Copying home made video from sony Hi8 tapes to Sony DV mini tapes

DIY remove Hi8 tape stuck camcorder Check this link as it might help out to remove the cassette.

I'm happy to assist you with the information to transfer the videos the computer. Refer the URL to 
http://www.kb.sony.com/selfservice/microsites/search.do?cmd=displayKC&externalId=C353938&fes=true
NOTE: USB streaming not supported for Windows Vista and Windows 7. Instead use i.LINK cable to transfer he videos.

The only way to do that is to play it in a device that plays Hi8 tapes and somehow converts it to a digital signal (likely through firewire as DV), then capture it to your computer just like a digital camcorder.

There are several ways:
1. Buy a device (like a camera) that plays it, output through RCA cables to your other camera or tape deck that is digital through the line in, and then just record that. (Alternatively, you could put that signal into a DVD-R machine and record onto a DVD, then just copy the files off the DVD, if you don't have a way to capture DV through firewire.)
2. Buy a device that plays Digital8 (same tapes, but miniDV FORMAT) and output directly from the tape through firewire. This means you must buy a SONY (only brand that made [now discontinued] Digital8) camcorder or deck [if decks were made, though those are usually expensive].

So, the simple answer: get a Digital8 camera and capture, or get another digital camcorder and a Hi8 camcorder and play through the digital one into the computer.

Buying a Sony Handycam (OLDER model) will be your easiest option, and probably possible on ebay, etc., for $100-$200.


Short of this, you could look to a friend or a professional solution for just getting the tape copied (like VHS->DVD services exist, there is probably some place you can mail your tape to).

EDIT: I should add: You included "8mm" in your title-- that is a bit confusing. 8mm refers to a few formats. One is film (obviously not what you're referring to), but then there is the older "8mm" tape format; it's like Hi8, but I believe it's actually not the same tape-- unlike Digital8 and Hi8which share a physical medium. I don't think you can get an 8mm -> Digital device, so you'd need to go through the RCA cables, as described above. [And though Hi8 is actually 8mm in width, it's not quite the same as the other "8mm" format... for whatever odd reason someone decided.... ]
However, I suspect you ARE actually working with Hi8, so this shouldn't be a problem.

This type of camera usually downloads better with a Firewire (DV) connection. Some mini-DV cameras only use the USB connection for stills (if they have one) and can only download video by Firewire. This is because you have to play the tape into the computer, not just copy a file.

Most PCs have a USB port, but no Firewire port. Macs often have a Firewire port but may not have USB. As most Windows PCs do not come with this interface, you might need to fit an add-on Firewire interface card. This will come with a driver for the card.

Suitable Firewire (DV) cables can easily be found on Amazon or eBay. You will need the kind with a small (four pin) connector at one end and a larger (six pin) connector at the other.

Sony has a tutorial on how to do transfer to computer (Mac or PC) at THIS LINK

Try Finalizing the DVD disc on the Camcorder or the DVD Recorder before trying to copy the DVD on the Computer.

use s video cord or red white yellow cord to connect. camera comes with a grey adapter patch cord that will help do that easily.

Hello!

need to use a third party digital video converter....video quality will degrade while converting

i cannot transfer videos to vcd because every time i tried keep saying error problem is i dont have the software how can i get the software from the internet

Just below, they noted you don't put a tape in the TRV... Otherwise it outsmarts you.