allowed manual white balance, full manual shutter, aperture readout or gain readout, no audio level and always single ccd, so Alex is talking pants) that said they are great for home movies, if a little heavier and the tapes now more expensive and harder to find than their miniDV equivalenst.

If I were you, I would source a working digital 8 camera on ebay (something like a trv-120 should tick your boxes and be cheap) convert your existing video 8 hi8 tapes then upgrade to miniDV or even HDV on miniDV.

Alex seems to have got his 8's mixed up, between film formats and formats that were launched years apart as technology progressed.

Answer 2

Hey Mr Patriotic,

Won't you prefer to transfer those tapes to DVD? If so check out my service here...

Answer 3

hi had the same challenge, started using basic 8mm in sanyo video years ago and later upgraded to sony dcr-trv355e digital 8 after trying out mini DV ect.

Basically it plays everthing and using it's firewire/usb/video in & out/s-video .... well you get the idea, I can convert all my old tapes to DVD easily....you can get one on ebay very cheaply. The quality is DVD standard.

Older video camcorders will not play the newer Digital 8 but the newer cams should play everything. Video 8 was a bit like Beta and VHS video war - video 8 lost out to Hi8 and digital 8 and believe it or not bog standard 8mm.

can't understand you wanting an older camera - there pants compared to the newer digital 8 ones.

Also when working for cable TV in the states we always used Digital 8 - -don't know if this was because it's still better than even new formats or just habit?